The aim of this study was to compare the safety and efficacy of establishing a robotic-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (RATS) program in a low-volume center with mixed cardiothoracic practice and surgeons with different background experiences-video-assisted (VA) versus open thoracotomy (OT).

Scientific integrity relies on reproducibility. Reproducible scientific results are essential for advancing clinical practice and improving patient outcomes. However, despite the importance, reproducibility issues are widespread, often arising from inadequate methodologies and a lack of expertise in research design. Methodological shortcomings can lead to unreliable and biased findings, wasted resources, and thus compromised clinical decisions. Recent studies indicate that researchers frequently struggle to replicate findings, emphasizing the need for improvements in quality and transparency.This review aimed to enhance the understanding of common pitfalls in research methodologies by identifying and describing the common limitations. Ultimately, this review aims to strengthen the quality of surgical research and improve patient care through more reliable and clinically applicable research findings.

The anti-inflammatory effects of dexamethasone may reduce the inflammatory response after pancreatoduodenectomy. The aim of this retrospective observational study was to evaluate the association between intraoperative dexamethasone and postoperative complications in patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy with a special focus on patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

In recent years, as new strategies have been developed, there has been a reduction of invasive interventions for prevention or treatment of ischaemic cerebral events. Furthermore, surgical treatment has been centralized to major vascular centra.

To compare the clinical and oncological results of anatomical resection of primary non-small cell lung cancers performed by resident and specialist surgeons as the lead surgeon in a medium-volume, mixed-practice hospital.

Acute appendicitis is the most common surgical emergency worldwide. Obtaining a correct diagnosis and timely management can be challenging even in modern medicine. Hence, appendicitis is still considered a "high-risk" diagnosis for litigation and claims of malpractice. Few studies have investigated the pattern and outcome of claims for appendicitis in a contemporary universal health care system. The aim of this study is to analyze compensation claims related to the investigation and treatment of appendicitis in Norway.

Gallstone disease is common in the Western world, and approximately 15,000 cholecystectomies and 9000 endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographies (ERCPs) are performed each year in Sweden. While being safe, the high frequency of these procedures has a significant cumulative impact on health in the community, exceeding those of many complex procedures for malignant conditions. Compliance with established guidelines for gallstone disease management varies and the strength of supporting evidence remains inconsistent. The Swedish National Register for Gallstone Surgery and ERCP (GallRiks) was launched in May 2005 to monitor outcomes nationwide, to enhance quality of care, and to facilitate population-based research. Continuous feedback to participating units has contributed to improvement in patient care. Since its introduction, laparoscopic procedures have become more prevalent than open cholecystectomies, antibiotic prophylaxis is used more selectively, and the proportion of procedures performed on a day-case basis has increased: all of this despite unchanged healthcare resources. Register-based studies have highlighted the benefits of intraoperative cholangiography, the advantages of centralizing care to high-volume surgeons, endoscopists and units, as well as the impact of surgeon gender on outcomes. Now in its 20th year, GallRiks remains a cornerstone of quality assurance in Swedish gallstone surgery. Research based on register data continues to improve gallstone disease management and shape clinical guidelines and healthcare practice.

Distal pancreatic resection is associated with a high frequency of postoperative complications. The aim of this study was to characterize the effect of diabetes mellitus (DM) on short-term complications after distal pancreatectomy.

Superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles are non-inferior as a tracer for sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) detection in breast cancer patients compared to the standard radioactive tracer (technetium-99m, Tc) with or without blue dye (Patent blue V, BD). Sentinel lymph node (SLN) detection has been successful using an ultra-low dose of 0.1 mL SPIO injected intradermally in patients with breast cancer, and this study aims to assess the potential reduction of SPIO-related skin discoloration and breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) artifacts at 6 and 12 months after breast-conserving surgery using the ultra-low dose of SPIO.

The purpose of this study was to compare the incidence of and treatment methods for Achilles tendon ruptures (ATRs) in public and private healthcare in Finland between 1997 and 2019.

Genital gender-affirming surgery is a crucial yet often overlooked component of gender-affirming care for transgender individuals. Genital gender-affirming surgery is a rapidly evolving field, and it is not uncommon for surgeons - sometimes without prior experience in gender-affirming care - to encounter transgender individuals in clinical practice; hence, it is essential that all healthcare providers possess a foundational understanding of gender-affirming procedures and individual's needs.Research has shown that genital gender-affirming surgery significantly improves the quality of life for transgender individuals by aligning their physical characteristics with their gender identity. It can offer substantial satisfaction, both aesthetically and functionally. For transwomen, genital gender-affirming surgery enables them to wear underwear aligned with their gender identity, facilitates sexual function and the potential for vaginal intercourse. For transmen, it provides a more masculine appearance in the groin area, allows for penetrative intercourse with a reconstructed penis (neophallus), and in some cases enables urination while standing when combined with urethral lengthening.Today, a wide range of surgical options exists for both transwomen and transmen. Thorough preoperative counseling is essential when selecting the most appropriate reconstructive method. Advances in plastic, reconstructive, and microsurgery continue to expand these options, offering greater personalization and improved outcomes. While genital gender-affirming surgery is complex and often irreversible, individuals are generally highly satisfied with the results, particularly when they have realistic expectations prior to surgery.The aim of this narrative review is to provide an overview of genital gender-affirming surgery from a Nordic perspective. In the Nordic countries, gender-affirming care is highly centralized and integrated into publicly funded healthcare systems. The care programs across these countries share many similarities and are largely comparable in structure and approach.

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), either by surgical or chemical castration, is the standard treatment for metastatic prostate cancer (PCa). ADT induces osteoporosis and increases the risk of osteoporotic fractures, such as hip fractures. However, the effect of castration on overall survival (OS) after hip fracture is unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between ADT and OS among PCa patients with surgically treated low-energy hip fractures.

New transoral and minimally invasive techniques for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have emerged, warranting evaluation of their clinical efficacy and safety.

This study validates and assesses the reliability of the Swedish version of the BREAST-Q Reconstruction Module, a patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) designed to evaluate satisfaction and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) before and after breast reconstruction.

Antibiotics for computed tomography (CT)-confirmed uncomplicated acute appendicitis is a safe and feasible treatment alternative highlighting the importance of accurate pre-interventional differentiation between uncomplicated and complicated appendicitis. CT is the gold standard in assessing appendicitis severity. The aim of this study was to assess potential prognostic CT factors for complicated acute appendicitis.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is a standard bariatric surgical technique, associated with suboptimal response and recurrent weight gain in 25%-50% of cases. Single-anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy (SADI-S) is a simplification of duodenal switch with promising results. However, a comparison of the two techniques in a randomized clinical trial (RCT) has not yet been reported. This RCT aims to compare SADI-S and RYGB.

In patients with renal hyperparathyroidism the choice of surgery varies between total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation (TPTx + AT) and subtotal parathyroidectomy (SPT) with variable outcomes. The present study investigated the risk of extracervical recurrences in patients who underwent total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation for dialysis patients with renal hyperparathyroidism.

Splenic flexure cancer is relatively uncommon, accounting for less than 5% of all colorectal cancers with challenging surgical treatment because of their unique anatomic location, blood supply, and lymphatic drainage. The aim of this review was to evaluate the current landscape of surgical management of splenic flexure tumors splenic flexure tumors, assessing available evidence and highlighting areas for future research.

This narrative review examines gender-affirming healthcare in the Nordic countries, highlighting historical developments, legal frameworks, epidemiological trends, and current clinical practices. Transgender healthcare dates back to the early 20th century and gained international attention in the early 1950s following one of the first widely publicized gender-affirming surgeries performed in Denmark. Since then, care models have evolved, supported by policy, research, and clinical practice across Europe and North America.All Nordic countries, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, provide publicly funded gender-affirming healthcare, although service structures differ. Legal gender recognition has shifted toward self-identification in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and from July 2025, also Sweden by removing medical or psychiatric prerequisites.In parallel, epidemiological data reveal an increased healthcare utilization, particularly among youth assigned female at birth. Elevated rates of mental health challenges highlight the need for integrated psychosocial support. Clinical care typically follows a multidisciplinary model including psychiatric and medical assessment, hormone therapy, and surgery when indicated. Access to chest and genital surgery requires a formal diagnosis and is with few exceptions restricted to adults. Evidence supports the positive impact of gender-affirming treatment on gender congruence and health-related quality of life. Regret after gender-affirming surgery is rare but does occur, underscoring the importance of individualized care and thorough informed consent.Ongoing challenges include long wait times, unequal access for non-binary individuals, and a growing number of individuals seeking private or cross-border care. Future efforts should focus on expanding public services, strengthening research, and promoting equitable, evidence-based care that reflects the diversity of gender identities.

This narrative review provides an in-depth description of gender-affirming breast surgery within the context of publicly funded healthcare systems in the Nordic countries. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in collaboration with two information specialists, focusing on original research, reviews, and clinical guidelines published in English. The prevalence of transgender and non-binary individuals in the Nordic region ranges from 0.04% to 0.6%, depending on the country and study methodology. Gender-affirming treatment, including hormone therapy and surgical interventions such as breast augmentation and mastectomy, plays a critical role in reducing gender dysphoria and improving psychological well-being, with low rates of reported regret. Transfeminine individuals often pursue breast augmentation with implants or autologous fat grafting; procedures tailored to their unique anatomical considerations. These surgeries are associated with improved health-related quality of life and high levels of satisfaction. Surgical planning involves careful consideration of implant type, placement, and incision strategy. Transmasculine individuals commonly undergo chest masculinization, with techniques adapted to breast size, ptosis, skin quality, and individual goals. Both implant-based and mastectomy procedures are generally safe, though complications such as capsular contracture, hematoma, or wound healing disturbances may occur. Although regret is rare, it underscores the need for comprehensive assessment, informed consent, and mental health support throughout the transition process. Breast cancer screening guidelines remain inconsistent, with barriers to access due to legal gender markers and varying levels of provider knowledge While Nordic countries vary in their approaches, all aim to balance medical necessity, individual autonomy, and healthcare equity. Future priorities include refining surgical protocols, expanding research on long-term outcomes, and addressing systemic barriers to ensure inclusive, evidence-based care for all gender-diverse individuals.