Risk factors for rebleeding and mortality following prophylactic transarterial embolization for patients with high-risk peptic ulcer bleeding: a single-center retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: To investigate factors associated with risk for rebleeding and 30-day mortality following prophylactic transarterial embolization in patients with high-risk peptic ulcer bleeding. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed medical records and included all patients who had undergone prophylactic embolization of the gastroduodenal artery at Rigshospitalet, Denmark, following an endoscopy-verified and treated peptic Sulcer bleeding, from 2016 to 2021. Data were collected from electronic health records and imaging from the embolization procedures. Primary outcomes were rebleeding and 30-day mortality. We performed logistical regression analyses for both outcomes with possible risk factors. Risk factors included: active bleeding; visible hemoclips; Rockall-score; anatomical variants; standardized embolization procedure; and number of endoscopies prior to embolization. RESULTS: We included 176 patients. Rebleeding occurred in 25% following embolization and 30-day mortality was 15%. Not undergoing a standardized embolization procedure increased the odds of both rebleeding (odds ratio 3.029, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.395-6.579) and 30-day overall mortality by 3.262 (1.252-8.497). More than one endoscopy was associated with increased odds of rebleeding (odds ratio 2.369, 95% CI 1.088-5.158). High Rockall-score increased the odds of 30-day mortality (odds ratio 2.587, 95% CI 1.243-5.386). Active bleeding, visible hemoclips, and anatomical variants did not affect risk of rebleeding or 30-day mortality. Reasons for deviation from standard embolization procedure were anatomical variations, targeted treatment without embolizing the gastroduodenal artery, and technical failure. CONCLUSIONS: Deviation from the standard embolization procedure increased the risk of rebleeding and 30-day mortality, more than one endoscopy prior to embolization was associated with higher odds of rebleeding, and a high Rockall-score increased the risk of 30-day mortality. We suggest that patients with these risk factors are monitored closely following embolization. Early detection of rebleeding may allow for proper and early re-intervention.

Effect of melatonin cream on acute radiation dermatitis in patients with primary breast cancer: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

AIM: This was a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized study investigating whether melatonin can protect against radiation dermatitis in women receiving radiation therapy for primary breast cancer. METHODS: Patients were included before radiation therapy and followed once weekly throughout treatment with a 3-week follow-up. Patients applied 1 g of cream to the irradiated skin twice daily, consisting of either 25 mg/g melatonin and 150 mg/g dimethyl sulfoxide, or placebo. Our outcomes were the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group's (RTOG) acute radiation morbidity scoring criteria for skin, a pixel analysis of erythema in clinical photographs, and patients' use of corticosteroid cream. Outcomes were evaluated once weekly throughout the trial. The primary outcomes were RTOG-score and pixel analysis at 2 weeks follow-up. Secondary outcomes were the use of corticosteroid cream and analyses of RTOG-scores and pixel analyses throughout the trial. RESULTS: Sixty-five patients were included, 17 dropped out, totaling 26 and 22 patients randomized to melatonin and placebo, respectively. RTOG-scores and pixel analyses at 2 weeks follow-up showed no difference p = .441 and p = .890, respectively). There was no difference in the use of corticosteroid cream (p = .055). Using logistic regression, the melatonin group had a higher likelihood of having a low RTOG-score (p = .0016). The logistic regression showed no difference between the groups for the pixel analyses. CONCLUSION: Our primary outcome showed no difference in RTOG-scores at 2 weeks follow-up, however, the RTOG-score over the entire duration of the study demonstrated a protective effect of melatonin. Further studies are warranted investigating higher doses of melatonin, and whether corticosteroids may influence the effect of melatonin cream against radiation dermatitis.

Quality-of-life outcomes following topical melatonin application against acute radiation dermatitis in patients with early breast cancer: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

The aim of this double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study was to investigate whether topical melatonin administered during radiation therapy could increase the quality of life in patients with primary breast cancer. Patients were followed from the first radiation fraction until 3 weeks after the last. The patients applied 1 g of cream to the irradiated area of the skin twice daily, consisting of either 25 mg/g melatonin and 150 mg/g dimethyl sulfoxide, or a placebo cream. Outcomes were the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer's quality-of-life questionnaires for breast cancer (QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23) on the last day of radiation therapy. As a secondary outcome, we evaluated the breast symptom (BS) scores over the entire duration of the trial in a repeated measures linear model. We included 65 patients and had 17 drop-outs, thus totaling 26 and 22 patients in the melatonin and placebo groups, respectively. BS scores on the last day of radiation did not differ between groups (p = .333). However, the linear model analyzing BS for the entire duration showed that melatonin significantly decreased the symptoms (p = .001). There was no difference in the BS score on the last day of radiation, however, we found that the patients in the melatonin group had significantly lower BS scores over the entire duration of the trial.

Christmas article: Brevity is not to the point ­ a study of abbreviations.

INTRODUCTION: The use of abbreviations in patient records in Danish hospitals is extensive. The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of abbreviations, how they affect the comprehension, and how much time was saved writing abbreviations. METHODS: The study consisted of four sub-studies. First, a prospective collection of abbreviations from patient records. From these, three sentences were constructed and used in the other three sub-studies: a questionnaire for doctors concerning the use of abbreviations, an evaluation of time used to understand abbreviated versus non-abbreviated sentences, and a theoretical analysis of time saved by reducing the number of written characters. RESULTS: We found several abbreviations with multiple meanings. Writing a sentence with abbreviations saved 20 seconds. Comprehension of an abbreviated sentence took an extra 12-85 seconds. There was no difference in comprehension of abbreviations based on medical experience. Finally, data showed that neurologists' self-rated comprehension of complicated abbreviated sentences was very good. DISCUSSION: Numerous abbreviations were used in Danish patient records, many which could not be looked up. The use of abbreviations in patient records might not live up to the Danish record-keeping order, and we proposed four solutions to overcome the problem: more bureaucracy and administration; embrace and expand use of abbreviations; introduction of artificial intelligence to interpret abbreviations; or usage of speech recognition software in all Danish hospitals. FUNDING: none. TRIAL REGISTRATION: none.

Oral melatonin did not reduce anxiety before elective hernia repair: A randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative anxiety is a common issue in surgery. Preoperative anxiety may lead to increased mortality, pain and dissatisfaction with surgery. Melatonin is a drug with only mild adverse effects and has previously been shown to reduce anxiety and pain in the perioperative setting. The aim of study was to investigate the anxiolytic effect of melatonin in the preoperative setting. METHODS: This study was a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Included patients were allocated in the ratio 1:1 to either the placebo group or the melatonin group. Patients received 10 mg melatonin or placebo the evening before surgery, 2 h before surgery, immediately after surgery and the evening after surgery. Preoperative anxiety was examined 1 h before surgery, using the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaire, along with a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) of anxiety. Furthermore, participants filled out a sleep log each morning, where we examined sleep quality, comfort and drowsiness. RESULTS: Sixteen patients received placebo treatment and 17 patients received melatonin. Median state anxiety on the STAI scale at baseline was 27 (interquartile range [IQR] 22-34) for the melatonin group and 27 (IQR 23-31) for the placebo group. In the primary outcome of preoperative anxiety 1 h before surgery, the median state anxiety on the STAI scale was 27 (IQR 24-34) for the melatonin group and 28 (24-33) for the placebo group, p = .814. VAS anxiety was median 7 (0-28) for the melatonin group and median 7 (1-13) for the placebo group, p = .813. Furthermore, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in the secondary outcomes of sleep quality and consumption of analgesics. CONCLUSION: Melatonin did not reduce preoperative anxiety in patients undergoing hernia repair. Preoperative anxiety levels were low, which limits the generalisability of our findings.

Postoperative outcomes that matter to patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair: A qualitative study.

Background: The purpose was to explore which postoperative outcomes are important to patients operated for inguinal hernia to gain a better insight into the patient experience going through surgery. Methods: A qualitative study was performed using semistructured individual interviews. Participants were all male and had undergone inguinal hernia repair. Data were analyzed with directed content analysis. Results: Ten patients were interviewed. Identified domains were function, sensation, expectations, appearance, social aspects, and satisfaction with surgeon/staff. Preoperative functional limitations were the main motivation for seeking surgery, and postoperative functional improvement seemed to be the most important factor determining overall patient satisfaction. Conclusion: Patients consider a wide range of factors when assessing the outcome of their inguinal hernia repair. Our results suggest that the current practice of outcome assessment of inguinal hernia repair with focus on recurrence may be too narrow and may not adequately reflect the patients' experience. Summary: This qualitative study explored patients' perspectives on postoperative outcome after inguinal hernia repair, and the identified domains of importance were function, sensation, expectations, appearance, social aspects, and satisfaction with surgeon/staff. These results highlight that patients emphasize a wide range of elements when assessing the outcome of their inguinal hernia repair that are important to acknowledge, as current practice of outcome assessment of inguinal hernia repair may be too narrow.

Open thrombectomy and retrograde mesenteric stenting as a treatment for acute in chronic occlusive mesenteric ischemia: A case report.

In this case report, we outline a tailored approach for a complex patient with acute in chronic proximal occlusive mesenteric disease complicated with fresh thrombosis and a heavily calcified aorta, where the standard treatment proved suboptimal. We outline the surgical considerations that ultimately led to performing a hybrid procedure of open thrombectomy combined with retrograde open mesenteric stenting of the superior mesenteric artery. The patient was a 75-year-old male, with a history of severe arteriosclerosis presenting with abdominal pain over 48 h. An initial diagnostic laparoscopy was performed at a local hospital showing signs of mesenteric ischemia. The patient was transferred to a major trauma hospital, where the patient underwent an open thrombectomy combined with retrograde open mesenteric stenting. The patient's intestines showed no signs of necrosis after surgery, and the patient was discharged nine days after surgery. The patient has experienced no complications and was alive at the 90-day follow-up. This case report outlines the clinical information available to the surgeons, leading to their decision of an infrequently used approach in emergency surgery. We believe that hybrid procedures utilizing the strengths of both open and endovascular surgery should be considered in complex patients where standard treatment options are suboptimal. European guidelines state that retrograde open mesenteric stenting should be performed when antegrade stenting fails, utilizing a through-and-through procedure. We believe that in some cases it is beneficial to the patient to use a hybrid approach including retrograde open mesenteric stenting as first line treatment.

[Christmas article: Flying fattens and swimming slims - the secret of the mermaid].

INTRODUCTION We aimed to investigate how, changes in atmospheric pressure influence the human body. METHODS The study was an observational study, reported according to the STROBE-guideline (STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology). Participants had their abdominal circumference measured on ground level, at the bottom of a pool, and during flight. This was used to investigate the relationship between atmospheric pressure and abdominal circumference. RESULTS We included 17 participants for the flight study and 12 participants for the pool study. Flying increased abdominal circumference from median 82 cm (range: 72-117 cm) at ground level to 86 cm (74-122 cm) in flight, p = 0.001. Submersion in water caused a decrease in abdominal circumference from median 82 cm (70-116 cm) at ground level to 79 cm (67-114 cm) under water, p = 0.003. Furthermore, flying resulted in a significant increase in self-reported flatulence and bloating from median 27 (0-69) to 50 (0-93), p = 0.02 (scale 0-100). Flying also caused an increase in abdominal pain from median 0 (0-68) to 3 (0-70), p = 0.02 (scale: 0-100). CONCLUSION Our findings confirm that changes to environment and thereby atmospheric pressure, influence abdominal circumference. This is likely due to expansion and compression of bowel gasses related to the ambient atmospheric pressure. Interestingly, our findings may help explain the physical appearance of mermaids. FUNDING none. TRIAL REGISTRATION none.

Pharmacokinetics and Safety of Intravenous, Intravesical, Rectal, Transdermal, and Vaginal Melatonin in Healthy Female Volunteers: A Cross-Over Study.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to investigate the pharmacokinetic properties and safety of melatonin administered by alternative routes of administration. METHODS: This study employed a cross-over design in healthy female volunteers. Twenty-five milligrams of melatonin was administered intravenously, intravesically, rectally, transdermally, and vaginally. Blood samples were collected at specified time points up to 24 h following intravenous, intravesical, rectal, and vaginal administration, and up to 48 h following transdermal administration. Plasma melatonin concentrations were determined by radioimmunoassay. Sedation was evaluated by a simple reaction-time test, and sleepiness was assessed by the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale. Adverse events were registered for each route of administration. RESULTS: Ten participants were included. We documented a mean (SD) time to maximal concentration of 51 (29) min for intravesical, 24 (20) min for rectal, 21 (8) h for transdermal, and 147 (56) min for vaginal administration. The mean (SD) elimination half-life was 47 (6) min for intravenous, 58 (7) min for intravesical, 60 (18) min for rectal, 14.6 (11.1) h for transdermal, and 129 (17) min for vaginal administration. The mean (SD) bioavailability was 3.6 (1.9)% for intravesical, 36.0 (28.6)% for rectal, 10.0 (5.7)% for transdermal, and 97.8 (31.7)% for vaginal administration. No significant changes in reaction times were observed following administration of melatonin by any of the administration routes. Increased tiredness was documented following transdermal administration only. No serious adverse effects were documented. CONCLUSION: Rectally and vaginally administered melatonin may serve as relevant alternatives to standard oral melatonin therapy. Transdermal delivery of melatonin displayed an extended absorption and can be applied if prolonged effects are intended. Intravesical administration displayed, as expected, a very limited bioavailability. Melatonin administered by these routes of administration was safe.

Melatonin for preoperative and postoperative anxiety in adults.

BACKGROUND: Anxiety in relation to surgery is a well-known problem. Melatonin offers an alternative treatment to benzodiazepines for ameliorating this condition in the preoperative and postoperative periods. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of melatonin on preoperative and postoperative anxiety compared to placebo or benzodiazepines. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the following databases on 10 July 2020: CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Science. For ongoing trials and protocols, we searched clinicaltrials.gov and the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomized, placebo-controlled or standard treatment-controlled (or both) studies that evaluated the effects of preoperatively administered melatonin on preoperative or postoperative anxiety. We included adult patients of both sexes (15 to 90 years of age) undergoing any kind of surgical procedure for which it was necessary to use general, regional, or topical anaesthesia. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: One review author conducted data extraction in duplicate. Data extracted included information about study design, country of origin, number of participants and demographic details, type of surgery, type of anaesthesia, intervention and dosing regimens, preoperative anxiety outcome measures, and postoperative anxiety outcome measures. MAIN RESULTS: We included 27 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), involving 2319 participants, that assessed melatonin for treating preoperative anxiety, postoperative anxiety, or both. Twenty-four studies compared melatonin with placebo. Eleven studies compared melatonin to a benzodiazepine (seven studies with midazolam, three studies with alprazolam, and one study with oxazepam). Other comparators in a small number of studies were gabapentin, clonidine, and pregabalin. No studies were judged to be at low risk of bias for all domains. Most studies were judged to be at unclear risk of bias overall. Eight studies were judged to be at high risk of bias in one or more domain, and thus, to be at high risk of bias overall. Melatonin versus placebo Melatonin probably results in a reduction in preoperative anxiety measured by a visual analogue scale (VAS, 0 to 100 mm) compared to placebo (mean difference (MD) -11.69, 95% confidence interval (CI) -13.80 to -9.59; 18 studies, 1264 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), based on a meta-analysis of 18 studies. Melatonin may reduce immediate postoperative anxiety measured on a 0 to 100 mm VAS compared to placebo (MD -5.04, 95% CI -9.52 to -0.55; 7 studies, 524 participants; low-certainty evidence), and may reduce delayed postoperative anxiety measured six hours after surgery using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) (MD -5.31, 95% CI -8.78 to -1.84; 2 studies; 73 participants; low-certainty evidence). Melatonin versus benzodiazepines (midazolam and alprazolam) Melatonin probably results in little or no difference in preoperative anxiety measured on a 0 to 100 mm VAS (MD 0.78, 95% CI -2.02 to 3.58; 7 studies, 409 participants; moderate-certainty evidence) and there may be little or no difference in immediate postoperative anxiety (MD -2.12, 95% CI -4.61 to 0.36; 3 studies, 176 participants; low-certainty evidence). Adverse events Fourteen studies did not report on adverse events. Six studies specifically reported that no side effects were observed, and the remaining seven studies reported cases of nausea, sleepiness, dizziness, and headache; however, no serious adverse events were reported. Eleven studies measured psychomotor and cognitive function, or both, and in general, these studies found that benzodiazepines impaired psychomotor and cognitive function more than placebo and melatonin. Fourteen studies evaluated sedation and generally found that benzodiazepine caused the highest degree of sedation, but melatonin also showed sedative properties compared to placebo. Several studies did not report on adverse events; therefore, it is not possible to conclude with certainty, from the data on adverse effects collected in this review, that melatonin is better tolerated than benzodiazepines. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: When compared with placebo, melatonin given as premedication (as tablets or sublingually) probably reduces preoperative anxiety in adults (measured 50 to 120 minutes after administration), which is potentially clinically relevant. The effect of melatonin on postoperative anxiety compared to placebo (measured in the recovery room and six hours after surgery) was also evident but was much smaller, and the clinical relevance of this finding is uncertain. There was little or no difference in anxiety when melatonin was compared with benzodiazepines. Thus, melatonin may have a similar effect to benzodiazepines in reducing preoperative and postoperative anxiety in adults.

ANTECEDENTES: La ansiedad relacionada con la cirugía es un problema conocido. La melatonina ofrece un tratamiento alternativo a las benzodiazepinas para mejorar esta afección en los períodos pre y posoperatorio. OBJETIVOS: Evaluar los efectos de la melatonina en la ansiedad pre y posoperatoria en comparación con el placebo o las benzodiazepinas. MÉTODOS DE BÚSQUEDA: Se realizaron búsquedas en las siguientes bases de datos el 10 de julio de 2020: CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL y Web of Science. Para los ensayos y protocolos en curso, se buscó en clinicaltrials.gov y en la Plataforma de registros internacionales de ensayos clínicos de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS). CRITERIOS DE SELECCIÓN: Estudios aleatorizados controlados con placebo o controlados con tratamiento estándar, o ambos, que evaluaron los efectos de la melatonina administrada de forma preoperatoria para la ansiedad preoperatoria o posoperatoria. Se incluyeron pacientes adultos de ambos sexos (15 a 90 años de edad) a los que se les realizó cualquier clase de procedimiento quirúrgico donde fue necesario utilizar anestesia general, regional o tópica. OBTENCIÓN Y ANÁLISIS DE LOS DATOS: Un autor de la revisión realizó la extracción de los datos por duplicado. Los datos que se extrajeron incluyeron información acerca del diseño del estudio, el país de origen, el número de participantes y los detalles demográficos, el tipo de cirugía, el tipo de anestesia, la intervención y el régimen de dosis, medidas de desenlace de ansiedad preoperatoria y medidas de desenlace de ansiedad posoperatoria. RESULTADOS PRINCIPALES: Se incluyeron 27 ensayos controlados aleatorizados (ECA), con 2319 participantes, que evaluaron la melatonina para el tratamiento de la ansiedad preoperatoria, la ansiedad posoperatoria o ambas. Veinticuatro estudios compararon la melatonina con el placebo. Once estudios compararon la melatonina con una benzodiazepina (siete estudios con midazolam, tres estudios con alprazolam y un estudio con oxazepam). Otros comparadores en un escaso número de estudios fueron la gabapentina, la clonidina y la pregabalina. No se consideró que ningún estudio tuviera un riesgo bajo de sesgo en todos los dominios. La mayoría de los estudios se consideraron con riesgo incierto de sesgo en general. Se consideró que ocho estudios tenían un alto riesgo de sesgo en uno o más dominios y, por lo tanto, un alto riesgo de sesgo en general. Melatonina versus placebo La melatonina probablemente da lugar a una reducción de la ansiedad preoperatoria medida por una escala visual analógica (EVA, 0 a 100 mm) en comparación con el placebo (diferencia de medias [DM] ­11,69; intervalo de confianza [IC] del 95%: ­13,80 a ­9,59; 18 estudios, 1264 participantes; evidencia de certeza moderada), sobre la base de un metanálisis de 18 estudios. La melatonina podría reducir la ansiedad posoperatoria inmediata medida en una EVA de 0 a 100 mm en comparación con el placebo (DM ­5,04; IC del 95%: ­9,52 a ­0,55; siete estudios, 524 participantes; evidencia de certeza baja), y podría reducir la ansiedad posoperatoria tardía medida seis horas después de la cirugía mediante el State­Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) (DM ­5,31; IC del 95%: ­8,78 a ­1,84; dos estudios; 73 participantes; evidencia de certeza baja). Melatonina versus benzodiazepinas (midazolam y alprazolam) La melatonina probablemente da lugar a poca o ninguna diferencia en la ansiedad preoperatoria medida en una EVA de 0 a 100 mm (DM 0,78; IC del 95%: ­2,02 a 3,58; siete estudios, 409 participantes; evidencia de certeza moderada) y podría haber poca o ninguna diferencia en la ansiedad posoperatoria inmediata (DM ­2,12; IC del 95%: ­4,61 a 0,36; tres estudios, 176 participantes; evidencia de certeza baja). Eventos adversos Catorce estudios no informaron sobre los eventos adversos. Seis estudios informaron específicamente que no se observaron efectos secundarios y los siete estudios restantes informaron casos de náuseas, somnolencia, mareos y cefalea; sin embargo, no se informaron eventos adversos graves. Once estudios midieron la función psicomotora y cognitiva, o ambas, y en general, estos estudios encontraron que las benzodiazepinas deterioraron la función psicomotora y cognitiva más que el placebo y la melatonina. Catorce estudios evaluaron la sedación y en general encontraron que la benzodiazepina causaba el mayor grado de sedación, pero la melatonina también mostró propiedades sedantes en comparación con el placebo. Varios estudios no informaron sobre los efectos adversos; por lo tanto, no es posible concluir con certeza, a partir de los datos sobre los efectos adversos obtenidos en esta revisión, que la melatonina se tolera mejor que las benzodiazepinas. CONCLUSIONES DE LOS AUTORES: Cuando se compara con el placebo, la melatonina administrada como premedicación (en forma de comprimidos o sublingual) probablemente reduce la ansiedad preoperatoria en los adultos (medida entre 50 y 120 minutos después de la administración), lo que es potencialmente relevante desde el punto de vista clínico. El efecto de la melatonina sobre la ansiedad posoperatoria en comparación con el placebo (medido en la sala de recuperación y seis horas después de la cirugía) también fue evidente, pero fue mucho menor, y la relevancia clínica de este hallazgo no está clara. Hubo poca o ninguna diferencia en la ansiedad cuando la melatonina se comparó con las benzodiazepinas. Por lo tanto, la melatonina puede tener un efecto similar al de las benzodiazepinas en la reducción de la ansiedad pre y posoperatoria en los adultos.

Patient-Reported Outcome Measures for Patients Undergoing Inguinal Hernia Repair.

There are many ways to determine the success of an inguinal hernia operation. Traditional measures are hernia recurrence, neuralgia, mesh infection, or rather the absence of these complications. While these traditional measures obviously have their merits, alternative outcomes are emerging, and researchers and clinicians are gaining an increasing interest in patient-reported outcomes and patient reported outcome measures (PROMs). PROMs are patient questionnaires concerning quality of life, chronic pain, disability, or other subjects that are best assessed by the patients. PROMs come in two different forms: generic and condition specific. The generic PROMs concern general symptoms and issues, while the condition-specific PROMs target patients with a certain condition. Inguinal hernia-specific PROMs typically address issues like mesh-related symptoms, groin pain, sexual dysfunction, etc. Clinical measurement instruments such as PROMs should be carefully validated according to standardized guidelines to ensure their psychometric measurement properties. Unfortunately, this type of evidence is often lacking when it comes to inguinal hernia-specific PROMs. In this review, we explain why PROMs are useful for patients with inguinal hernia and why one should use inguinal hernia-specific PROMs as opposed to the generic ones. We address the importance of population-specific validation and explain what type of evidence is lacking. Last, we discuss the future prospects of using PROMs for patients with inguinal hernia.

Patient-reported outcome measures for inguinal hernia repair are insufficiently validated: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: To systematically assess the validity of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair. DATA SOURCES: A systematic review was performed according to the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) guideline for systematic reviews of PROMs. PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO were consulted. STUDY SELECTION: Only studies explicitly aimed at validation of PROMs specific for patients with inguinal hernia were included. DATA EXTRACTION: Data regarding measurement properties of PROMs were extracted from the included studies. Each study was critically assessed for methodological quality and each PROM was evaluated for sufficient measurement properties. RESULTS OF DATA SYNTHESIS: We included 15 studies, covering 11 different PROMs. The Carolinas Comfort Scale was the most frequently investigated PROM, being covered in five of the included publications. The included PROMs were evaluated according to nine different measurement properties, of which internal consistency and construct validity were the most frequently assessed. Evidence regarding content validity and structural validity was universally inadequate, according to the criteria for good measurement properties, as defined by the COSMIN. CONCLUSION: Based on the current evidence, it is not possible to formulate recommendations for application of PROMs for patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair. Further validation of the included PROMs is necessary especially regarding content validity and structural validity.

[Sex reassignment surgery in Denmark].

This review summarises the knowledge of sex reassignment surgery in Denmark. Sex reassignment surgery aims at confirming a transgender person's gender identity and can consist of surgery on breasts, genitals, thyroid cartilage, vocal cords as well as facial and body contours. In Denmark, most procedures are performed at a highly specialised level after referral to Center for Gender Identity. Some choose to get procedures performed abroad. Depending on the surgical procedure additional surgery can be necessary, however, patient satisfaction is generally high. Surgery has been shown to increase patients' quality of life and decrease gender dysphoria.

Incidence of Inguinal Hernia after Radical Prostatectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: To investigate the incidence of inguinal hernia following radical prostatectomy we compared the incidence after open retropubic radical prostatectomy with the incidence after the laparoscopic and robot-assisted radical prostatectomies, and using control groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included all original articles on studies providing data on inguinal hernia incidence in patients treated with radical prostatectomy for localized prostate cancer. PubMed® and EMBASE® were searched on February 28, 2018. A meta-analysis was done as a weighted and pooled estimate of the incidence of inguinal hernia. The bias risk was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for cohort studies and the Cochrane Collaboration tool for randomized clinical trials. RESULTS: We included 54 studies with a total of 101,687 patients. The estimated incidence of inguinal hernia was 13.7% (95% CI 12.0-15.4) after open retropubic radical prostatectomy, 7.5% (95% CI 5.2-9.8) after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and 7.9% (95% CI 5.0-10.9) after robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. In studies comparing the incidence of inguinal hernia after open prostatectomy vs no treatment the incidence was significantly higher in the radical prostatectomy group (11.7%, 95% CI 9.2-14.2 vs 3.3%, 95% CI 2.0-4.6). Two of 3 studies showed a significantly higher incidence after laparoscopic and robot-assisted radical prostatectomies compared with a control group. Most studies of intraoperative inguinal hernia prevention techniques demonstrated a significantly lower inguinal hernia incidence in the experimental group. Inguinal hernias that developed after radical prostatectomy were primarily indirect (81.9%, 95% CI 75.3-88.4). CONCLUSIONS: We found a high incidence of inguinal hernia following radical prostatectomy and hernias were primarily of the indirect type. The highest incidence of inguinal hernia was noted after open radical prostatectomy, followed by laparoscopic and robot-assisted radical prostatectomies. There was no significant difference between the laparoscopic and robot-assisted groups. The incidence of inguinal hernia was significantly higher after open radical prostatectomy than in control groups with some evidence to support the same finding for the laparoscopic and robot-assisted approaches. Promising results have been reported in studies of intraoperative prophylactic surgical techniques to reduce the postoperative incidence of inguinal hernia.

Incisional hernia after cesarean section: A systematic review.

Incisional hernia is a well-known complication following abdominal surgery. A frequently performed abdominal operative procedure is cesarean section. In 2015 the median cesarean section rate in Europe was 27 % with rates up to 57 % when looking at individual countries, and the rates of cesarean sections increased with 4 % in Europe from 2010 to 2015. Nonetheless, the occurrence of incisional hernia subsequent to cesarean sections is uncertain. The aim of this study was to investigate the reported occurrence of incisional hernia after cesarean section. We included original studies with women who had given birth at least once through a cesarean section. For studies to be eligible for inclusion, a minimum follow-up period of six months as well as a population of ten or more included patients were required. The primary outcome was occurrence of incisional hernia after cesarean section. The secondary outcomes were frequency of subsequent hernia operations, and if the hernia occurrence differed between midline and lower transverse incision, and between acute and elective cesarean section. Three databases were systematically searched: PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. The review was reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-guideline (PRISMA) and registered with the international prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO) (registration number: CRD42019129998). A total of 2170 potentially relevant studies were identified, and of these 28 studies were identified for full text screening. Five studies met the inclusion criteria comprising 275,878 women with a previous cesarean section. The studies reported an occurrence of incisional hernia subsequent to cesarean section between 0.0-5.6 % with a follow-up time ranging from six months to ten years. Very few known risk factors for incisional hernia development were reported in the included studies. Overall, we found a low risk of incisional hernia subsequent to cesarean sections, even after a long follow-up period. Based on the included studies it was not feasible to estimate the occurrence of incisional hernia in different types of incisions, whether the urgency of the cesarean section affected the incisional hernia development, or to estimate the frequency of subsequent hernia repair. Further well-designed studies are therefore warranted.

Outcome Measures in Gender-Confirming Chest Surgery: A Systematic Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this scoping review was to provide an overview of outcome measures in gender-confirming chest surgery. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was performed in PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus and the Cochrane Library to find studies evaluating gender-confirming chest surgery in a non-cis gender population. The systematic scoping review followed the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews. Data were charted for outcome measures including complications, reoperations, revision surgery, aesthetic outcome and patient-reported outcome measures. RESULTS: Our search yielded 849 records, which were screened on title, abstract and full text. Of these, 47 were included in the review. Feminising gender-confirming chest surgery was evaluated in 11 studies, and masculinising gender-confirming chest surgery was evaluated in 39 studies. Clinician-reported outcome categories were used in 40 studies and included complications, reoperation, revision surgery and aesthetic outcome. Categories of patient-reported outcomes were used in 29 studies and included aesthetic outcome, functional outcome and mental health parameters. The summary of outcome domains and classifications showed that there are large variations in outcome evaluation between studies. Although several studies reported on similar outcome categories, there was a high level of heterogeneity of domains and classifications of outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Evaluation of outcomes in gender-confirming chest surgery showed large variations in reporting, and further streamlining of reporting is therefore required to be able to compare surgical outcomes between studies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Blondes do not have more fun: a non-blinded crossover field study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether blondes have more fun, as proposed by Sir Roderick David Stewart in 1978. DESIGN: Prospective, non-randomised crossover field study, 1-2 June 2018. SETTING: Single centre medical writing course, during a break in the course program. PARTICIPANTS: Convenience sample of 21 healthy Danish researchers: ten blondes, nine non-blondes, and two with missing data (bald). INTERVENTION: Participants completed a visual analogue scale (VAS) for fun and Profile of Mood States - Adolescents (POMS-A) questionnaires before and after two rides each on a waterslide (once sitting upright, once lying down). There was a wash-out between rides. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Fun, as assessed by VAS completed moments after completing each waterslide ride. RESULTS: Blondes did not have more fun than non-blondes, neither while sitting upright (median VAS, 60 [IQR, 23-66] v 25 [IQR, 4.5-57]; P = 0.39) nor lying down (median VAS, 70 [IQR, 60-85] v 66 [IQR, 35-80]; P = 0.62). Riding the waterslide lying down was significantly faster (median duration, 9 s; range, 8-13 s) than sitting upright (median duration, 13.6 s; range, 8-37 s; P < 0.001), and also more fun (median VAS, 72 [IQR, 59-85] v 41 [IQR, 14-66]; P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings are not consistent with the statement by Sir Roderick David Stewart that "blondes have more fun"; we found no evidence that blondes experience more fun or are more susceptible to mood changes than non-blondes.

[Radical prostatectomy increases the incidence of inguinal hernia].

Inguinal hernia is a specific post-operative complication of radical prostatectomy, but so far it has not been reported in Denmark. In this review, we report the incidence of inguinal hernia after both open retropubic and robot-assisted approaches and discuss potential disease mechanisms. Different surgical techniques to prevent development of inguinal hernia after radical prostatectomy have been proposed. Increased attention to patients with a high risk of developing inguinal hernia after radical prostatectomy and concurrent inguinal hernia repair could be a possibility.

[Upcoming changes in work-flow, possibilities and challenges as a result of newbuilt Danish hospitals].

Soon, many Danish hospitals will change from shared to single occupancy rooms. Based on the available literature, the aim of this review is to discuss advantages and disadvantages of both room types, as well as the upcoming changes in work-flow for the staff. There are multiple advantages of single occupancy rooms but also some of shared occupancy. Several hospital routines will have to change to benefit from the advantages from single occupancy in the new hospitals, and careful investigation of the amount of nursing staff required to staff the new hospital wards is needed.

[Prevention of incisional hernia].

Following laparotomies, the rate of incisional hernia is 5-20%, and in high-risk patients more than 30%. The current literature suggests the use of a transverse incision if pos-sible, a suture technique with small bites, and a wound: suture length ratio of 1:4. Recent studies have shown, that the use of prophylactic mesh in an onlay position could have a significant effect on decreasing the rate of incisional hernia. There is still a lack of knowledge on potential long-term complications, but recommending prophylactic onlay mesh should be considered in all patients at risk of incisional hernia.