Blood transfusions and prognosis in colorectal cancer
Article Abstract:
Giving colorectal cancer patients autologous blood transfusions during and after surgery may not eliminate the adverse effect of blood transfusions on prognosis. Autologous blood is blood that patients donate for their own use. Several studies have found that blood transfusions often reduce survival and increase cancer recurrences in colorectal cancer patients. Of 423 colorectal patients who were treated surgically, 207 donated autologous blood and 216 were assigned to the group that would receive blood from an unrelated donor (allogeneic transfusion). Overall, 143 patients did not require transfusion and 280 did require transfusion. Four years after surgery, survival rates were significantly worse in those who received a blood transfusion. There was no difference in survival rates between those who received an autologous transfusion and those who received an allogeneic transfusion.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1993
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Comparison of conventional anterior surgery and laparoscopic surgery for inguinal-hernia repair
Article Abstract:
Laparoscopic surgery for inguinal hernia results in faster recovery and fewer complications than traditional open surgery. Physicians treated 487 patients with inguinal hernia with laparoscopic surgery and 507 similar patients with traditional open surgery. Patients in the laparoscopic surgery group recovered more quickly and returned to work and daily activities sooner compared to those in the open surgery group. Fewer patients receiving laparoscopic surgery had complications and all occurred in the year after surgery.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1997
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A comparison of suture repair with mesh repair for incisional hernia
Article Abstract:
Repairing an incisional hernia with polypropylene mesh is more effective then sutures, according to a study of 154 patients. An incisional hernia is a complication of abdominal surgery that occurs when part of the intestine protrudes through the incision.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 2000
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