The British journal of surgery
-
Previous studies have identified variation in immediate reconstruction (IR) rates following mastectomy for breast cancer across English regions during a period of service reorganization, a national audit and changing guidelines. This study analysed current variations in regional rates of IR in England. ⋯ The national IR rate increased throughout the study period. Substantial regional variation remains, although considerable time has elapsed since a period of service reorganization, guideline revision and a national audit.
-
Portal vein embolization (PVE) is used routinely to prevent postoperative liver failure as a result of anticipated insufficient future liver remnant volume following resection. The authors have recently developed a technique for temporary PVE. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of repeated reversible PVE on hepatocyte proliferation and subsequent liver hypertrophy in rodents. ⋯ Repeated reversible PVE successfully induced additional hepatocyte proliferation and subsequent liver hypertrophy. Surgical relevance Portal vein embolization (PVE) is used routinely to prevent postoperative liver failure as a result of anticipated insufficient future liver remnant volume following resection. In the present study, a technique of repeated temporary PVE was developed in a rat model; this induced additional hepatocyte proliferation and an increase in liver volume compared with single embolization. This novel approach might help induce major hypertrophy of the future remnant liver, which could increase the rate of patients amenable to major liver resections.