Upfront Versus Deferred Cytoreductive Nephrectomy in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Individual Patient Data Meta-analysis.

Background And Objective: Despite its well-established role in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC), the optimal timing of cytoreductive nephrectomy (CN) is unclear. The aim of this systematic review is to compare the overall survival (OS) between upfront (uCN) and deferred (dCN) CN.

Methods: The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases were queried (end of search date: August 26, 2023) for studies comparing OS between uCN and dCN in mRCC patients.

Gender disparity trends in genitourinary oncology academic publishing over the past 3 decades: A bibliometric analysis.

Objectives: To examine gender disparities in genitourinary (GU) oncology academic publishing over the past three decades.

Materials And Methods: We performed a bibliometric analysis of eight academic journals featuring GU oncology research articles: Journal of Clinical Oncology, Cancer, European Journal of Cancer, European Urology, Journal of Urology, BJU International, Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases, and Urologic Oncology: Seminars and Original Investigations. After selecting four time points (1990, 2000, 2010, 2020), we recorded the gender of the first and senior authors and investigated their association with independent variables including publication year, research field, and geographic continent.

Video-assisted thoracoscopic versus open sleeve lobectomy for non-small cell lung cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis from six comparative studies.

Background: Lung sleeve resection is indicated for centrally located lung tumors, especially for patients who cannot tolerate pneumonectomy. With video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) being increasingly implemented for a wide variety of thoracic pathologies, this study aims to compare the intraoperative, postoperative, and long-term outcomes of VATS and open bronchial sleeve lobectomy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods: The MEDLINE (via PubMed), Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases were searched.

Factors predisposing to intraoperative floppy-iris syndrome: An up-to-date meta-analysis.

Intraoperative floppy-iris syndrome (IFIS) is an increasingly recognized condition that is proven to lead to higher rates of intraoperative complications. This study provides an updated systematic review and meta-analysis regarding all the identified factors predisposing to IFIS. The study was performed in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines.

Robot-Assisted Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy versus Open Esophagectomy for Esophageal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) was introduced as a further development of the conventional minimally invasive esophagectomy, aiming to further improve the high morbidity and mortality associated with open esophagectomy. We aimed to compare the outcomes between RAMIE and open esophagectomy, which remains a popular approach for resectable esophageal cancer. Ten studies meeting our inclusion criteria were identified, including five retrospective cohort, four prospective cohort, and one randomized controlled trial.

Liver Transplantation for Pediatric Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Systematic Review.

Liver transplantation (LT) is the only potentially curative option for children with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We performed a systematic review of the MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases (end-of-search date: 31 July 2020). Our outcomes were overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS).

Diagnostic, Prognostic, and Therapeutic Value of Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR) in COVID-19 Patients: A Systematic Review.

Accurate detection of SARS-CoV-2, the pathogen causing the global pandemic of COVID-19, is essential for disease surveillance and control. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) is considered the reference standard test for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 by the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, its limitations are a prompt for a more accurate assay to detect SARS-CoV-2, quantify its levels, and assess the prognosis.

Liver transplant after donation from controlled circulatory death versus brain death: A UNOS database analysis and publication bias adjusted meta-analysis.

Background: Donation after circulatory death (DCD) is an increasingly utilized alternative to donation after brain death (DBD) to expand the liver donor pool. We compared the outcomes of liver transplant (LT) after DCD versus DBD.

Methods: A PRISMA-compliant systematic literature review was performed using the PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases (end-of-search-date: July 2, 2020).

Adjuvant Transarterial Chemoembolization Following Curative-Intent Hepatectomy Versus Hepatectomy Alone for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

The role of adjuvant transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for patients with resectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing hepatectomy is currently unclear. We performed a systematic review of the literature using the MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases. Random-effects meta-analysis was carried out to compare the overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) of patients with resectable HCC undergoing hepatectomy followed by adjuvant TACE vs.

Laparoscopic versus open hepatectomy for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: An individual patient data survival meta-analysis.

Background: We compared the outcomes of laparoscopic hepatectomy (LH) vs. open hepatectomy (OH) for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA).

Methods: A systematic review of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases was performed using PRISMA guidelines (end-of-search date: 08-June-2020).

Challenges of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in the Era of COVID-19.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic raised unprecedented concerns in the hematopoietic stem cell transplant community. The diagnosis of COVID-19 in these transplant recipients may require extensive laboratory testing and high clinical suspicion, as atypical clinical manifestations or other respiratory viral infections are common in this patient population. The underlying malignancies, immunosuppressed state, frequently observed coinfections, and advanced age in some patients may also predispose them to worse clinical outcomes.

Long-Term Survival Outcomes of Cytoreductive Nephrectomy Combined with Targeted Therapy for Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis.

The role of cytoreductive nephrectomy (CN) in the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) remains controversial during the targeted therapy era. To reconcile the current literature, we analyzed the reported survival data at the individual patient level and compared the long-term survival outcomes of CN combined with targeted therapy vs. targeted therapy alone in patients with mRCC.

The Effectiveness of Single-Anastomosis Duodenoileal Bypass with Sleeve Gastrectomy/One Anastomosis Duodenal Switch (SADI-S/OADS): an Updated Systematic Review.

Single-anastomosis duodenoileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy/one anastomosis duodenal switch (SADI-S/OADS) was developed as a bariatric operation with reduced overall morbidity and lasting weight loss results. We performed a systematic review of the literature, including 14 studies reporting on weight loss, comorbidity resolution, postoperative complications, and nutritional deficiencies following SADI-S. Twelve months after SADI-S, the mean total body weight lost ranged from 21.

The Epidemiology, Staging and Outcomes of Sarcomatoid Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A SEER Population Analysis.

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) subtypes differ in terms of histopathology and prognosis. Sarcomatoid HCC is rare and literature concerning the survival of patients with sarcomatoid HCC is scarce.

Materials And Methods: Data of patients with sarcomatoid HCC, diagnosed from 1989 to 2016, were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database.

Surgical versus percutaneous catheter placement for peritoneal dialysis: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: No consensus currently exists regarding the optimal approach for peritoneal dialysis catheter placement. We aimed to compare the outcomes of percutaneous and surgical peritoneal dialysis catheter placement.

Methods: A systematic review of the literature was performed using the MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases (end-of-search date: August 29th, 2020).

Molecular Profiling of Malignant Pleural Effusions with Next Generation Sequencing (NGS): Evidence that Supports Its Role in Cancer Management.

Malignant pleural effusions (MPEs) often develop in advanced cancer patients and confer significant morbidity and mortality. In this review, we evaluated whether molecular profiling of MPEs with next generation sequencing (NGS) could have a role in cancer management, focusing on lung cancer. We reviewed and compared the diagnostic performance of pleural fluid liquid biopsy with other types of samples.

Pediatric surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a major impact on pediatric surgery. The infection is often asymptomatic and atypical in children, while overlapping presentations with other infectious diseases generate additional diagnostic challenges. The high probability of missed pediatric cases and the invasive nature of surgery generate great concern for widespread transmission in this setting.

Laparoscopic versus robotic major hepatectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: The implementation of the laparoscopic and robotic approaches for major hepatectomy (LMH and RMH) was slower than that for minor hepatectomy, but has significantly increased over the past years. The role or advantages of RMH remains controversial, and we aimed to compare the peri-/postoperative outcomes of LMH versus RMH.

Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted using the MEDLINE and Cochrane Library databases according to the PRISMA guidelines (end-of-search date: March 16th, 2020).

Challenges in Abdominal Organ Transplantation During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has rapidly evolved into a global pandemic, abdominal organ transplantation programs are currently facing multiple challenges. Transplant candidates and recipients are considered high-risk populations for severe disease and death due to COVID-19 as a result of their numerous underlying comorbidities, advanced age and impaired immune function. Emerging reports of atypical and delayed clinical presentations in these patients generate further concerns for widespread disease transmission to medical personnel and the community.

Comparison of liquid-based to tissue-based biopsy analysis by targeted next generation sequencing in advanced non-small cell lung cancer: a comprehensive systematic review.

Purpose: To explore whether targeted next generation sequencing (NGS) of liquid biopsy in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) could potentially overcome the innate problems that arise with standard tissue biopsy, like intratumoral heterogeneity and the inability to obtain adequate samples for analysis.

Methods: The Scopus, Cochrane Library, and MEDLINE (via PubMed) databases were searched for studies with matched tissue and liquid biopsies from advanced NSCLC patients, analyzed with targeted NGS. The number of mutations detected in tissue biopsy only, liquid biopsy only, or both was assessed and the positive percent agreement (PPA) of the two methods was calculated for every clinically relevant gene.