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ISSUE INFORMATION
EDITORIALS
Surgical selection and Goodhart's law: have we got it right?
- Pages: 642-643
- First Published: 18 April 2022
Innovative and accessible multidisciplinary care is needed to improve diabetes-related foot disease outcomes in Australia and New Zealand
- Pages: 644-645
- First Published: 18 April 2022
PERSPECTIVES
Value-based care in surgery: implications in crisis and beyond
- Pages: 646-648
- First Published: 18 April 2022
Addressing ergonomic, skill acquisition and mentoring constraints that may be contributory to gender disparity in surgery: a ‘value add’ for robotics?
- Pages: 649-650
- First Published: 18 April 2022
SPECIAL ARTICLE
The appendix-mucosal immunity and tolerance in the gut: consequences for the syndromes of appendicitis and its epidemiology
- Pages: 653-660
- First Published: 13 February 2022
REVIEW ARTICLES
The effect of perioperative blood transfusion thresholds on patient outcomes in orthopaedic surgery: a literature review
- Pages: 661-665
- First Published: 18 February 2022
Re-fractures of the paediatric radius and/or ulna: A systematic review
- Pages: 666-673
- First Published: 22 September 2021
Optimal screw length in volar locking plate osteosynthesis for distal radius fractures: a systematic review
- Pages: 674-684
- First Published: 25 November 2021

This systematic review determines and presents evidence that unicortical locking fixation in distal radius fractures at least 75% of the depth of the distal radius or 2 mm short of the distal cortex, provides equivalent stability to bi-cortical fixation. Certain fluoroscopic images are recommended to confirm if penetration of the dorsal cortex has occurred to lower complication rates.
The surgical management of spinal disorders in lysosomal storage diseases: a systematic review
- Pages: 685-690
- First Published: 04 January 2022
Metastatic giant cell tumour of bone: a narrative review of management options and approaches
- Pages: 691-696
- First Published: 10 February 2022
GENERAL SURGERY
How do New Zealand-trained general surgeons secure a SMO job? Are we effectively retaining our trainees?
- Pages: 697-702
- First Published: 02 December 2021
Individualised, targeted step count intervention following gastrointestinal cancer surgery: The Fit-4-Home randomised clinical trial
- Pages: 703-711
- First Published: 22 September 2021
The impact of acute surgical unit rostering on National Emergency Access Targets during the COVID-19 pandemic: a single hospital experience
- Pages: 712-717
- First Published: 18 January 2022

This study determined that after restructuring our surgical department to an ASU roster during mid-COVID-19, our National Emergency Access Target (NEAT) times improved, but not enough to meet national standards and there was no change in patient outcomes. Our results again indicate that any significant change to services requires a coordinated hospital-wide approach, as well as highlight whether achieving NEAT times is actually feasible and safe.
Trends in publication of general surgery research in Australia, 2000–2020
- Pages: 718-722
- First Published: 26 February 2022

The significance of evidence-based surgery has resulted in a shift towards producing high-quality surgical research. This study demonstrates there is a trend towards increased quantity, quality and diversity in Australian general surgery publications, which is indicative of the progression and importance of robust modern surgical research.
VASCULAR SURGERY
Pressure relieving interventions for the management of diabetes-related foot ulcers: a study from the Northern Territory of Australia
- Pages: 723-729
- First Published: 18 January 2022

Offloading was an effective intervention for the management of diabetes-related foot ulcer (DFU), despite the unique nature of the NT population and the distinctive challenges in our geographical area. In line with the IWGDF guidelines, a non-removable knee-high offloading device was the most effective in healing DFU, which in our study was the total contact cast.
Has EVAR changed the outcomes of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms? A decades worth of experience in an Australian Teaching Hospital
- Pages: 730-735
- First Published: 15 February 2022
PAEDIATRIC SURGERY
Impact of COVID-19 on appendicitis presentations in children in Australia and New Zealand
- Pages: 736-741
- First Published: 13 March 2022

A secondary effect of the COVID-19 pandemic in some countries has been delayed presentation to hospital with other emergent conditions. We reviewed presentations of paediatric appendicitis early in the COVID-19 pandemic in comparison to previous years in Australia and New Zealand. During 2020, we did not demonstrate prolonged duration of symptoms prior to presentation or increase in other markers of disease severity.
Paediatric appendiceal neuroendocrine tumours: a review of 33 cases from a single center
- Pages: 742-746
- First Published: 18 October 2021
Hyponatremia an indicator of complicated appendicitis in children: Starship experience
- Pages: 747-752
- First Published: 19 December 2021
Variation in burn wound management approaches for paediatric burn patients in Australia and New Zealand
- Pages: 753-758
- First Published: 17 January 2022

We performed a retrospective review of all paediatric patients (ages <16 years) who sustained a burn injury between July 2016 and June 2019 and underwent a burn wound management procedure in theatre, using data from the Burns Registry of Australia New Zealand. Differences in the patient profile and clinical practices were observed among burn services, particularly with regard to time from injury to admission and the proportion of patients who received skin grafts. Further research into best practice around paediatric burn wound management procedures in theatre is essential for greater consistency in treatment. A greater understanding of the factors underlying the variations at each particular service will also be helpful.
UPPER GUT
Transgastric laparoendoscopic approach to tumours of the stomach
- Pages: 759-763
- First Published: 26 October 2021
Failed fundoplication with delayed gastric emptying: efficacy of subtotal gastrectomy
- Pages: 764-768
- First Published: 06 January 2022
HEPATOPANCREATICOBILIARY SURGERY
Impact of establishing a specialized hepatobiliary unit on liver resections in a non-specialized tertiary centre in regional Australia
- Pages: 769-773
- First Published: 24 November 2021

Outcomes after elective liver resection were compared before and after establishment of a dedicated hepatobiliary unit, in a regional centre where such procedures were previously performed by non-specialist general surgeons. We found that a centralised, subspecialty unit resulted in increased surgical volume and case complexity, with no change in early outcomes after liver resection. This unit improved the accessibility of a subspecialty service in regional Australia.
Clinical utility of stimulated cholescintigraphy using a standardized Ensure-Plus fatty meal protocol in patients with suspected functional gallbladder disorder: a retrospective study of seven-years clinical experience
- Pages: 774-780
- First Published: 30 November 2021

Retrospective study assessing 173 patients that underwent Ensure-plus stimulated cholescintigraphy for functional gallbladder disorder. We found this imaging investigation offers important supportive value to the clinical decision making process, in particular, identifying patients who can benefit from cholecystectomy.
Pre-operative predictive factors for gangrenous cholecystitis at an Australian quaternary cardiothoracic centre
- Pages: 781-786
- First Published: 13 December 2021

Our article looks at pre-operative predictive factors to allow for earlier recognition and diagnosis of gangrenous cholecystitis, to guide prompt surgical intervention. Our study was performed at a large quaternary centre with a large number of patients with pre-existing medical comorbidities. Our study is one of the largest to date, confirmed findings from other literature and identified a number of novel findings.
Management and outcomes of patients for non-functioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours: a multi-institutional analysis
- Pages: 787-793
- First Published: 01 November 2021

This study aimed to analyzed the short- and long-term outcomes of patients who underwent surgical resection for non-functioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (NF-PNETs) to gain insights into potential strategies for this rare and heterogeneous entity. We found that positive lymph nodes, vascular/peripheral invasion and pathology grade G3 were related to recurrence of NF-PNETs. Lymph node resection is recommend when FNA biopsy indicates pathology grade G3 for patients with NF-PNETs.
COLORECTAL SURGERY
PCR-based quantitative detection of intraperitoneal free cancer cells for predicting locoregional recurrence after rectal cancer resection
- Pages: 794-800
- First Published: 11 January 2022

Peritoneal lavage fluid of consecutive 95 patients with Stage I–III CRC were analyzed. Overall and in rectal cancer patients, the 3-year cumulative risk of locoregional recurrence was significantly higher than PCR- patients (1.3% and 0%, P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively). Intraperitoneal free cancer cells can serve as a sensitive predictor of locoregional recurrence after rectal cancer resection.
The management of asymptomatic radiological anastomotic leakage following anterior resection
- Pages: 801-805
- First Published: 06 January 2022
Surgical management and long-term functional outcomes after anastomotic leak in patients undergoing minimally invasive restorative rectal resection and without a diverting ileostomy
- Pages: 806-812
- First Published: 24 January 2022

A minimally invasive approach to low pelvic colorectal resections without diversion may lead to early detection of anastomotic leak and an opportunity for earlier, often minimally invasive, intervention with low morbidity and mortality. Subsequent long-term quality of life (QoL) and functional outcomes are more dependent on the extent of resection rather than the occurrence of anastomotic leak.
Drain fluid amylase as a biomarker for the detection of anastomotic leakage after rectal resection without a diverting ileostomy
- Pages: 813-818
- First Published: 06 January 2022
ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY
Informed consent: perceptions and practice of orthopaedic trainees
- Pages: 819-824
- First Published: 04 February 2022
The purpose of informed consent is to provide the patient with adequate information about a proposed plan or intervention, including the benefits and risks, so that they can make an informed decision about their medical treatment. The aim of this study was to determine the extent Australian orthopaedic surgical trainees have been exposed to education about the informed consent, their perceived ability to obtain consent effectively, and the frequency with which they routinely address essential elements of the process when consenting patients.
Mobile data security: instant messaging in orthopaedics
- Pages: 825-829
- First Published: 22 February 2022
A 2-year prospective clinical and bone density evaluation, with a subset undergoing radiostereometric analysis, using the Absolut cemented stem
- Pages: 830-836
- First Published: 02 February 2022

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is common though the investigation of new prostheses requires a practical, step-wise introduction. In the current study, the Absolut cemented prosthesis, a highly polished, double tapered, collarless femoral stem (Absolut), demonstrated good outcomes, periprosthetic bone mineral density changes consistent with sound prosthesis integration and patterns of post-operative micromotion observed in other successful cemented stems.
Patient-reported outcomes of a short hospital stay after total knee replacement in a regional public hospital: a prospective cohort treated 2018–2019
- Pages: 837-842
- First Published: 20 February 2022
NEUROSURGERY
Evaluation of readability and reliability of online patient information for intracranial aneurysms
- Pages: 843-847
- First Published: 29 December 2021

This research was completed to investigate the readability and reliability of online information about intracranial aneurysms that patients will encounter. Overall, the readability and reliability of online information on this topic was poor. Interestingly, there was a statistically significant difference in readability depending on search terms used, with the search term 'brain aneurysm' providing better readability than 'intracranial aneurysm.'
Characterization of volumetric growth of intracranial meningiomas in Māori and Pasifika populations in New Zealand
- Pages: 848-855
- First Published: 28 February 2022
HOW TO DO IT
How to isolate and manage a colo-atmospheric fistula in a wound requiring negative pressure dressing: a novel technique using a plastic syringe
- Pages: 856-858
- First Published: 07 March 2022
IMAGES FOR SURGEONS
Multimodal treatment of refractory haemorrhage from haemosuccus pancreaticus
- Pages: 859-861
- First Published: 06 August 2021
Case report: Acute calcific tendonitis of flexor hallucis brevis
- Pages: 862-864
- First Published: 09 August 2021
Post-surgical pyoderma gangrenosum as a cause of unexplained wound breakdown
- Pages: 865-867
- First Published: 08 August 2021
How to do hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy for thoracic pseudomyxoma peritonei
- Pages: 868-869
- First Published: 16 August 2021
Surgical treatment of colonic intramural haematoma secondary to penetrating trauma
- Pages: 870-871
- First Published: 10 August 2021
Obturator internus abscess in adults: A broad approach to diagnosis
- Pages: 872-873
- First Published: 18 August 2021
Arantius sign: A rare radiographic sign of ligamentum venosum
- Pages: 874-876
- First Published: 10 September 2021
Posterior arm flap for axillary coverage in the setting of bifid axillary vein resection
- Pages: 877-879
- First Published: 16 August 2021
Total scalp avulsion: Practical tips for successful replantation
- Pages: 880-881
- First Published: 18 August 2021
Sigmoid mesenteric cyst of urogenital origin: A rare cause of bilateral hydroureter
- Pages: 884-886
- First Published: 16 August 2021
A ruptured 200-mm primary hepatic angiosarcoma: A case report
- Pages: 889-891
- First Published: 02 September 2021
More than just a tickle in the throat, a giant oesophageal lipoma
- Pages: 892-893
- First Published: 30 August 2021
Atraumatic splenic rupture secondary to complicated diverticulitis with pelvic abscess
- Pages: 894-896
- First Published: 02 September 2021
Unusual abdominal pain: A mesenteric plexiform neurofibroma
- Pages: 900-901
- First Published: 02 September 2021
Mesh migration mimicking sigmoid diverticulitis
- Pages: 902-903
- First Published: 03 September 2021
Ruptured gastroduodenal artery pseudoaneurysm presenting as haematemesis 4 months post lumen-apposing metallic stent removal
- Pages: 904-905
- First Published: 04 October 2021
Gastric antrum stenosis caused by accidental ingestion of concentrated hydrogen peroxide
- Pages: 906-907
- First Published: 20 September 2021
A giant retroperitoneal simple mesothelial cyst
- Pages: 908-909
- First Published: 04 September 2021
Strangulated obturator hernia with ischaemic and perforated small bowel
- Pages: 910-911
- First Published: 19 September 2021
Laparoscopic repair of coccygeal hernia with biological mesh following partial coccygectomy
- Pages: 912-914
- First Published: 23 September 2021
Spontaneous rare visceral pseudoaneurysm presenting with rupture after COVID-19 vaccination
- Pages: 915-917
- First Published: 04 September 2021
Extrahepatic portal vein aneurysm identification during cholecystectomy
- Pages: 921-922
- First Published: 24 September 2021
Surgery is like a box of chocolate. You never know what you're gonna get: a fibrous calcified pelvic mass
- Pages: 923-924
- First Published: 23 September 2021
Treatment of internal hernia through broad ligament by division of round ligament of uterus: a case report
- Pages: 925-926
- First Published: 22 September 2021
Peritoneal defect causing small bowel obstruction following laparoscopic extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair
- Pages: 927-928
- First Published: 22 September 2021
Emergency thoracic endovascular aortic repair and thoracotomy for evacuation of tension haemothorax secondary to erosive paravertebral abscess
- Pages: 929-931
- First Published: 23 September 2021
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Re: Smartphone-controlled patch electro-acupuncture versus conventional pain relief during colonoscopy: a randomized controlled trial
- Page: 932
- First Published: 18 April 2022
Re: Hepatobiliary tuberculosis: a notorious mimic to be considered within the differential
- Page: 933
- First Published: 18 April 2022
Re: Tuberculosis, still the great mimicker: a rare case of disseminated tuberculosis masquerading as appendiceal cancer with peritoneal carcinomatosis
- Page: 934
- First Published: 18 April 2022
Uvular necrosis: a rare complication of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy
- Page: 935
- First Published: 18 April 2022