The British journal of surgery
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Surgical-site infections (SSIs) are recognized as negatively affecting patient quality of life. No meta-analysis of SSI utility values is available in the literature to inform estimates of this burden and investment decisions in prevention. ⋯ The present study provides the first synthesized estimate of SSI burden over the short and long term. EQ-5D™ utility estimates for a range of SSIs are essential for infection prevention planning and future economic modelling.
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For patients with locally recurrent rectal cancer, it is an ongoing pursuit to establish factors predicting or improving oncological outcomes. In locally advanced rectal cancer, a pCR appears to be associated with improved outcomes. The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to compare the oncological outcomes of patients with locally recurrent rectal cancer with and without a pCR. ⋯ This study showed that patients with a pCR have superior oncological outcomes to those without a pCR. It may therefore be safe to consider a watch-and-wait approach in highly selected patients, potentially improving quality of life by omitting extensive surgical procedures without compromising oncological outcomes.
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Patients with diabetes and peripheral arterial disease are at increased risk of minor amputation. The aim of study was to assess the rate of re-amputations and death after an initial minor amputation, and to identify associated risk factors. ⋯ Minor amputations were associated with a high risk of major amputation and death. One in 10 patients had an ipsilateral major amputation within the first year after minor amputation and half had died by 5 years.