Background: Postoperative surgical adhesions constitute a major health burden internationally. A wide range of materials have been evaluated, but despite constructive efforts and the obvious necessity, there remains no specific barrier widely utilized to prevent postoperative adhesion formation. The aim of this study was to highlight and characterize materials used for prevention of postoperative surgical adhesions in both animal and human studies.Methods: A systematic review was performed of all original research articles presenting data related to the prevention of postoperative adhesions using a barrier agent. All available observational studies and randomized trials using animal models or human participants were included, with no restrictions related to type of surgery. PubMed and Embase databases were searched using key terms from inception to August 2019. Standardized data collection forms were used to extract details for each study and assess desirable characteristics of each barrier and success in animal and/or human studies.Results: A total of 185 articles were identified for inclusion in the review, with a total of 67 unique adhesion barrier agents (37 natural and 30 synthetic materials). Desirable barrier characteristics of an ideal barrier were identified on review of the literature. Ten barriers achieved the primary outcome of reducing the incidence of postoperative adhesions in animal studies followed with positive outputs in human participants. A further 48 materials had successful results from animal studies, but with no human study performed to date.Discussion: Multiple barriers showed promise in animal studies, with several progressing to success, and fulfilment of desirable qualities, in human trials. No barrier is currently utilized commonly worldwide, but potential barriers have been identified to reduce the burden of postoperative adhesions and associated sequelae.

Children with congenital heart disease are exposed to repeated medical imaging throughout their lifetime. Although the imaging contributes to their care and treatment, exposure to ionising radiation is known to increase one’s lifetime attributable risk of malignancy. A systematic search of multiple databases was performed. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to all relevant papers and seven were deemed acceptable for quality assessment and risk of bias assessment. The cumulative effective dose (CED) varied widely across the patient cohorts, ranging from 0.96 mSv to 53.5 mSv. However, it was evident across many of the included studies that a significant number of patients were exposed to a CED >20 mSv, the current annual occupational exposure limit. Many factors affected the dose which patients received, including age and clinical demographics. The imaging modality which contributed the most radiation dose to patients was cardiology interventional procedures. Paediatric patients with congenital heart disease are at an increased risk of receiving an elevated cumulative radiation dose across their lifetime. Further research should focus on identifying risk factors for receiving higher radiation doses, keeping track of doses, and dose optimisation where possible.

Post-embolisation syndrome (PES) is a prevalent complication that occurs in patients following uterine artery embolisation (UAE) for the treatment of uterine fibroids. The aetiology of PES remains incompletely understood, although postulated to result secondary to tissue infarction resulting in release of inflammatory mediators. We followed PRISMA guidelines and performed a systematic review of studies of PES following UAE from inception to October 2022. Our published protocol was prospectively registered. Our search yielded 54 results. We reviewed 22 full texts, and nine articles were included. Observational studies comprised 6/9 relevant studies, with 5/9 retrospective design. The rate of PES was documented in 5/8 studies (excluding case report) with a reported incidence ranging from 4–34.6%. Five of the nine studies studies postulated that the aetiological basis of PES is inflammatory related. Further research is necessary to advance our understanding of PES to define the biological basis of the syndrome with more certainty and gain a consensus on peri-procedure management to reduce incidence and improve patient outcomes.

The European Cystic Fibrosis Society-Clinical Trials Network (ECFS-CTN) herein proposes guidance for the use of chest CT-scans for the regular monitoring of lung disease in CF. Statements were completed in a 3-step process: the questions were identified via an anonymous online survey, followed by a comprehensive literature search, and a final Delphi process. The guidance recommends the use of ultra-low dose CT scans (effective radiation dose, 0.08 mSv; equivalent to 2 to 4 chest X-rays), tracking of patients' cumulative radiation and effective communication strategies using "de-medicalised" information for shared decision making. Chest CT scans (with lung volume monitoring) are not recommended systematically in both children and adults. Ultimate responsibility for justifying a chest CT scan lies with the individual professionals directly involved, the final decision being influenced by indications, costs, expertise, available material, resources and/or the patient's values, as well as possible impact on treatment modalities.

As weights among neonates can vary from 2.5 kg, weight-based Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRLs) specific to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are essential. Repeated radiation exposure to this sensitive patient group raises concerns regarding high cumulative radiation doses and the potential for long-term health detriment. This study aimed to establish weight-based DRLs for neonates undergoing mobile chest radiography (CXR) in the NICU. Neonates were classified into three discrete groups; 2500 g. Data were collected prospectively over three months; 95 DAP values were collected, and five were excluded due to poor technique, leaving 90 patients that met the inclusion criteria for mobile CXR in the NICU. Dose-area-product (DAP) in mGycm², the peak kilovoltage (kVp) and the product of tube current and exposure time (mAs) were retrieved from the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS). Images and radiological reports were also analysed to confirm diagnostic image quality (IQ). Local DRLs (LDRLs) were derived using the median DAP, and national DRLs were suggested using the 3rd quartile value. The proposed LDRLs for neonates weighing 2500 g it was 6.6 mGycm². The radiation dose received by the 90 (100%) neonates included in the study fell below 11.4 mGycm²; of these, 82% of the DAP values fell below the study institution's existing LDRL of 7.25 mGycm². Weight-based DRLs provide crucial information on doses to this specific radiation-sensitive group. This work recommends using weight-based categories for DRLs and serves as a benchmark for neonatal CXR standardisation and optimisation. The proposed weight-based DRLs can be adopted for neonates' locally, nationally and internationally.

Medical radiation exposure is of increasing concern in patients with cystic fibrosis (PWCF) due to improving life expectancy. We aimed to assess and quantify the cumulative effective dose (CED) in PWCF in the context of CFTR-modulator therapy and the advancement of dose reduction techniques. We performed a retrospective observational study in a single University CF centre over a 11-year period. We included PWCF, aged over 18 years who exclusively attended our institution. Relevant clinical data (demographics, transplantation history and modulator status) and radiological data (modality, quantity, and radiation exposure measured as CED) were collected. For those on modulator therapy the quantified imaging and radiation data was dichotomised into pre-and-post therapy periods. The study included 181 patients: 139 on CFTR modulator therapy, 15 transplant recipients and 27 with neither exposure. 82% of patients received <25 mSv over the study period. Mean study duration was 6.9 ± 2.6 years pre-modulation and 4.2 ± 2.6 years post-modulation. Pre-modulation CT contributed 9.6% of total chest imaging (n = 139/1453) and 70.9% of the total CED. Post-modulation CT use increased contributing 42.7% of chest imaging (n = 444/1039) and comprised 75.8% of CED. Annual CED was 1.55 mSv pre and 1.36 mSv post modulation (p = 0.41). Transplant recipients had an annual CED of 64 ± 36.1mSv. Chest CT utilisation for PWCF is rising in our institution, replacing chest radiography amidst CFTR-modulation. Despite the increasing use of CT, no significant radiation dose penalty was observed with a reduction in mean annual CED, primarily due to the influence of CT dose reduction strategies.