A systematic review of preoperative transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt prior to extrahepatic, abdominal surgery in patients with cirrhosis.

Background: Extrahepatic, abdominal surgery in patients with cirrhosis is associated with high morbidity and mortality. This systematic review presents the current evidence available on the utility of a preoperative transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), assessed by its effect on surgical candidacy and postoperative mortality and morbidity in patients with cirrhosis undergoing extrahepatic, abdominal surgery.

Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases were searched till 2022 to identify studies.

Implementation of evidence-based psychosocial care in six pediatric oncology units across Pakistan.

Background: Despite rising childhood cancer incidence, low-middle income countries often fall short of quality resources to prioritize and develop psycho-oncology services. Patients and families suffering from cancer are subject to great psychological distress and require continuous psychosocial support. Unfortunately, a lack of mental health awareness and trained providers remains a pertinent issue in resource-strained countries such as Pakistan.