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Introduction: There is a lack of consensus on the management of inguinal hernia with limited symptoms. To address this issue a systematic review of existing randomized clinical trials (RCTs) was performed to critically appraise all existing data on asymptomatic hernia management, focusing on generalizability.

Methods: A scoping review to identify all RCTs comparing surgical and conservative management of patients with inguinal hernias was undertaken. Medline, Embase, Cochrane and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched. Data collected included study characteristics and definitions of population, intervention/comparator, and outcomes; and limitations of each study were also extracted. The quality and generalizability of included RCTs were evaluated using Cochrane's ROB-2 and the PRECIS-2 tool, respectively.

Results: Searches returned 661 papers; 14 full-text papers were assessed and three RCTs were identified. All RCTs included only male patients with a mean age above 55 years. All RCTs included asymptomatic patients and two included those with minimal symptoms. Different definitions for 'minimally symptomatic' were used in RCTs and none provided details of what was meant by conservative treatment. Follow-up periods varied between studies (1, 2, 3 years). All RCTs had an overall high risk of bias. According to PRECIS-2, two RCTs were classified as pragmatic, and one was equally pragmatic and explanatory.

Discussion: This systematic review highlights a high risk of bias but a good generalizability of the findings from the RCTs conducted on minimally symptomatic inguinal hernia patients. To improve the guidelines for the management of this group of patients, more generalizable data are needed.

Background: While immediate breast reconstruction rates in breast cancer are increasing, they remain low in women over 65 years old. The aim was to investigate surgical outcomes in women older than 65 years receiving implant-based immediate breast reconstruction.

Method: The population-based Stockholm Breast Reconstruction Database includes all adult women with breast cancer receiving an implant-based immediate breast reconstruction in Stockholm, Sweden, 2005-2015. Primary outcomes within 30 days from immediate breast reconstruction were: infection requiring antibiotics and reoperation on. Implant removal was a secondary outcome. Women more than 65 years were compared with younger age groups. Chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression were applied for the primary outcomes, and Kaplan-Meier analysis for the secondary outcome.

Results: Among 1749 cases of immediate breast reconstruction, 140 (8.0%) were in women more than 65 years. Median follow-up was 74 months (1-198). Postoperative infection was not more common in women older than 65 years old (22 of 140, 15.7%) than in women under 65 years old (303 of 1609, 18.8%; P = 0.221). Reoperation on was more frequent in women older than 65 years than in other age groups (more than 65: 8.6%; 50-64: 6.5%; 40-49: 3.5%; less than 40: 1.6%; P < 0.001), however, age older than 65 years was not an independent risk factor in the multivariable analysis (OR 1.00, 95% c.i. 0.44 to 2.28). Overall, 6-year probability of implant removal was 11.4%, (8.1% due to complications and 3.3% due to patient preference). There was no statistically significant difference between age groups for either reason (P = 0.085 and P = 0.794 respectively).

Conclusion: Older age alone was not associated with worse surgical outcomes after implant-based immediate breast reconstruction in highly selected patients older than 65 years when compared with their younger counterparts.

Background: Anastomotic leakage following colorectal surgery remains a significant complication despite advances in surgical techniques. Recent findings on serosal injury repair in coelomic cavities, such as the peritoneum, challenge the current understanding of the cellular origins and mechanisms underlying intestinal anastomotic healing. Understanding the contribution of each layer of the intestinal wall during anastomotic healing is needed to find new therapeutic strategies to prevent anastomotic leakage. The aim of this experimental study was to investigate the role of the serosal layer of the intestinal wall in anastomotic healing.

Materials and methods: Comprehensive histologic analysis of human and murine anastomoses was performed to elucidate histologic changes in the different intestinal layers during anastomotic healing. In vivo staining of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the serosal layer was performed using a fluorophore-conjugated N-hydroxysuccinimide-ester before anastomosis surgery in a murine model.

Results: Histological examination of both human and murine anastomoses revealed that closure of the serosal layer occurred first during the healing process. In vivo serosal ECM staining demonstrated that a significant portion of the newly formed ECM within the anastomosis was indeed deposited onto the serosal layer. Furthermore, mesenchymal cells within the anastomotic scar were positive for mesothelial cell markers, podoplanin and Wilms tumour protein.

Conclusions: In this experimental study, the results suggest that serosal scar formation is an important mechanism for anastomotic integrity in intestinal anastomoses. Mesothelial cells may significantly contribute to scar formation during anastomotic healing through epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, potentially suggesting a novel therapeutic target to prevent anastomotic leakage by enhancing physiological healing processes.

Background: A national guideline on peripheral arterial disease management in England was issued in August 2012. The impact on revascularization rates was examined and variation with socioeconomic deprivation assessed.

Methods: Annual hospital admissions for England over 10 years (2008-2009 to 2017-2018) were examined using interrupted time series analysis. A pragmatic approach was used to classify admissions for revascularization into moderate and severe categories.

Results: There were 309 839 admissions (56% for moderate peripheral arterial disease), with an overall annual admission rate for revascularization of 86 per 100 000 population aged 25+ years. The rate for moderate peripheral arterial disease marginally increased by 0.29 per 100 000 per year (95% c.i. -0.22 to 0.80) from 2008-2009 to 2012-2013. Following guideline introduction, this rate decreased. The equivalent for severe peripheral arterial disease increased by 1.33 per 100 000 (0.78 to 1.88). Following guideline introduction, this rate plateaued. The change in rate (slope) for moderate peripheral arterial disease of -2.81 per 100 000 per year (-3.52 to -2.10) after guideline introduction was greater than the change in rate for severe peripheral arterial disease of -1.95 per 100 000 per year (-2.73 to -1.17). For moderate peripheral arterial disease, the annual rate in the most socioeconomically deprived category was 15.6 per 100 000 lower in 2017-2018 compared with 2012-2013 (24.3% decrease). The impact progressively diminished with decreasing deprivation. In the least deprived category, the reduction was 5.2 per 100 000 (12.9% decrease). For severe peripheral arterial disease, the decrease was 1.2 per 100 000 (3.1% reduction) with no consistent variation in relation to deprivation.

Conclusion: Introduction of the national peripheral arterial disease management guideline in England was associated with a reduction in admission rates for revascularization, especially for moderate peripheral arterial disease, with greater reduction in rates for moderate peripheral arterial disease in more socioeconomically deprived areas. Association, however, does not necessarily imply causation and alternative explanations cannot be ruled out.

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease increases the risk of colorectal neoplasia. A particular problem arises in patients who have undergone subtotal colectomy leaving a rectal remnant. The risk of future rectal cancer must be accurately estimated and weighed against the risks of further surgery or surveillance. The aim of this study was to estimate the 10-year cumulative incidence of rectal cancer in such patients.

Methods: A nationwide study using England's hospital administrative data was performed. A cohort of patients undergoing subtotal colectomy between April 2002 and March 2014 was identified. A competing risks survival analysis was performed to calculate the cumulative incidence of rectal cancer. The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on endoscopic surveillance was investigated using time-trend analysis.

Results: A total of 8120 patients were included and 61 patients (0.8%) were diagnosed with cancer. The cumulative incidence of rectal cancer was 0.26% (95% c.i. 0.17% to 0.39%), 0.49% (95% c.i. 0.36% to 0.68%), and 0.77% (95% c.i. 0.57% to 1.02%) at 5, 10, and 15 years respectively. A previous diagnosis of colonic dysplasia (HR 3.34, 95% c.i. 1.01 to 10.97; P = 0.047), primary sclerosing cholangitis (HR 5.42, 95% c.i. 1.34 to 21.85; P = 0.018), and elective colectomy (HR 1.83, 95% c.i. 1.11 to 3.02; P = 0.018) was associated with an increased incidence of rectal cancer. Regarding endoscopic surveillance, there was a 43% decline in endoscopic procedures performed in 2020 (333 procedures) compared with 2019 (585 procedures).

Conclusion: The incidence of rectal cancer after subtotal colectomy is low. Asymptomatic patients without evidence of rectal dysplasia should be carefully counselled on the possible benefits and risks of prophylactic proctectomy.

Background: The 'Learn, See, Practice, Prove, Do, Maintain' (LSPPDM) pedagogical framework is an evidence-based framework developed through a careful review and synthesis of the literature. The purpose of the study was to explore the effectiveness and applicability of the LSPPDM pedagogical framework in the laparoscopic training course for surgical residents.

Methods: Prospective study of surgical residents who underwent standardized surgical residency training in a single institution from December 2020 to December 2022. Trainees were randomized to either the pedagogical group (6-step LSPPDM pedagogical framework) or traditional group (2-step traditional approach with twice-weekly lectures and a weekly laparoscopic operating skills session). The Global Operative Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills scale was used for technical skills, and the Non-Technical Skills for Surgeons assessment form was used for non-technical skills.

Results: Sixty trainees were randomized. The pedagogical group scored higher on subjective perception (P < 0.050) and the theoretical assessment (mean(s.d.) 41.83(6.66)) than those in the traditional group (37.83(5.77)) (P = 0.016). Trainees in the pedagogical group took less time to complete the assessment of models, had fewer failures and higher scores, took less time to complete laparoscopic sutures and knots, showed better proficiency with laparoscopic instruments, and completed at higher quality (P < 0.050). Trainees performing laparoscopic cholecystectomy in animal models demonstrated higher technical and non-technical skill scores in the pedagogical group (P < 0.050). 'Tissue handling' and 'Decision making' were common areas for improvement for both groups of trainees.

Conclusions: The LSPPDM pedagogical framework is feasible and demonstrated improvements in technical and non-technical skills in surgical trainees compared to a traditional training programme.

Background: Sarcopenia appears to be associated with inferior outcomes in surgical conditions. Chronic systemic inflammation confers an inferior long-term prognosis in cardiovascular disease and is associated with the development of sarcopenia. The aim of this study was to describe the prognostic role of sarcopenia assessed using computed tomography (CT)-derived body composition analysis and systemic inflammation in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy for symptomatic carotid stenosis.

Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy for symptomatic carotid stenosis between 1 January 2011 and 1 October 2021 at four referral centres were included. The C3 skeletal muscle index and C3 skeletal muscle density were recorded from preoperative CT images. Systemic inflammation was assessed using the preoperative systemic inflammatory grade (SIG). The primary outcome was overall mortality during the study interval.

Results: A total of 618 patients were included, with a median follow-up of 69 (interquartile range 34-85) months. On univariable analysis, age greater than or equal to 75 years (P < 0.001), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade greater than II (P < 0.001), low C3 skeletal muscle index (P = 0.002), low C3 skeletal muscle density (P < 0.001), SIG greater than or equal to 2 (P < 0.001), and low L3 derived skeletal muscle index (P < 0.001) were associated with increased mortality, whereas body mass index greater than or equal to 25 kg/m2 was associated with decreased mortality (P = 0.023). On multivariable analysis, age 75 years or older (HR 2.17 (95% c.i. 1.58 to 2.97), P < 0.001), ASA grade greater than II (HR 2.06 (95% c.i. 1.35 to 3.12), P < 0.001), low C3 skeletal muscle density (HR 1.84 (95% c.i. 1.33 to 2.54), P < 0.001), and SIG greater than or equal to 2 (HR 1.63 (95% c.i. 1.33 to 1.99), P < 0.001) were independently associated with increased mortality.

Conclusion: Cervical CT-derived muscle mass and density, and markers of systemic inflammation, such as systemic inflammatory grade, may be associated with an inferior long-term prognosis after carotid endarterectomy.

Background: Diagnosis of acute aortic syndrome is challenging and associated with high perihospital mortality rates. The study aim was to evaluate current pathways and understand the chronology of acute aortic syndrome patient care.

Method: Consecutive patients with acute aortic syndrome imaging diagnosis between 1 January 2018 and 1 June 2021 were identified using a predetermined search strategy and followed up for 6 months through retrospective case note review. The UK National Interventional Radiology Trainee Research and Vascular and Endovascular Research Network co-ordinated the study.

Results: From 15 UK sites, 620 patients were enrolled. The median age was 67 (range 25-98) years, 62.0% were male and 92.9% Caucasian. Type-A dissection (41.8%) was most common, followed by type-B (34.5%); 41.2% had complicated acute aortic syndrome. Mode of presentation included emergency ambulance (80.2%), self-presentation (16.2%), and primary care referral (3.6%). Time (median (i.q.r.)) to hospital presentation was 3.1 (1.8-8.6) h and decreased by sudden onset chest pain but increased with migratory pain or hypertension. Time from hospital presentation to imaging diagnosis was 3.2 (1.3-6.5) h and increased by family history of aortic disease and decreased by concurrent ischaemic limb. Time from diagnosis to treatment was 2 (1.0-4.3) h with interhospital transfer causing delay. Management included conservative (60.2%), open surgery (32.2%), endovascular (4.8%), hybrid (1.4%) and palliative (1.4%). Factors associated with a higher mortality rate at 30 days and 6 months were acute aortic syndrome type, complicated disease, no critical care admission and age more than 70 years (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: This study presents a longitudinal data set linking time-based delays to diagnosis and treatment with clinical outcomes. It can be used to prioritize research strategies to streamline patient care.

Background: Increased length of stay after surgery is associated with increased healthcare utilization and adverse patient outcomes. While enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols have been shown to reduce length of stay after colorectal surgery in trial settings, their effectiveness in real-world settings is more uncertain. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of ERAS protocol implementation on length of stay after colorectal surgery, using real-world data.

Methods: In 2012, ERAS protocols were introduced at 15 Ontario hospitals as part of the iERAS study. A cohort of patients undergoing colorectal surgery treated at these hospitals between 2008 and 2019 was created using health administrative data. Mean length of stay was computed for the intervals before and after ERAS implementation. Interrupted time series analyses were performed for predefined subgroups, namely all colorectal surgery, colorectal surgery without complications, right-sided colorectal surgery, and left-sided colorectal surgery. Sensitivity analyses were then conducted using adjusted length of stay, accounting for length of stay predictors, including: patient age, sex, marginalization, co-morbidities, and diagnosis; surgeon volume of cases, years in practice, and colorectal surgery expertise; hospital volume; and other contextual factors, including procedure type and timing, surgical approach, and in-hospital complications.

Results: A total of 32 612 patients underwent colorectal surgery during the study interval. ERAS implementation led to a decrease in length of stay of 1.05 days (13.7%). Larger decreases in length of stay were seen with more complex surgeries, with a level change of 1.17 days (15.6%) noted for the subgroup of patients undergoing left-sided colorectal surgery. The observed decreases in length of stay were durable for the length of the study interval in all analyses. When adjusting for predictors of length of stay, the effect of ERAS implementation on length of stay was larger (reduction of 1.46 days).

Conclusion: Introducing formal ERAS protocols reduces length of stay after colorectal surgery significantly, independent of temporal trends toward decreasing length of stay. These effects are durable, demonstrating that ERAS protocol implementation is an effective hospital-level intervention to reduce length of stay after colorectal surgery.