2026

Part 1: Small Bowel Capsule Endoscopy (2026)

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Type of publication:

Service improvement case study

Author(s):

*Giorgia Paparella

Citation:

SaTH Improvement Hub, February 2026

SMART Aim:

To increase the percentage of patients meeting the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) recommendations for adequate mucosal visualisation (≥ 95%) by 10% by June 2026.

Link to PDF poster

QIP: Investigations in pneumonia (2026)

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Type of publication:

Service improvement case study

Author(s):

*Dr Owen Meurig Jones, *Dr Nicola Rowe.

Citation:

SaTH Improvement Hub, January 2026

SMART Aim:

To improve investigation and follow-up in community-acquired pneumonia, including the proportion having requests for follow-up Chest X-rays and the proportion having a HIV test performed.

Link to PDF poster

Ward 25 LOS (2026)

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Type of publication:

Service improvement case study

Author(s):

*Shelbey Fenton-Cook

Citation:

SaTH Improvement Hub, January 2026

SMART Aim:

Sustain the following for a period of 90 days from ward opening 22nd December 2025 – LOS: 72 hours post acute intervention, Pre 12:00 discharges: 35%, Pre 17:00 discharges: 80%,
PW0 discharges: 75%

Link to PDF poster

Ward 25 pre 12:00/17:00 discharges (2026)

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Type of publication:

Service improvement case study

Author(s):

*Shelbey Fenton-Cook

Citation:

SaTH Improvement Hub, January 2026

SMART Aim:

Sustain the following for a period of 90 days from ward opening 22nd December 2025 – LOS: 72 hours post acute intervention, Pre 12:00 discharges: 35%, Pre 17:00 discharges: 80%, PW0 discharges: 75%

Link to PDF poster

Ward 25 PW0 Discharges (2026)

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Type of publication:

Service improvement case study

Author(s):

*Shelbey Fenton-Cook

Citation:

SaTH Improvement Hub, January 2026

SMART Aim:

Sustain the following for a period of 90 days from ward opening 22nd December 2025 – LOS: 72 hours post acute intervention, Pre 12:00 discharges: 35%, Pre 17:00 discharges: 80%, PW0 discharges: 75%

Link to PDF poster

A Prospective Study of the Operative Treatment of Clavicular Fractures (2026)

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Type of publication:

Journal article

Author(s):

Bhakar, Ranj; Chakrapani, Arjun S; Shaik, Arfaz; Alexander, Aaron; Murugesan, Thivagar; Anbazhagan, Prasanna Kumar; Ghent, Dan.

Citation:

Cureus. 18(1):e102481, 2026 Jan.

Abstract:

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the functional and radiological outcomes associated with the operative management of displaced midshaft clavicular fractures using pre-contoured locking compression plates (LCPs), specifically in cases that met surgical indications such as fracture displacement, shortening, or comminution. Methodology In this prospective study, 30 adult patients with displaced midshaft or lateral clavicular fractures underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with pre-contoured LCPs at a tertiary care center. Patients were followed clinically for six months postoperatively. Functional outcomes were assessed using the Constant-Murley Score (CMS), and radiological union was evaluated through serial radiographs. Data were analyzed using SPSS Statistics version 25.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY), and results were reported as mean +/- standard deviation (SD). Results The mean age of the patients was 36.4 +/- 10.2 years, with 21 patients (70%) being male. The mean time to radiographic union was 12.8 +/- 2.3 weeks. At the final follow-up, the mean Constant-Murley Score (CMS) was 91.2 +/- 6.4, with 24 patients (80%) demonstrating excellent shoulder function. Complications were limited to two patients (6.7%), while three patients (10%) experienced superficial infections or implant-related irritation. There were no observed cases of nonunion or implant failure. Conclusions Operative fixation of displaced clavicular fractures using pre-contoured LCPs provides stable fixation, facilitates early mobilization, and results in excellent functional recovery with minimal complications. Surgical management may be considered in active adults with displaced fractures to help optimize outcomes.

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.102481

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Robotic hysterectomy: an umbrella review and regional access in the Midlands, UK - Is there inequity? (2026)

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Type of publication:

Journal article

Author(s):

Saoudi, Tareq Al; Kanani, Trisha; McGill, Shaun; Isherwood, John; Fan, Frankie; Brown, Luke; Williams, Philippa; Sahare, Pankhuri; Sisodia, Shilpa; McVicar, Kathryn; Lacey, Patricia; Elleray, Rebecca; *Cheetham, Mark; Habiba, Marwan; Orrock, Emma; Wilson, Robert; Dennison, Ashley.

Citation:

European Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology, & Reproductive Biology. 321:115041, 2026 Feb 28.

Abstract:

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To review current evidence on robotic-assisted hysterectomy (RAH) and assess hysterectomy practices across the Midlands, UK, with a focus on the availability of robotic procedures, geographical variations in the incidence of uterine cancer, and service provision.

DESIGN: An umbrella review conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines combined with a descriptive regional data analysis.

SETTING: Midlands, UK.

PATIENTS: Women undergoing hysterectomy for uterine cancer between 2019 and 2023, based on national and regional datasets.

INTERVENTION: Comparison of RAH with open and laparoscopic approaches, and assessment of access to robotic surgery across integrated care boards (ICBs) in the Midlands.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The final analysis included 12 systematic reviews. Compared with open hysterectomy, RAH was associated with reduced blood loss, lower transfusion rate, shorter hospital stay, and lower complication rates, while benefits over laparoscopic hysterectomy were less consistent. Descriptive regional analysis demonstrated substantial variation in uterine cancer incidence and hysterectomy rates across ICBs in the Midlands. Visual comparison suggested that areas with a higher
incidence of uterine cancer did not align consistently with higher rates of RAH, and access to robotic surgery varied across the region, with some ICBs having no local provision.

CONCLUSION: The continued expansion of RAH in the UK highlights the need for coordinated governance and service planning. Observed regional variation supports the development of clear referral pathways, standardized patient selection criteria, and regional oversight to guide equitable and effective integration of robotic surgery, particularly in areas with limited local provision.

DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2026.115041