Medical Editor
Dr. Lars van Dijk, PhD
Surgical, Procedural & Diagnostic — Device/procedure evidence, surgical-outcome methodology, imaging endpoints.
Dr. Lars van Dijk is an independent medical writer based in Amsterdam with over 8+ years of experience specializing in Surgical, Procedural & Diagnostic research. He holds a PhD in Epidemiology from Utrecht University and a Master's degree in Health Economics from Erasmus University Rotterdam. He also holds certification in health technology assessment (HTA) methodologies and advanced evidence synthesis frameworks.
Lars focuses on generating evidence narratives for device, procedural, and imaging-based research, including orthopedic and sports medicine outcomes, ophthalmology, ENT, urology, radiology, emergency medicine, and diagnostic accuracy studies. His work emphasizes surgical outcomes research, comparative effectiveness, and imaging-based endpoints.
Before becoming a freelance writer, Lars worked as an HEOR consultant at a leading European consultancy, supporting cross-market access and evidence generation strategies for medical devices and diagnostic technologies. He is fluent in Dutch, English, and German.
Articles in this group — last 14 days
CorPath GRX robotic system achieves 87% technical success rate in cerebral aneurysm procedures
Robotic systems show success in treating brain aneurysms
This meta-analysis of single-arm studies evaluates the CorPath GRX robotic system for cerebral aneurysm embolization and diagnostic angiogra…
A robotic system shows a high technical success rate for treating brain aneurysms, though more large-scale studies are needed to confirm its…
Lifestyle modifications significantly reduce intrapancreatic fat deposition across 23 studies
Lifestyle Changes Help Reduce Fat Build Up in the Pancreas
This meta-analysis of 23 studies indicates that lifestyle interventions, including diet and exercise, significantly reduce intrapancreatic f…
Combining diet and exercise may help reduce fat buildup in the pancreas, which could help manage certain endocrine and pancreatic diseases.
Compulsive sexual behavior linked to brain abnormalities in reward and control networks
Brain scans reveal specific areas linked to compulsive sexual behavior
This meta-analysis of neuroimaging studies in compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD) identifies consistent abnormalities in the hippocam…
New brain mapping shows how specific regions in the brain relate to impulse control and anxiety in people with compulsive sexual behaviors.
AI burn depth assessment shows variable sensitivity and specificity across multiple imaging modalities
Trial Shows AI May Help Assess Burn Depth Accuracy
This meta-analysis of 4,897 observations evaluates the diagnostic accuracy of AI for assessing burn depth. While exploratory estimates show …
New analysis shows artificial intelligence can help identify how deep a burn goes, though more data is needed before it is ready for clinica…
Microplastics significantly enrich high-risk antibiotic resistance genes in aquatic environments across multiple studies
Microplastics in water significantly increase high risk antibiotic resistance genes
This meta-analysis of 92 molecular fingerprints examines the influence of environmental factors and microplastic properties on high-risk ant…
New research shows that microplastics in our waterways act as magnets for genes that make bacteria resistant to antibiotics.
AI-oximetry models show 91.1% sensitivity and 88.4% specificity for obstructive sleep apnea diagnosis
AI models show high accuracy in diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea
This meta-analysis of 23,171 patients evaluated AI models trained on pulse oximetry readings for diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). T…
New analysis shows AI tools using pulse oximetry can accurately identify sleep apnea, offering a faster way to screen patients in clinics.
Heart rate and GPS metrics are commonly used but lack specific validation for water sports
Monitoring Methods for High Level Surface Water Sports Athletes
This scoping review of 22 papers maps monitoring methods for high-level non-motorized surface water sports athletes. Findings indicate that …
New research maps how elite athletes in sailing and canoeing are monitored, highlighting a need for better data for women and youth competit…
Strategic leadership in sport organizations involves contingent governance, culturally mediated leadership, and configurational performance systems
Strategic leadership in sports varies across cultures, review finds
This systematic review of 38 empirical studies characterizes strategic leadership within international sports competitions. The authors iden…
A review of 38 studies finds strategic leadership in sports depends on culture and governance, not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Chlorinated pool air exposure is linked to mucosal irritation and asthma-like symptoms in swimmers
Chlorinated pool air may cause asthma like symptoms in swimmers
This mini review synthesizes evidence regarding the impact of chlorinated pool air on competitive swimmers and workers. The authors conclude…
Swimming in chlorinated pools can lead to lung irritation and inflammation, posing a risk for athletes with sensitive airways.
Concomitant surgery for benign prostatic enlargement and bladder stones reduces recurrence odds to 0.18
Combined surgery for prostate growth and bladder stones improves outcomes
This meta-analysis of over 500 patients found that concomitant surgery for benign prostatic enlargement and bladder stones significantly low…
Treating an enlarged prostate and bladder stones at the same time can significantly lower stone recurrence and improve urinary symptoms for …
PEEP Valve in Bag-Valve-Mask CPR for Cardiac Arrest Outcomes
New trial plans to test airway pressure during cardiac arrest
This protocol outlines a trial testing whether a PEEP valve during bag-valve-mask ventilation improves neurological outcomes in out-of-hospi…
A large new trial will test if using a special valve during CPR helps patients with heart attacks have better neurological outcomes.
Combining CTA and US reduces complication rates in DIEP flap reconstruction compared to US alone
Combining imaging tests may lower complications in breast reconstruction
This meta-analysis of 3238 patients evaluates preoperative imaging modalities for DIEP flap reconstruction. The analysis indicates that comb…
Using both CT scans and ultrasounds together during surgery can reduce complication rates for patients undergoing DIEP flap reconstruction.
Badminton training exposure and mid-to-late adolescence may increase injury risk in youth players
High training volume increases injury risk for young badminton players
This scoping review synthesizes observational data regarding musculoskeletal injuries among youth and adolescent badminton players. Findings…
Younger badminton players face higher injury risks as they move into late adolescence and increase their training hours.
Micro-tubular retractors under CT guidance provide feasible treatment for spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas
New surgical technique may reduce damage during spinal fistula repair
This case report and literature review examines the use of micro-tubular retractors under CT guidance and indocyanine green angiography for …
A new way to treat spinal arteriovenous fistulas uses smaller tools and imaging to protect muscles and speed up recovery.
dlPFC subregions show distinct activation patterns across acute pain, chronic pain, and placebo analgesia
Brain Mapping Identifies Specific Areas Involved in Pain Processing
This meta-analysis of neuroimaging studies involving over 4000 participants maps dlPFC subregions engaged during various pain modalities. Th…
New mapping shows that different types of pain and relief share similar brain patterns, helping scientists target specific areas to manage d…
5-HTTLPR polymorphism does not significantly affect SERT or 5-HT1AR availability in the brain
Genetic Variations May Not Explain Serotonin Levels in Brain
This meta-analysis investigated the impact of 5-HTTLPR polymorphism on serotonin transporter (SERT) and 5-HT1AR receptor availability. The a…
A large review of data suggests that specific serotonin gene variations do not significantly change brain receptor availability.
Lateral plating improves motion and reduces complications in proximal phalanx fractures
Lateral Plating Shows Better Outcomes for Finger Bone Fractures
This meta-analysis of 7 studies compared lateral versus dorsal plating for proximal phalanx fractures. Lateral plating was associated with s…
A new analysis suggests that a lateral approach to plating fractures of the proximal phalanx leads to better motion and fewer complications.
Efficacy of Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta in Hemorrhagic Shock
REBOA shows potential to lower mortality in severe bleeding cases
Meta-analysis reveals REBOA significantly reduces in-hospital mortality for patients with exsanguinating hemorrhage compared to traditional …
New data suggests that the REBOA procedure may significantly lower death rates for trauma patients with severe internal bleeding and heart f…
Capecitabine significantly improves progression-free survival (HR 0.69) in advanced oesophagogastric adenocarcinoma
Trial shows capecitabine extends disease control for advanced stomach cancer
This Phase II randomized trial of 266 HER2-negative patients with advanced OGA found that maintenance capecitabine significantly improved pr…
A new trial shows that the drug capecitabine can help keep advanced stomach cancer from progressing for longer.
Postoperative radiotherapy reduces local and peristomal recurrence rates in laryngeal cancer patients with preoperative tracheotomy
Radiotherapy May Lower Recurrence Risk After Laryngectomy for Cancer
This meta-analysis of 4339 patients evaluates the impact of postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) on recurrence rates following total laryngecto…
Postoperative radiotherapy may lower the risk of cancer returning in the throat area for patients who had a tracheotomy before surgery.
EGFR and TP53 mutations linked to worse survival in sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma
Genetic markers linked to survival in sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma
A meta-analysis of 25 retrospective cohort studies including 1194 patients with sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma found that EGFR and TP53 m…
Specific genetic mutations and protein levels can help doctors predict how patients with certain head and neck cancers will respond to treat…
Music therapy cuts delirium risk by half in ICU patients, meta-analysis finds
Music Therapy May Reduce Delirium Risk for ICU Patients
This meta-analysis of 1,552 adult ICU patients found that music therapy significantly reduced delirium incidence (RR=0.49, 95% CI 0.40-0.60)…
Music therapy may help reduce delirium and improve sleep for adults in intensive care units, offering a safe way to support patient well-bei…
Camrelizumab and apatinib show higher response rates and survival in treatment-naive patients with ESCC
Treatment Naive Patients Show Better Survival with Camrelizumab and Apatinib
This meta-analysis evaluates the efficacy of camrelizumab plus apatinib for advanced or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. The a…
Patients with advanced esophageal cancer who have not had prior treatment may see better survival rates when using a combination of camreliz…
Combination Therapies Improve Progression Free Survival in Recurrent or Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Combination therapies show promise for advanced head and neck cancer
This meta-analysis evaluated combination therapies involving targeted agents or immunotherapy with chemotherapy for patients with recurrent …
Combining immunotherapy or targeted drugs with chemotherapy may help patients with advanced head and neck cancer live longer without the dis…
Completion thyroidectomy follows total thyroidectomy for similar operative safety in differentiated thyroid cancer
Less surgery may be safer for thyroid cancer patients
This meta-analysis of 43,362 patients evaluated the surgical safety of completion thyroidectomy (CT) compared to upfront total thyroidectomy…
For some thyroid cancers, a less extensive surgery may be safer with fewer complications.
Zygomatic implants provide high survival rates for maxillary reconstruction in head and neck cancer patients
Zygomatic implants show high survival for head and neck cancer
This systematic review and meta-analysis of 294 patients with extensive maxillary defects found a 97% overall implant survival rate. The ana…
New data shows zygomatic implants have a 97% survival rate, offering a reliable way to restore jaw function after cancer surgery.
High tumor mutational burden correlates with improved objective response rate in HNSCC patients
High tumor mutation burden predicts better results in head cancer
This meta-analysis of 1472 patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) found that high tumor mutational burden (TMB) is asso…
A high number of mutations in a tumor may help doctors predict which patients will respond best to immunotherapy.
Endoscopic parotidectomy reduces blood loss and drain output but clinical impact is limited
Endoscopic surgery shows lower blood loss for parotid gland tumors
This meta-analysis of 1188 patients compared endoscopic-assisted or fully endoscopic parotidectomy with conventional open surgery. Endoscopi…
Endoscopic techniques for parotid gland tumors may reduce blood loss and drainage during surgery while offering similar cosmetic results to …
Bibliometric Mapping Analysis Reveals Evolving Research Trends in Scoliosis and Osteoporosis Management
Scoliosis and Osteoporosis Research Trends Mapped Over 20 Years
A comprehensive bibliometric analysis of over 1,000 publications highlights a significant shift toward bone quality assessment and risk stra…
A new review maps 20 years of scoliosis and osteoporosis research, revealing a shift toward bone quality and surgical outcomes.
Combined posterolateral and direct anterior approaches improve outcomes in complex hip arthroplasty for osteonecrosis
New surgical approach helps man with severe hip bone damage
This case report describes a 51-year-old male with bilateral osteonecrosis of the femoral head treated with a combined posterolateral and di…
A new dual-incision surgery technique helped a man with severe hip bone decay regain mobility and eliminate pain after a complex procedure.
Structured exercise interventions reduce PSQI global scores in university students by 2.43 points
Structured exercise improves overall sleep quality in university students
This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that structured exercise significantly reduced the PSQI global score (MD = -2.43) c…
Regular, structured exercise can improve total sleep quality for college students, though the strength of this evidence is currently quite l…
Intrauterine device migration into the urinary bladder may present as lower abdominal pain and edema
IUD found in bladder 9 years after insertion
This case report describes a patient with an intravesical intrauterine device (IUD) migrated for 9 years. The case highlights the clinical p…
A woman's IUD migrated into her bladder over 9 years, causing pain and leg swelling before discovery.
ALFN fixation combined with zoledronic acid may stabilize fractures in adolescent patients with Osteogenesis Imperfecta
New surgical method helps stabilize fractures in children with brittle bones
This case report and literature review describes a 13-year-old male with Sillence type III OI treated with ALFN fixation and intravenous zol…
A new surgical technique combined with medication may help stabilize and heal broken bones in children with a condition that makes bones fra…
Functional training improves muscle strength, flexibility, and coordination in older adults with sarcopenia
Functional training improves muscle strength and coordination in older adults
This mini review examines the impact of functional training on physical functions in older adults with sarcopenia. The authors conclude that…
Older adults with sarcopenia can improve their strength and flexibility through functional training instead of standard exercise routines.
DEBC classification provides a complementary lesion-level imaging framework for intervertebral disc degeneration
New imaging framework helps map spinal disc health and damage
This narrative and critical review evaluates the DEBC classification framework as an imaging tool for intervertebral disc degeneration. The …
A new way to look at spine images helps doctors better understand the different types of tissue changes in aging discs.
FNA-Tg and BRAF V600E analysis can rectify histopathological misdiagnosis of cervical lymph node metastasis
Combined Testing Corrects Diagnosis of Thyroid Cancer Lymph Node Spread
This case report describes a 52-year-old female with papillary thyroid carcinoma where combined FNA-Tg and BRAF V600E analysis corrected a h…
A new testing method using FNA-Tg and BRAF V600E analysis helped correctly identify cancer spread in a patient with thyroid cancer.
Chinese herbal medicine research for cancer pain management shows steady growth in publication volume
Research on Chinese herbal medicine for cancer pain grows steadily
This bibliometric analysis examines the research landscape of Chinese herbal medicine for managing cancer pain. It identifies increasing out…
A look at research trends shows a steady increase in studies exploring how Chinese herbal medicine manages cancer pain.
Cranial prostheses reimbursement varies significantly by healthcare system and etiology of medical hair loss
Global Healthcare Systems Show Inconsistent Coverage for Medical Hair Loss Devices
This narrative review examines global cranial prosthesis (CP) coverage frameworks across different healthcare systems. The authors find that…
Access to cranial prostheses varies greatly by country, with patients facing different costs and coverage based on their specific medical di…
R0 resection status serves as the principal prognostic determinant for oncological outcomes in re-recurrent rectal cancer
Surgery for Recurrent Rectal Cancer Shows Mixed Outcomes
This systematic review of retrospective cohort studies examines perioperative management and outcomes for patients with re-recurrent rectal …
New data shows that curative intent surgery for recurrent rectal cancer is possible for some patients, but results vary based on surgical ma…
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Associated with Reduced Cancer Risk in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
GLP-1 medications may lower cancer risk for people with diabetes
This meta-analysis investigated the impact of GLP-1 receptor agonists on overall and site-specific cancer risks in adults with Type 2 Diabet…
New analysis suggests that GLP-1 receptor agonists might reduce the risk of several types of cancer in adults with Type 2 Diabetes.
Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors and DEXi show superior CMT reduction in retinitis pigmentosa macular oedema
New Analysis Compares Treatments for Retinitis Pigmentosa Macular Oedema
This network meta-analysis evaluates various treatments for retinitis pigmentosa (RP)-associated macular oedema. The study found that carbon…
Different medications show varying success in reducing swelling and improving vision for patients with retinitis pigmentosa-associated macul…
Surgery achieves 70% single-surgery anatomical success in sickle cell retinopathy
Surgery for Sickle Cell Retinopathy Shows 70% Success Rate
This systematic review and meta-analysis of 7 studies (408 eyes) found that surgical treatment for sickle cell retinopathy yields a pooled s…
A review of 7 studies finds surgery for sickle cell retinopathy has a 70% single-surgery success rate and improves vision.
Nd: YAG laser capsulotomy causes significant central macular thickness increase of 8.72 $\mu$m at week 1
Laser treatment for cloudy lenses may affect eye tissue thickness
This meta-analysis of 23 studies involving 1,762 eyes evaluates Nd: YAG laser capsulotomy for posterior capsule opacification. The analysis …
New data shows that laser treatments used to clear clouded lenses can cause temporary swelling in the macula, a critical part of the eye.
Dynamic gratings serve as tools for diagnosis and treatment evaluation in neuro-ophthalmic conditions
Dynamic gratings help doctors understand and treat eye conditions
This narrative review explores the use of dynamic gratings, such as phase-alternating oscillation and rapid serial visual presentation, to e…
Moving patterns on a screen, called dynamic gratings, offer new ways to study and treat vision issues like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy…
Maternal use of antiglaucoma medications is associated with increased risk of low birth weight
Understanding the Impact of Eye Drop Medications on Pregnancy Outcomes
This meta-analysis of 3,713 cases evaluated the impact of maternal antiglaucoma medication use on pregnancy outcomes. The analysis found an …
New data looks at how glaucoma eye drops affect babies. Mothers need clear information to balance their eye health and pregnancy.
Specific gut microbiota taxa are associated with the presence of diabetic retinopathy in T2DM patients
Gut Bacteria Differences Linked to Diabetic Retinopathy in Diabetes Patients
This meta-analysis examined gut microbiota composition and diversity in individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Diabetic Retinopathy. …
Specific changes in gut bacteria are linked to diabetic retinopathy, a serious eye condition affecting people with Type 2 diabetes.
Surgical intervention improves refractive error and visual acuity in short eyes
Surgery Improves Vision Outcomes for Patients with Short Eyes
This systematic review and meta-analysis of 1,110 eyes indicates that surgical procedures significantly improve visual acuity and refractive…
New analysis shows surgical procedures can improve vision and eye measurements for patients with specific conditions like nanophthalmos and …
Psoas Major Muscle Area as a Prognostic Marker in Peripheral Arterial Disease
Muscle size in the lower back predicts survival for PAD patients
Reduced psoas muscle size correlates with higher one-year mortality in patients undergoing revascularization for peripheral arterial disease…
A smaller psoas muscle area may signal a higher risk of death for people undergoing surgery for peripheral arterial disease.
Perioperative vitamin D and bisphosphonates improve fusion rates and outcomes in spinal fusion patients
Vitamin D and bisphosphonates boost spinal fusion success
This meta-analysis of RCTs and prospective trials evaluates perioperative vitamin D and bisphosphonate therapy for spinal fusion. The analys…
Spinal fusion patients who took vitamin D or bisphosphonates had higher fusion rates and fewer fractures, a new analysis finds.
Bibliometric Analysis Mapping the Evolution of Stem Cell Therapies for Diabetes Management
Mapping the Growth and Trends of Stem Cell Therapy for Diabetes Research
A comprehensive review of 1,600 publications maps the evolution of stem cell and exosome therapies for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
Scientists analyzed thousands of papers to track how stem cell treatments for diabetes have evolved over the last thirty years.
AI monitoring offers potential for continuous vital sign tracking and personalized pain management in spinal cord injury
Artificial intelligence could improve care for spinal cord injuries
This narrative review explores the role of AI monitoring, including data acquisition and real-time analysis, for postoperative pain manageme…
New technology may help doctors track vital signs and manage pain more quickly for people with spinal cord injuries.
PPI Guided Fluid Resuscitation Reduces Incidence of Acute Skin Failure in Critically Ill Patients
Trial shows specific fluid management reduces skin failure in elderly patients
Integrating PPI as a goal-directed resuscitation metric significantly lowers acute skin failure rates and improves lactate clearance in elde…
A new fluid management strategy for critically ill elderly patients may cut the risk of acute skin failure by more than half.
Bleeding, sepsis, and liver impairment each independently raise thrombocytopenia risk in ICU patients
Critical illness factors linked to lower platelet counts in patients
This meta-analysis of 27,147 critically ill patients found that bleeding (OR 3.49), sepsis (OR 2.32), and impaired liver function (OR 1.55) …
New data shows that bleeding, sepsis, and liver issues significantly increase the risk of low platelets in critically ill patients.
Urolithin A supplementation shows directionally favorable but statistically inconclusive improvements in 6-minute walk test
Trial shows Urolithin A may improve walking distance
This meta-analysis of 236 participants evaluated oral Urolithin A for physical performance and mitochondrial biomarkers. The primary outcome…
New data suggests a compound called Urolithin A could help people walk further, though more research is needed to confirm the results.
Celecoxib ranks highest for analgesic efficacy in patients with knee osteoarthritis
Comparing Different Medications and Supplements to Manage Knee Osteoarthritis Pain
This network meta-analysis compared several interventions, including celecoxib, metformin, and krill oil, for the management of knee osteoar…
Doctors are looking at several ways to treat knee pain. This review compares drugs like celecoxib with natural options like krill oil.
Miller pyramid based HeartCode BLS teaching improves theoretical knowledge and CPR skills in nursing students
New Teaching Model Improves CPR Skills for Nursing Students
This randomized controlled trial of 229 undergraduate nursing students found that the HeartCode BLS teaching model structured according to M…
A new structured teaching model significantly improves CPR skills, knowledge, and student satisfaction in nursing education.
Sanjad–Sakati syndrome requires urgent calcium correction, airway stabilization, and lifelong vitamin D therapy
Managing Emergency Care for Children with Sanjad-Sakati Syndrome
This narrative review synthesizes clinical features and management strategies for Sanjad–Sakati syndrome (SSS), a rare disorder characterize…
New clinical insights help doctors manage life-threatening calcium issues and long-term care for children with Sanjad-Sakati syndrome.
D-dimer shows moderate diagnostic potential for ruling out deep vein thrombosis after total joint arthroplasty
D-dimer test helps rule out dangerous blood clots after joint replacement
This meta-analysis of 7,123 patients evaluated the diagnostic performance of D-dimer for screening deep vein thrombosis following total join…
A new analysis of over 7,000 patients finds D-dimer blood test is moderately useful for ruling out deep vein thrombosis after hip or knee re…