The objective of this meta-analysis was to present transparent data on the morphology of the pituitary gland (PG) using the available data in the literature. The main online medical databases, such as PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science, were searched to gather all relevant studies regarding PG morphology. The mean overall volume of the PG was found to be 597.23 mm³ (SE = 28.81). The mean overall height of the PG was established to be 5.64 mm (SE = 0.11). The mean overall length of the PG was found to be 9.98 mm (SE = 0.26). In the present study, the PG’s overall morphology and morphometric features were analyzed. Our results showed that, on average, females from Asia have the highest volume of PG (706.69 mm³), and males from Europe have the lowest (456.42 mm³). These values are crucial to be aware of because they represent the normal average properties of the PG, which may be used as reference points when trying to diagnose potential pathologies of this gland. Furthermore, the present study’s results prove how the PG’s size decreases with age. The results of the present study may be helpful for physicians, especially surgeons, performing procedures on the PG.

Introduction: Meckel’s diverticulum (MD) is the most common congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract, resulting from incomplete involution of the vitelline duct during the fifth to seventh week of gestation. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, anatomical features, clinical manifestations, and heterotopic tissue of MD through a comprehensive meta-analysis of studies reporting on this anomaly. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, SciELO, BIOSIS, Current Contents Connect, and the Korean Journal Database was conducted up to March 2024 following PRISMA guidelines. Original studies with extractable data on Meckel’s diverticulum were included, while case reports, reviews, and studies with incomplete data were excluded. Outcomes included prevalence, anatomical features, clinical manifestations, complications, and postoperative outcomes. The study quality was assessed using CATAM and AQUA tools. Results: The results of the present meta-analysis comprised 172 studies. The pooled prevalence of MD was 1.56% (95% CI: 0.98–2.28%). Nausea and vomiting were the most frequent symptoms in the pediatric group, with an incidence of 52.34% (95% CI: 38.59–65.92%). In adults, wound infections or dehiscence or anastomotic leakage were the most common postoperative outcomes, with a pooled prevalence of 6.20% (95% CI: 4.02–8.79%). Conclusions: This systematic review and meta-analysis provide a comprehensive quantitative synthesis of MD characteristics. Symptomatic cases most frequently presented with intestinal obstruction, diverticulitis, and bleeding, each showing distinct age-related trends. Ectopic gastric mucosa was identified in over 40% of pediatric MD. Postoperative outcomes were generally favorable, particularly in elective settings, with low rates of morbidity and mortality. It is hoped that the findings of this study will aid clinicians in diagnosing, risk-stratifying, and managing patients with MD, particularly in guiding surgical decisions for incidentally discovered cases.

Introduction: Frailty syndrome is an increasingly recognized condition that affects a considerable proportion of elderly patients, particularly those undergoing major surgeries. In this meta-analysis, we aimed to systematically review and pool data from cohort studies to assess the effect of frailty on the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. Methods: Major online medical databases such as PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched to gather all studies on the clinical outcomes of patients with frailty syndrome who underwent esophagectomy due to esophageal cancer. The study included articles published up to March 2026. Finally, 15 articles matched the required criteria and were included in this meta-analysis. Results: The pooled odds ratio for surgery-related mortality in patients with frailty syndrome and esophageal cancer undergoing esophagectomy has been established at 4.03 (Lower Limit: 2.20; Upper Limit: 7.38; p-value < 0.05). The pooled odds ratio for surgery-related postoperative pneumonia in patients with frailty syndrome and esophageal cancer undergoing esophagectomy has been established at 1.86 (Lower Limit: 1.16; Upper Limit: 2.98; p-value < 0.05). The pooled odds ratio for surgery-related postoperative cardiac complications in patients with frailty syndrome and esophageal cancer undergoing esophagectomy has been established at 1.73 (Lower Limit: 1.54; Upper Limit: 1.94; p-value < 0.05). Conclusions: Frailty is a powerful predictor of mortality in patients undergoing esophagectomy, with frail individuals facing nearly four times higher odds of death. This underscores the urgent need to integrate frailty assessments into standard preoperative screening to enhance risk stratification and optimize perioperative decision-making. A multidisciplinary approach is essential to improving resilience, recovery, and long-term survival in frail esophageal cancer patients. Future large-scale prospective trials should focus on standardizing assessment tools and evaluating the lasting impact of tailored interventions to ultimately enhance patient outcomes.

Komunikacja interpersonalna w lecznictwie jest bardzo ważnym tematem, wymagającym trwałego rozwoju i dokształcania lekarzy ochrony zdrowia. Artykuł jest raportem z badania, którego celem było poznanie opinii studentów kierunku lekarskiego z polskich uczelni akademickich na ten temat. W badaniu wzięło udział 56 studentek i 38 studentów, którzy odpowiadali na pytania dotyczące: technik komunikacyjnych w relacji lekarz – pacjent, protokołów przekazania niepomyślnej informacji, obaw związanych z kontaktem z danym pacjentem, barier komunikacyjnych, wpływu pandemii COVID-19 na komunikację interpersonalną, oddziałów, z którymi są wiązane największe problemy komunikacyjne, użyteczności zajęć fakultatywnych podczas kształcenia studentów na kierunku lekarskim. Wnioski zostały przedstawione w dyskusji, wraz z możliwościami rozwiązania potencjalnych problemów komunikacyjnych w relacji pacjent – lekarz.