ANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY

Outcomes of Radical Nephrectomy With Caval Tumour Thrombectomy Including a Novel Two-Stage Approach
Crisafi D, Hong A, Papa N, Obrecht F, Qin KR, Ding J, Perini MV, Seevanayagam S, McCall P, Chuen J, Qi S, Jack G, Ischia J, Bolton D and Woon DTS
Renal vein and caval tumour extension occurs in 10%-25% of patients with renal cell carcinoma. This study aims to examine perioperative morbidity and survival outcomes after radical nephrectomy with inferior vena cava tumour thrombectomy at a quaternary institution in Australia.
Re: Validation of the Emergency Surgery Acuity Score in Patients Who Underwent Emergency General Surgery in South Korea: A Multi-Center, Retrospective, Post Hoc Analysis
Chen H, Wu Z, Bo Z and Liu M
Radiomic Artificial Intelligence Models Predicting the Response of Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastases to Chemotherapy-A Systematic Review
Wirth L, Cooper E, Chan XQ, Singh R, Wei M, Hutcheon E, Kokelaar R and Yeung JM
Colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRCLM) profoundly impacts the overall survival rates of affected individuals. Although chemotherapy remains a cornerstone of treatment, the variability in tumour response presents a considerable challenge to effective clinical management. Radiomics-based artificial intelligence (AI) modelling, utilising pre-treatment imaging, has been proposed as a tool to predict treatment response and inform therapeutic decision-making.
Gender Gaps in Publication: Plastic Surgery in Australasia
Lam C, Massy-Westropp C and Hamilton S
While studies have explored the gender gap in scientific literature, there is a scarcity of information on the impact within surgical publications. We examine the gender gap in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery papers across two prominent Australasian journals.
Re: The Impact of High Complexity Total Pelvic Exenteration on Surgeon Fatigue: The FaME Study
Hu P, Sun H and Lv C
Australia Is Not Surgical Trial Ready
Buchbinder R, Page RS, Quicke JG, Foster NE, Ferreira ML and Harris IA
How I do an Intrathoracic Hand-Sewn Anastomosis During a Minimally Invasive Oesophagectomy
Rahim A and Devadas M
Minimally invasive oesphagectomy has been found to reduce complications, length of stay and have improved post-operative quality of life compared to open oesophagectomy. Multiple techniques of the oesophagogastric anastomosis have been described in Australia including a three-stage approach with a neck anastomosis and a two-stage approach utilising the trans-orally placed anvil. We describe a two-stage approach with an intra-thoracic hand-sewn anastomosis for a junctional oesophageal cancer.
A Biodegradable Polymeric Sealant Applied to Transected Margin Following Stapled Distal Pancreatectomy Reduces Overall Complication: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Furtado R, Weinberg L, Haghighi KS, Burnett D, Croagh D, Muralidharan V, Pilgrim CHC, Sritharan M, Smith M, Perini MV, Yoshino O, Fink MA, Jones R, Lam V, Yuen L, Daly D, Gandy RC, Ban EJ, Houli N, Hodgson R, Privett BJ, and Nikfarjam M
Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is the primary cause of morbidity after distal pancreatectomy (DP). This trial investigated the application of a combined polyethylene glycol (PEG) and recombinant human albumin sealant gel to the stapled, transected pancreatic margin to reduce clinically significant POPF.
TROPIS Procedure in Complex Anal Fistulas: Single-Center Long-Term Results
Pehlevan-Özel H, Yurdakul ZN, Martlı HF, Özmen SN, Er S, Çetinkaya E, Akın T and Akgül Ö
Transanal opening of the intersphincteric space (TROPIS) has recently emerged as a sphincter-preserving option for the treatment of complex anal fistulas. Although high success rates have been reported in large international series, data on long-term real-world outcomes remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate long-term results of TROPIS, focusing on recurrence and continence, and to compare them with existing literature.
Treatment Outcomes Following Reconstruction With a Modified Gracilis Free Flap
Read TA, Castrisos G and Wiper J
Patients with complex defects secondary to traumatic injuries, severe infection or locally advanced malignancies present a therapeutic challenge. Surgical techniques continue to evolve that focus on reducing flap associated morbidity. The gracilis free flap is a workhorse in reconstructive microsurgery, and its design can be adjusted to optimise donor site form and function. This study's objective was to determine treatment outcomes following reconstruction using a modified gracilis muscle free flap termed 'the gracilette'.
Patient Perceptions of Breast Cancer Surgery Related Lymphoedema and Adoption of Risk Reducing Strategies
Davis N, Warrier S and Azimi F
Despite the decreasing risk over time, lymphoedema remains a significant concern for patients undergoing breast cancer surgery. Most advice aimed at minimising the risk of lymphoedema is largely unsubstantiated by evidence, often leading to unnecessary limitations on the affected limb that may adversely affect quality of life and survivorship. There is a paucity of data regarding patient perceptions of lymphoedema risk and the strategies they adopt to mitigate this perceived risk.
Quality of Patient-Orientated Internet Information on Watch and Wait for Rectal Cancer
Lam JNF, Ho GT, Yeung TM and Ng SS
Total mesorectal excision (TsE) for rectal cancer is associated with significant morbidity. The 'Watch and Wait' approach, following a complete clinical response (cCR) to total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT), is increasingly considered as an alternative to surgery. The Internet offers extensive resources but the quality of these resources relating to 'Watch and Wait' is unknown. This study evaluates the availability and quality of online resources on 'Watch and Wait' as an option for patients with rectal cancer.
Multiple Renal Arteries in Renal Transplantation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
George AR, Dragan Z, Gilliatt FRJ, Puttaswamy V and Saricilar EC
Kidney transplants are a technically challenging but life-saving surgery for those living with end-stage renal disease. This meta-analysis aims to identify the complications and outcomes associated with the use of renal transplants with multiple renal arteries (MRA) when compared to single renal arteries (SRA).
Outcomes After Pericranial Flap Reconstruction of the Anterior Skull Base After Transcribriform Resection of Sinonasal Tumors: A Retrospective Study
Ramagiri B, Hasan Z, Bekkers S, Barnett C, Bowman J, Amato D and Panizza B
The nasoseptal flap is commonly used in the reconstruction of the anterior skull base following sinonasal tumor resection, but has limitations in its use.
Melioidosis Aortic Aneurysms, 2019-2025: Incidence, Management and Outcomes From a Regional Tertiary Centre in North Queensland
Choy OS, Sun D, Vedanayagam V and Velu R
Melioidosis (organism: Burkholderia pseudomallei) is an uncommon but serious cause of mycotic aortic aneurysms in endemic areas of North Queensland and Southeast Asia. This study describes the presentation, management, and outcomes of melioidosis-associated aortic aneurysms at a regional tertiary centre.
25, 50, and 75 Years Ago
Smith JA
Sarcoma Defect Reconstruction of the Posterior Trunk With Local Perforator Propeller Flaps
Rittirsch D, Gu X, Ricketts S and Mah E
Large defects of the posterior trunk after soft tissue sarcoma resection represent a challenge in reconstructive surgery. Coverage with musculocutaneous flaps or free flaps is often associated with donor site morbidity and functional deficits. With increasing popularity, the clinical indications of locoregional perforator flaps have been expanded to defects of the back. In the present study, the use of various perforator propeller flaps for oncologic reconstruction of large soft tissue defects of the posterior trunk is evaluated.
Low Anterior Resection Syndrome, a Surgeon's Patient Experience
Jaboury IA
How to Do a Split Mentalis Muscle Flap for Central Marginal Mandibular Defects
Patel D, Arahill-Whitham J, Duncan W, Ryan J and Tong D
Tumors of the central mandible requiring marginal mandibulectomy and floor of mouth resection require reconstruction for cosmetic and functional purposes. Numerous reconstructive techniques have been described for small-moderate sized defects of the central mandible/anterior floor of mouth. Robust local flaps have been well described; however second stage procedures are required for pedicle division. The split mentalis muscle flap is a simple, quick and low morbidity option for central mandibular defects and has been demonstrated effectively with the use of a split skin graft. We provide a modification of the split mentalis muscle flap without the morbidity associated with a split skin graft and its utility to support a prosthesis following surgery and radiotherapy.
3D Print-Formed Implants for Surgical Reconstruction of Large Cranial Defects
Daungsupawong H and Wiwanitkit V
Video-Based Assessment of Operative Competency in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Prospective Observational Study to Inform Rubric Design for AI-Assisted Evaluation
Luo Y, Kang YC, Sidhu A, Suleiman M, Houli N, Kumta S and Hodgson R
This pilot study aimed to assess the interrater reliability of quantitative measures derived from video-based evaluation of laparoscopic cholecystectomy performance, with the future aim of developing an objective assessment tool and the use of artificial intelligence for this procedure.