The British journal of surgery
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Meta Analysis
Faecal immunochemical test to triage patients with possible colorectal cancer symptoms: meta-analysis.
This review evaluated the utility of single quantitative faecal immunochemical test (FIT) as a triaging tool for patients with symptoms of possible colorectal cancer, the effect of symptoms on FIT accuracy, and the impact of triaging incorporating FIT on service provision. ⋯ Single quantitative FIT at lower f-Hb positivity thresholds can adequately exclude colorectal cancer in symptomatic patients and provides a data-based approach to prioritization of colonoscopy resources.
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The most relevant determinant in scheduling monitoring intervals for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) is maximum diameter. The aim of the study was to develop a statistical model that takes into account specific characteristics of AAA growth distributions such as between-patient variability as well as within-patient variability across time, and allows probabilistic statements to be made regarding expected AAA growth. ⋯ The stochastic growth model was found to provide a reliable tool for predicting AAA growth.
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Observational Study
Relation between preoperative aerobic fitness estimated by steep ramp test performance and postoperative morbidity in colorectal cancer surgery: prospective observational study.
Steep ramp test (SRT) performance provides an estimation of preoperative aerobic fitness that is associated with postoperative outcomes. Patients with a better SRT-estimated aerobic fitness are less likely to develop postoperative complications and more likely to experience a shorter time to recovery. The SRT might be a useful and clinically accessible tool in preoperative risk assessment to identify patients at risk of postoperative morbidity and who might benefit from preoperative exercise interventions.