Mortality risk associated with venous thromboembolism: a systematic review and Bayesian meta-analysis.

Background: Venous thromboembolism is associated with increased mortality risk in some populations, but how frequently it is a direct cause of death is unclear. We used data from venous thromboembolism prevention trials to evaluate the causal effect of venous thromboembolism reduction on mortality.

Methods: We did a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating venous thromboembolism prevention.

Adjuvant Gemcitabine and Gemcitabine-based Chemoradiotherapy Versus Gemcitabine Alone After Pancreatic Cancer Resection: The Indiana University Experience.

Objectives: Adjuvant therapy after surgical resection is the current standard for pancreatic adenocarcinoma; however, the role of chemoradiotherapy (CRT) remains unclear. This study was conducted to compare the efficacy outcomes with adjuvant gemcitabine and gemcitabine-based CRT (CT-CRT) versus gemcitabine chemotherapy (CT) alone after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Methods: Among 165 patients who underwent surgical resection for pancreatic cancer at Indiana University Medical Center between 2004 and 2008, we retrospectively identified 53 consecutive patients who received adjuvant therapy (CT-CRT=34 patients; CT=19 patients) and had adequate follow-up medical records.

Salmonella appendicitis in renal transplantation.

While appendicitis remains one of the commonest surgical diseases, there are relatively few reports following renal transplantation. A 33-year-old man was admitted with diarrhea, fever, and epigastric pain 7 years following a cadaveric renal transplant. CT scanning confirmed a diagnosis of appendicitis which was removed within 24 hours of admission.

Ileal diverticulitis: an uncommon diagnosis for right lower quadrant pain.

We report an interesting case of ileal diverticulitis which posed a diagnostic challenge. A 75-year-old female presented to the emergency department with severe right lower quadrant pain for 3 days. The clinical history, examination and imaging suggested a diagnosis of acute appendicitis.