The British journal of surgery
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Controlled Clinical Trial
Global abnormalities in lymphatic function following systemic therapy in patients with breast cancer.
Breast cancer-related lymphoedema (BCRL) is a result of interaction between several pathophysiological processes, and is not simply a 'stopcock' effect resulting from removal of axillary lymph nodes. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that there is a constitutional 'global' lymphatic dysfunction in patients who develop BCRL. ⋯ ISRCTN84866416 ( http://www.isrctn.com).
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Randomized double-blind trial comparing the cosmetic outcome of cutting diathermy versus scalpel for skin incisions.
Controversy exists about whether cutting diathermy for skin incisions leads to a cosmetically inferior scar. Cosmetic outcomes were compared between skin incisions created with cutting diathermy versus scalpel. Wound infection rates and postoperative incisional pain were also compared. ⋯ NCT01496404 ( http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).
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Endocrine therapy alone has been a popular treatment for oestrogen receptor-positive breast cancer in elderly patients, although it may be inadequate in those surviving more than 2-3 years. The aim of this study was to estimate 3-year survival in frail patients with early breast cancer, to inform treatment decisions. ⋯ Detailed assessment can allow prediction of survival probability in frail elderly patients. Good scores indicate good survival prospects and a likely benefit from surgery; poor scores are associated with reduced survival, although with wide variation. CGA is recommended before making decisions on best treatment.
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Multicenter Study
Recurrence rate after absorbable tack fixation of mesh in laparoscopic incisional hernia repair.
The mesh fixation technique in laparoscopic incisional hernia repair may influence the rates of hernia recurrence and chronic pain. This study investigated the long-term risk of recurrence and chronic pain in patients undergoing laparoscopic incisional hernia repair with either absorbable or non-absorbable tacks for mesh fixation. ⋯ Absorbable tack fixation of the mesh was associated with a higher risk of recurrence than non-absorbable tacks for laparoscopic mesh repair of incisional hernia, but did not influence chronic pain.