With the end of October, the breast cancer campaign has proven to be one of the best-run and most successful health campaigns of all time. Soft drinks, clothing, walks, runs, almost every commodity and activity bought and sold over the course of the month was pink ( even lemonade!) - drawing attention to the important killer that is breast cancer. I wonder aloud if similar campaigns would ….perhaps should be launched for lung cancer. It quietly remains the number one cause of cancer deaths in the United States. It might benefit from a colored ribbon and some attention too.

What are the causes of enterocutaneous fistula (ECF) ?

What are the phases of management for ECF ?

What are the treatment options for popliteal artery aneurysm management?

Describe the various types of endoleaks.

What are the tenets of  the management of closed head injury and intracranial hemorrhage?

What is the incidence of hematoma formation in breast surgery?

What are the contraindications to breast conservation therapy in breast cancer?

What are the recommendations for anticoagulation in chronic atrial fibrillation?

What is the annual risk of embolic events in patients with atrial fibrillation?

Describe the technique for brachial artery embolectomy?

On the surgical clinical services, we have in the past routinely and religiously used beta blockers on the assumption that they promote improved clinical outcomes. There is growing evidence that they do not improve clinical outcomes in non cardiac surgery in patients not previously on them. This has obviously come as a shock to many surgery residents who were often berated as juniors for not having prescribed metoprolol to a patient postoperatively.

Read the meta analyses below and have an opinion. You need to have one. And if you feel strongly enough about it - go ahead and post it on the blog.

Bangalore S, Wetterslev J, Pranesh S, et al. Perioperative beta blockade in patients having non-cardiac surgery: a meta-analysis. Lancet 2008; DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(08)61560-3. Available at: http://www.thelancet.com.
Boersma and Poldermans. Beta blockers in non-cardiac surgery: haemodynamic data needed. Lancet 2008; DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(08)61623-2. Available at: http://www.thelancet.com.

What are the recommendations for anticoagulation in chronic atrial fibrillation?

What is the annual risk of embolic events in patients with atrial fibrillation?

Describe the technique for brachial artery embolectomy?