Radiofrequency thermocoagulation of haemorrhoids: learning curve of a novel approach.

Haemorrhoidal disease (HD) is a common condition that often requires surgical treatment. In comparison with other traditional techniques, radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RFTC) has multiple advantages to traditional repairs and can be a good alternative in surgical management of HD. We retrospectively analysed 20 patients with Grades 2 ( = 6, 30%) and 3 ( = 12, 70%) haemorrhoids undergoing RFTC from 1 September 2019 to 31 December 2021.

Bilirubin is a specific marker for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis.

Total serum bilirubin and other biochemical parameters have been associated with acute appendicitis, mainly in complicated cases. The present study aimed to evaluate the role of biochemical parameters in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis, and to further investigate the role of bilirubin as a diagnostic marker irrespective of the severity of the pathology. All recorded cases of appendicectomies in a 1-year period in a single institution were reviewed.

An innovative training and recruitment programme in surgery.

Introduction: Staff shortages and rising locum costs prompted Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust to design an innovative training pathway for doctors in surgery. The 'Academy of Surgery' is a 2-year structured educational programme with rotations through surgical and emergency care specialties and includes a funded MSc.

Methods: We recruited 27 doctors over a 2-year period.

Postoperative outcomes in laparoscopic appendicectomies with histopathologically normal appendix.

Aim: Although still debatable, appendicectomy during laparoscopy in patients with abdominal pain is often performed even if the appendix seems normal. The study's aim is to compare the postoperative outcomes of laparoscopic appendicectomies with appendix proven to be histologically normal to those with proven appendicitis, adding evidence on whether a normal appendix should be removed.

Methods: All consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic appendicectomy in a one-year period in a single centre were retrospectively studied.

Is ultrasound a reliable diagnostic tool for acute appendicitis? A single centre experience.

Aim: Aim of the present study is to evaluate the utility of US as a diagnostic method for acute appendicitis (AA) in a district general hospital, by use of accurate quality indices.

Material And Methods: The records of all patients who underwent an appendicectomy in a one year period in a single centre were reviewed. The patients who underwent a preoperative US scan were included in the study in accordance to specific criteria and the results were statistically compared to the final surgical histology.