Articles
Current practice in ultrasound grading of carotid artery stenosis in the UK and Ireland
Introduction The degree and severity of a stenosis near the carotid bifurcation and internal carotid artery (ICA) will determine the risk/benefit relationship for a patient undergoing carotid endarterectomy surgery.1 The diagnostic accuracy of duplex ultrasound in grading ICA stenoses is comparable to computerised tomographic angiography (CTA) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), and it remains an…
Read MoreUse of rigid dressings versus soft dressings in the management of lower limb amputations: a systematic review protocol
Introduction Amputation is often the most appropriate treatment for patients with a non-salvageable ischaemic limb, fulminant diabetic infection or after major trauma.1 The aim of the procedure is to relieve pain, preserve life and facilitate prosthetic reconstruction of the limb. In the UK, the annual lower limb amputation (LLA) rate is 11 per 100,000…
Read MoreThe prevalence and solutions to burnout amongst surgical trainees
Introduction Following the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers in the UK suffer high psychological distress.1 Increasing attrition rates globally, especially among female surgical trainees, highlight the need for prioritising surgical trainee well-being.2–4 However, there are limited data on the mental well-being and burnout experienced by surgeons and surgical trainees. Burnout is a syndrome comprising emotional exhaustion,…
Read MoreCardiovascular morbidity, mortality and risk management in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms
Introduction An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a focal dilation of the abdominal aorta with a diameter of 3.0 cm or more. Within the UK the national screening programme has shown an AAA prevalence in men aged >65 years of 1.57%, similar to that in the USA.1 The implementation of screening programmes for AAAs across…
Read MoreNurse-delivered endothermal venous ablation: 12 years’ experience at a single UK centre
Introduction Attention is currently being directed towards the care of patients with venous disease in the UK. Contemporary research supports early intervention of incompetent superficial truncal veins, especially beneficial to patients suffering from venous leg ulceration (VLU). However, there are significant difficulties in the delivery of venous services impeding the implementation of best practice. In…
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