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Owen Dent

Publications and source records attributed to Owen Dent.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

Survival of glioblastoma patients related to presenting symptoms, brain site and treatment variables.

This retrospective study of 133 patients with glioblastoma multiforme evaluates survival times post-radiation in patients stratified in respect to age, presenting symptoms, tumour location, extent of surgery, and radiation dose delivered. Presenting features were coded as seizure, loss of consciousness, headache, speech or visual disturbance, weakness and confusion, as were tumour sites within the brain. Other parameters assessed included side of brain, age, extent of surgery and radiation dose. Statistical evaluation was undertaken by univariate and multivariate analyses to identify factors leading to enhanced survival. The median survival post-radiation was 10 months. A trend to improved early survival was demonstrated in patients presenting with acute and debilitating symptoms. The data presented reveals improved outcomes for patients younger than 60 years, particularly if radical surgery is undertaken with higher dose radiation. It is postulated that patients presenting with acute signs and symptoms are investigated earlier and are referred more promptly for treatment.

Adult↗

Elective resection and anastomosis for colorectal cancer: a prospective audit of mortality and morbidity 1976-1998.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this paper is to audit the morbidity and mortality for colorectal cancer after open elective resection and anastomosis by a single colorectal surgeon (MK), with reference to any differences between intraperitoneal (IPA) and extra-peritoneal anastomoses (EPA). METHODS: The prospective documentation of postoperative complications was compiled by the surgeon, charge nurses and a research assistant (PB). The operations were performed in three hospitals between 1976 and 1998. RESULTS: Some 1392 consecutive patients were treated electively by 1418 resections with anastomosis. There were 23 postoperative deaths (1.6%). Significant adverse events, which were potentially avoidable, occurred in 10 (43.5%) of the patients who died. The morbidity rate was 41.6%. Clinical anastomotic leaks occurred more frequently in EPA (27/581, 4.7%) than in IPA (2/827, 0.2%; P < 0.0001). Anastomotic leak caused the death of two patients (0.14%).Routine prophylactic anticoagulation did not decrease the incidence of pulmonary embolism. Significant thrombophlebitis at the intravenous cannula site occurred in 54 patients (3.8%), wound infection in 29 (2.1%), and postural peripheral nerve injury in the upper limbs occurred in 11 patients (0.8%). Thirty-eight patients (2.7%) were returned to the operating theatre for 42 unscheduled operations. CONCLUSION: Mortality associated with elective resection of colorectal cancer with anastomosis is principally related to age, cardio-vascular disease and avoidable adverse events. A wide range of complications may follow this type of surgery, especially after extra peritoneal operations. A classification of anastomotic leaks is suggested to assist in comparisons of this complication which remains a significant concern following extra peritoneal anastomoses.

Adult↗