Annals of surgical oncology
-
Cancer multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) are well established worldwide and are an expensive resource yet no standardised tools exist to measure performance. We aimed to develop and test an MDT self-assessment tool underpinned by literature review and consensus from over 2000 UK MDT members about the "characteristics of an effective MDT." ⋯ Self-assessment of team performance using this tool may support MDT development.
-
Infective complications particularly in the form of surgical site infections including anastomotic leak represent a serious morbidity after colorectal cancer surgery. Systemic inflammation markers, including C-reactive protein (CRP) and white cell count, have been reported to provide early detection. However, their relative predictive value is unclear. The aim of the present study was to examine the diagnostic accuracy of serial postoperative WCC, albumin and CRP in detecting infective complications. ⋯ Postoperative CRP measurement on day 3 postoperatively is clinically useful in predicting surgical site infective complications, including an anastomotic leak, in patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study
A randomized, controlled trial comparing acetaminophen plus ibuprofen versus acetaminophen plus codeine plus caffeine (Tylenol 3) after outpatient breast surgery.
The combination of acetaminophen, codeine, and caffeine (Tylenol 3, T3) is a standard postoperative analgesia after breast surgery despite the adverse effects and variable efficacy of narcotics. This study compared the efficacy of a nonnarcotic approach (acetaminophen and ibuprofen; AcIBU) to T3 after outpatient breast surgery. ⋯ AcIBU is a safe, effective method of pain control after outpatient breast surgery. Compared to T3, it provides at least equivalent analgesia and has a more tolerable adverse effect profile.
-
Case Reports
Cutaneous radiation-associated angiosarcoma of the breast: poor prognosis in a rare secondary malignancy.
Cutaneous radiation-associated angiosarcoma of the breast (CRAASBr) is a rare complication of radiation therapy (RT) administered for primary breast cancer treatment. Although case series have provided clinical and histological descriptions of this disease, to our knowledge, none have identified trends in presentation and treatments that may contribute to outcomes. ⋯ CRAASBr is a potentially devastating consequence of RT for breast cancer, with poor LRFS, RFS, and OS rates. Patients with ecchymotic skin lesions require biopsy. Atypical vascular lesions require careful evaluation to rule out CRAASBr. If the diagnosis is confirmed, radical surgery encompassing both the breast parenchyma and the at-risk radiated skin should be performed.
-
Postoperative delirium is a common complication after major surgery and is characterized by acute confusion with fluctuating consciousness. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and risk factors of postoperative delirium in patients with esophageal cancer. ⋯ The development of postoperative delirium in patients with esophageal cancer is a problem that cannot be ignored. Our results suggest that the risk of developing delirium is associated with older age, use of flunitrazepam in ICU, and postoperative complications.