Prognostic factors in the decision-making process for sigmoid volvulus: results of a single-centre retrospective cohort study.

Background: Sigmoid volvulus is a common cause of emergency surgical admission. Those patients are often treated conservatively with a high rate of recurrence. We wondered if a more aggressive management might be indicated.

Professional responsibility between guidelines and customary practice. A conflict of interest?

In Countries with Common Law, the principles of medical liability in case of malpractice claim are based on the Bolam/Bolitho tests, that is, the opinion of a panel of average professionals of the same specialty. On the contrary, in Countries whose legal system is based on the Corpus Iustinianeum the practice of a doctor is benchmarked against established guidelines. Occasionally, the opinion of an expert panel may not overlap the formal guidelines, in particular in cases like the surgical treatment of acute diverticulitis and that of acute cholecystitis where pre-existing old-fashioned ideas are so rooted into the behaviour of doctors that they are extremely difficult to eradicate despite the growing amount of evidence.

COVID-19 infection risk by open and laparoscopic surgical smoke: A systematic review of the literature.

Background: The current COVID-19 pandemic has greatly changed the way surgery is delivered. In particular, current guidelines and policies have highlighted the need to use high level Personal Protective Equipment to reduce the risk of viral infection during open and laparoscopic surgical procedures. In particular, it was felt that the laparoscopic approach was at higher risk of viral transmission due to the chimney effect of the smoke escape from the trocars during and after the procedure.