VEGF family members are important factors in promoting angio- and lymphangiogenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate concentrations, diagnostic utility and power of VEGF-A, VEGF-C, VEGF-D and VEGFR-2 in comparison to CA15–3 in breast cancer (BC) patients. The study included 120 BC patients and 60 control patients (28 with benign breast tumors and 32 healthy women). Plasma levels of tested parameters were determined by ELISA, CA15–3 by CMIA. Concentrations of all parameters showed statistical significance when compared BC patients to controls. VEGF-D showed the highest SE (82.50%) in total BC group. Highest SP and PPV in total BC group showed VEGF-A(76.67%;84.78%,respectively), but lower than CA15–3. Highest NPV showed VEGF-C(52.33%), but it was lower than CA15–3. VEGF-C was also the best parameter which had statistically significant AUC in total cancer group (0.7672), but also stages I(0.7684) and II(0.7772). In the total group of BC almost all tested parameters showed statistically significant AUC, but a maximum range was obtained for the combination of VEGF-C + CA15–3(0.8476). The combined analysis of tested parameters and CA15–3 resulted in increase in SE and AUC values, which provides hope for developing a new panel of biomarkers that may be used in the diagnosis of BC in the future.

Loop ileostomy is commonly performed by colorectal and general surgeons to protect newly created large bowel anastomoses. The optimal timing for ileostomy closure remains debatable. Defining the timing associated with the best postoperative outcomes can significantly improve the clinical results for patients undergoing ileostomy closure. The LILEO study was a prospective multicenter cohort study conducted in Poland from October 2022 to December 2023. Full data analysis involved 159 patients from 19 surgical centers. Patients were categorized based on the timing of ileostomy reversal: early (6 months). Data on demographics, clinical characteristics, and perioperative outcomes were analyzed for each group separately and compared. No significant differences were observed in length of hospital stay (p = 0.22), overall postoperative complications (p = 0.43), or 30-day reoperation rates (p = 0.28) across the three groups. Additional analysis of Clavien–Dindo complication grades was performed and did not show significant differences in complication severity (p = 0.95), indicating that the timing of ileostomy closure does not significantly impact perioperative complications or hospital stay. Decisions on ileostomy reversal timing should be personalized and should consider individual clinical factors, including the type of adjuvant oncological treatment and the preventive measures performed for common postoperative complications.

Background and Objectives: The growing number of colorectal cancer patients has highlighted the importance of surgical education in colorectal surgery. Despite the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on surgical training, recent changes in the Polish surgical training program have increased the number of intestinal procedures required to be completed by residents. This study aims to assess the safety of ileostomy reversal procedures performed by surgical residents. Materials and Methods: A multicenter prospective cohort study, the LILEO study, was conducted from October 2022 until December 2023 across 20 Polish surgical departments. The study included 199 patients who underwent ileostomy reversal and were divided into two groups: 139 patients operated by specialist surgeons and 60 patients operated by surgical residents. The primary outcomes measured were postoperative complications, length of hospital stay (LOS), and 30-day reoperation rate. Secondary outcomes included the severity of perioperative complications assessed using the Clavien–Dindo classification and a focused analysis of loop ileostomy reversal outcomes. Results: The median LOS was significantly shorter in the resident group (5.5 days vs. 6 days, p < 0.05). Although the overall complication rate was lower in the resident group (21.7% vs. 33.1% in the specialist surgeon group), this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.105). The 30-day reoperation rate was 3.3% in the resident group and 8.6% in the specialist surgeon group (p = 0.179). In terms of severity, minor complications (Clavien–Dindo grades 1 and 2) were more common in the specialist group (p < 0.05). The analysis of loop ileostomy reversals revealed no significant differences in postoperative outcomes between the two groups. Conclusions: Ileostomy reversal procedures performed by surgical residents under supervision are safe and feasible, with outcomes comparable to those performed only by specialist surgeons. These findings support ileostomy reversal as a valuable procedure for developing surgical residents’ skills and do not negatively affect postoperative outcomes.