The British journal of surgery
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Textbook outcome is a multidimensional measure representing an ideal course after oesophagogastric cancer surgery. It comprises ten perioperative quality-of-care parameters and has been developed recently using population-based data. Its association with long-term outcome is unknown. The objectives of this study were to validate the clinical relevance of textbook outcome at a hospital level, and to assess its relation with long-term survival after treatment for oesophagogastric cancer. ⋯ Textbook outcome is a clinically relevant measure in patients undergoing oesophagogastric cancer surgery as it can identify underperforming parameters in a hospital setting. Overall survival in patients with a textbook outcome is better than in patients without a textbook outcome.
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Uptake of population-based screening for colorectal cancer in Scotland is around 55 per cent. Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening has recently been introduced for men aged 65 years and the reported uptake is 78 per cent. The aim was to determine the impact of a brief intervention on bowel screening in men who attended AAA screening, but previously failed to complete bowel screening. ⋯ A substantial proportion of previous bowel screening non-responders subsequently returned a completed FOBT following a brief intervention with a nurse specialist. Attendance at non-bowel screening appointments may provide a valuable opportunity to improve bowel screening uptake.
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Centralizing specialist cancer surgery services aims to reduce variations in quality of care and improve patient outcomes, but increases travel demands on patients and families. This study aimed to evaluate preferences of patients, health professionals and members of the public for the characteristics associated with centralization. ⋯ Respondents' preferences in this selected sample were consistent with centralization.
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Historical Article
Anatomy lesson of the brain and cerebral membranes captured on canvas by Rembrandt in 1656.
The Anatomy Lesson of Jan Deijman, painted by Rembrandt in 1656, is one of the most extraordinary historical paintings recording an anatomical demonstration of the brain and the cerebral membranes. This painting belongs to the series of group portraits made for the Amsterdam Guild of Surgeons in the 17th and 18th centuries. Unfortunately, the painting was seriously damaged by a fire in the boardroom of the Surgeons' Guild in 1723. ⋯ The abdominal organs have been removed, and the brain and cerebral membranes are about to be dissected. The nature of the depicted anatomical structures was assessed recently. This revealed that, by showing the falx cerebri, Rembrandt at the same time probably concealed a memento mori message in his masterpiece.