Helen Jones
The clinical effectiveness of waxing or epilation compared with other methods of hair removal in reducing the incidence of surgical site infections: a protocol for a systematic review
Background Hair has traditionally been removed from surgical sites preoperatively, but there is gathering evidence that some methods of hair removal can increase the risk of surgical site infections (SSIs).1,2 The most recent Cochrane review (2021) found that, while hair removal using clippers or depilatory cream does not significantly increase the risk of SSIs, razors…
Read MoreChanges in functional health status following open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair and the role of exercise-based rehabilitation: a systematic review
Introduction Patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) are usually older adults with widespread atherosclerosis and considerable cardiovascular risk factors.1–3 As a result, open surgical repair is associated with significant perioperative morbidity which may require a prolonged inpatient or intensive care stay.4,5 The associated metabolic and cardiopulmonary challenges may have substantial resultant consequences on functional status…
Read MoreExploring the assessment, diagnosis and conservative management of patients with neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (NTOS): an online survey of UK medical and allied health professionals
Introduction Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a highly controversial medical diagnosis, as highlighted in a Cochrane review by Povlsen et al in 2014.1 Diagnosis is challenging due to the existence of four reported subgroups of TOS – namely, neurogenic, arterial, vascular and disputed – each presenting with diverse and wide-ranging symptoms.1-3 Authors describe three pertinent…
Read MoreSupporting endovascular practice in 2023 and beyond: the BSET Fellowship Programme
Background British Society of Endovascular Therapy (BSET) Fellowships were introduced to provide an opportunity for vascular or interventional radiology trainees to acquire new or more complex endovascular skills during a 6-month period in a UK-based endovascular unit of their choice. They were established in 2008 in response to the rapidly expanding field of endovascular practice,…
Read MoreDelivering greener surgery; small changes matter
Introduction Countries worldwide have committed to reducing carbon emissions to mitigate the detrimental effect of climate change on the environment. The UK has committed to net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Significant changes are required across all industries, including healthcare, to achieve this target within the deadline.1 Currently, healthcare systems are estimated to account for…
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