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
IMRT plus cetuximab does not improve quality of life compared to IMRT plus cisplatin
Trial compares cetuximab and cisplatin for oropharyngeal cancer quality of life
This Phase III randomized controlled trial of 375 patients with p16+ oropharyngeal cancer found no significant difference in quality of life…
A clinical trial found that replacing cisplatin with cetuximab did not improve quality of life or swallowing for patients with oropharyngeal…
Postoperative conventional fractionation radiotherapy is more cost-effective than preoperative accelerated fractionation for oral cavity cancer
Postoperative radiation shows better quality of life for oral cancer
This randomized controlled trial of 240 patients with oral cavity cancer found that preoperative accelerated fractionation radiotherapy was …
Patients with oral cavity cancer may experience fewer symptoms and better quality of life with standard postoperative radiation.
Virtual reality significantly reduces anxiety but does not significantly impact pain during TIVAP implantation
Virtual reality helps reduce anxiety during port implantation procedures
This meta-analysis of 452 patients undergoing TIVAP implantation found that virtual reality significantly reduced anxiety scores (SMD = -1.8…
Virtual reality may help calm patients during port implantation, though its ability to reduce physical pain is not yet proven.
Submental Artery Island Flap Shows 16% Pooled Locoregional Recurrence in Oral Cavity Reconstruction
Submental artery island flap is a safe option for oral cancer
This meta-analysis pooled data on the submental artery island flap (SAIF) for oral cavity defects after oral squamous cell carcinoma resecti…
A specific surgical technique called the submental artery island flap shows a low recurrence rate for patients with oral cavity defects.
Radiation therapy and nasopharyngeal cancer significantly increase risk of chronic rhinosinusitis in head and neck cancer patients
Head and neck cancer treatments may increase risk of sinus issues
This meta-analysis of 3685 patients identifies a 0.37 pooled incidence of chronic rhinosinusitis in head and neck cancer patients. The analy…
Patients with head and neck cancers face a higher risk of developing chronic sinus inflammation, especially after radiation therapy.
Preoperatively detected PTEN alterations in thyroid nodules correlate with a 32.4% risk of invasive malignancy
Molecular testing helps identify risk in thyroid nodules
This meta-analysis of 87 patients with Bethesda III/IV thyroid nodules identifies a 32.4% risk of invasive malignancy in those with preopera…
New molecular testing can help doctors identify the risk of cancer in thyroid nodules, providing a clearer picture for patients with uncerta…
Radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma is associated with a significant increased risk of otitis media with effusion
Radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal cancer increases risk of middle ear fluid
This meta-analysis of 582 patients indicates that radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma is associated with a significant increase in oti…
Patients undergoing radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal cancer face a higher risk of developing fluid in the middle ear, a common side effect of…
Egg consumption associated with reduced glioma risk in Eastern populations and increased head and neck cancer risk
Egg consumption shows mixed links to glioma and head and neck cancer
This meta-analysis of observational studies involving 1,274,437 participants found that egg consumption was associated with a reduced risk o…
New data shows a link between egg consumption and lower glioma risk in some groups, but a potential link to higher head and neck cancer risk…
Climate-driven environmental changes and endocrine-disrupting chemicals may contribute to breast cancer carcinogenesis and progression
Climate change and environmental factors may impact breast cancer risk
This narrative review explores how climate-driven environmental factors, including air pollution and endocrine-disrupting chemicals, may inf…
Environmental changes like air pollution and chemical exposure may influence breast cancer risk and how patients receive care during climate…
Dolphin bimodal LLM improves emotion recognition and patient satisfaction in education compared to text-only LLM
Trial shows Dolphin AI improves patient education and satisfaction
This randomized trial of 555 patients across three centers found that the Dolphin bimodal LLM outperformed a text-based LLM in emotion recog…
A new AI model using both text and audio cues improved patient satisfaction and communication during medical education sessions.
AI-based screening tools demonstrate high sensitivity and specificity for obstructive sleep apnea detection
AI tools show promise for screening obstructive sleep apnea
This meta-analysis of 60 studies evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of AI-based screening tools for obstructive sleep apnea. The analysis fou…
New data shows AI tools can accurately identify obstructive sleep apnea, helping doctors find patients who need treatment more effectively.
Artificial intelligence in physical education poses ethical risks regarding data privacy, algorithmic bias, and professional agency
Artificial intelligence in school physical education poses several ethical risks
This systematic review of 92 studies examines the ethical risks of artificial intelligence in physical education for children and adolescent…
New research identifies how artificial intelligence in physical education could impact student privacy, teacher roles, and the way children …
Laparoscopic excision of a hypervascular mass confirms hyaline vascular-type unicentric Castleman disease in a patient with diabetes
Surgery for a rare mass helps a woman with diabetes
This case report describes a 26-year-old woman with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and a hypervascular mass. Surgical excision confirmed a diagnos…
A 26-year-old woman with Type 2 Diabetes had a rare growth near her pancreas that doctors successfully removed.
Robot-assisted laparoscopic radical resection provides surgical management for rare urethral clear cell adenocarcinoma
Robot surgery helps treat a rare and aggressive urethral cancer
This case report and literature review describes the management of a rare urethral clear cell adenocarcinoma using robot-assisted laparoscop…
A rare and aggressive form of urethral cancer was treated with robot-assisted surgery, providing a new look at how to manage this rare disea…
FDG PET/CT positive in 94% of suspected relapsing polychondritis cases
PET Scans Help Identify Hidden Cartilage Damage in Inflammation
This meta-analysis pooled data from 97 patients with suspected relapsing polychondritis to evaluate 18F-FDG PET/CT. The pooled PET-positivit…
New imaging techniques may help doctors find hidden cartilage involvement in patients with relapsing polychondritis, even when symptoms are …
AI-assisted colonoscopy modestly boosts diminutive polyp detection but not larger polyps
AI tools may help find tiny polyps during colonoscopies
This network meta-analysis of 8 AI systems and 4156 adults found a modest advantage for AI-assisted colonoscopy in detecting diminutive poly…
New data suggests AI tools can help doctors find tiny polyps, though the impact on larger growths remains minimal.
Flexible aspiration navigable sheaths increase 30-day stone-free rates for renal calculi under 2 cm
Suction-Assisted Tools Show Higher Success for Small Kidney Stones
This systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis of 3657 patients found that flexible aspiration navigable sheaths (FANS) significa…
New analysis suggests that using specific suction-assisted tools can improve stone-free rates and reduce complications for patients with sma…
Smart technology and multibody simulation offer potential pathways for improving skier safety and injury prevention
Smart Technology and Simulations May Improve Safety for Skiers
This narrative review of 150 sources evaluates how smart equipment, wearable sensors, and digital twins contribute to skier safety. The auth…
Newer technologies like wearable sensors and digital twins could help predict and prevent injuries on the ski slopes.
Acute sodium bicarbonate ingestion provides small beneficial effect on HIIE performance in team-sport athletes
Sodium bicarbonate may offer small gains for team sport athletes
This meta-analysis of 241 athletes found that acute sodium bicarbonate ingestion results in a small beneficial effect on HIIE performance (H…
Taking sodium bicarbonate before high intensity exercise may provide a small performance boost for team sport athletes, though results are n…
Stereotactic biopsy of brainstem lesions yields diagnosis in 93.5% with 0.30% procedure-related mortality
Stereotactic biopsy shows high success for brainstem lesion diagnosis
This meta-analysis pooled data from patients with brainstem lesions undergoing stereotactic biopsy to estimate diagnostic yield and safety. …
A biopsy procedure for brainstem lesions shows a high success rate in identifying the cause of the issue while maintaining low rates of seri…
Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with a 2- to 3-fold increase in stroke risk
Sleep disorders significantly impact recovery for stroke patients
This narrative review examines the prevalence and impact of sleep disorders, including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), in stroke patients. Th…
Up to 84% of stroke patients suffer from sleep disorders, which can hinder recovery and increase the risk of future strokes.
Impact of Perineural Invasion on Survival Outcomes in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Perineural invasion linked to poorer outcomes in oral squamous cell carcinoma
A meta-analysis of 23,580 patients confirms that perineural invasion is a potent independent predictor of poor survival and high recurrence …
A large review of over 23,000 patients shows that cancer cells spreading along nerves are linked to higher recurrence and lower survival rat…
Selective deep lobe parotidectomy is a safe option for benign deep lobe parotid tumours
Selective surgery shows low complication rates for deep lobe parotid tumors
This meta-analysis of 299 patients with benign deep lobe parotid tumours found that selective deep lobe parotidectomy is associated with low…
Surgery for deep lobe parotid tumors shows low recurrence rates and manageable risks like temporary facial weakness or ear numbness.
Cetuximab-based regimens achieve 47% objective response rate in HNSCC after immune checkpoint inhibitor failure
Cetuximab shows activity for head and neck cancer patients
This meta-analysis evaluates cetuximab-based regimens for patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma follow…
New data shows cetuximab-based treatments provide meaningful results for head and neck cancer patients after other treatments fail.
Higher pretreatment HALP score is associated with improved overall survival in head and neck cancer
Higher HALP scores linked to better survival in head cancer
This meta-analysis of 1759 patients found that a higher pretreatment HALP score is associated with improved overall survival (95% CI 0.41-0.…
A new analysis shows that a specific blood score can help doctors predict survival outcomes for patients with head and neck cancer.
AI-based MRI shows 0.82 AUC for detecting cervical lymph node metastases in oral squamous cell carcinoma
AI tools help detect lymph node spread in oral cancer
This meta-analysis of 548 patients evaluates AI-based MRI for detecting cervical lymph node metastases in oral squamous cell carcinoma. The …
Artificial intelligence may help doctors better identify if oral cancer has spread to lymph nodes before surgery.
Immune cell-based therapy shows no significant benefits for tumor response or survival in HNSCC trials
Immune cell therapy shows limited promise for head and neck cancer
This meta-analysis of 30 trials involving 953 patients evaluated immune cell-based therapy (ICT) for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. …
New data on immune cell-based therapies for head and neck cancer shows mixed results and a need for more rigorous testing.
Ketamine/midazolam reduces maximum intraprocedural pain by 1.4 points compared to fentanyl/midazolam
Ketamine and midazolam reduce pain during lung and bone biopsies
This randomized clinical trial of 260 adults undergoing image-guided lung or bone biopsy or abscess drainage found that ketamine/midazolam s…
A new trial shows that a ketamine and midazolam mix can lower pain and improve oxygen levels during painful lung or bone procedures.
Multiparametric MRI and image-guided neurointerventions provide critical roles in brain tumor management and surveillance
Advanced Imaging and Interventions Improve Brain Tumor Management
This narrative review examines the roles of advanced diagnostic imaging and image-generated neurointerventions in managing brain tumors, inc…
Newer imaging techniques and minimally invasive procedures are expanding how doctors detect, plan, and treat various types of brain tumors.
MIPO associated with longer union times and higher malunion risk than intramedullary nailing in tibial fractures
Different surgical methods impact healing for lower leg fractures
This network meta-analysis of 2145 patients evaluated various fixation strategies for distal tibial fractures. The analysis found that MIPO …
Choosing the right surgery for a lower leg fracture can impact healing time and the risk of bones growing in the wrong position.
High-frequency ultrasound serves as a complementary tool for recurrent laryngeal nerve management in thyroid cancer
High-frequency ultrasound helps monitor nerves during thyroid cancer surgery
This systematic review evaluates the clinical utility of high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) for managing the recurrent laryngeal nerve during …
New research shows high-frequency ultrasound can help surgeons protect the nerve that controls the voice during thyroid cancer surgery.
Early Scar Therapies After Thyroidectomy Show Modest Benefit
Early laser and steroid treatments improve thyroidectomy scars
Early laser plus steroid or light-based protocols modestly improve neck scars after thyroidectomy, but evidence certainty is low.
Early laser plus steroid or light-based therapy may improve neck scars after thyroid surgery, but evidence is low certainty.
Admission hypoalbuminemia is associated with increased mortality and acute kidney injury in burn patients
Low Serum Albumin Linked to Higher Mortality in Burn Patients
This meta-analysis of 9 studies indicates that hypoalbuminemia on admission is significantly associated with increased mortality (OR 9.51) a…
Low serum albumin levels at the time of admission are linked to a higher risk of death and kidney damage in patients with burn injuries.
Radioactive iodine does not significantly reduce recurrence in low-risk differentiated thyroid cancer
Radioactive Iodine May Not Prevent Recurrence in Low-Risk Thyroid Cancer
This meta-analysis of 5260 patients evaluated the impact of radioactive iodine on recurrence and survival in low-risk differentiated thyroid…
New data suggests that radioactive iodine may not provide a significant benefit for preventing cancer recurrence in patients with low-risk t…
m6A RNA methylation regulates oocyte developmental competence and early embryogenesis through mRNA stability and translation
RNA methylation plays a key role in early embryo development
This mini-review explores the role of m6A RNA methylation in mammalian oocyte development and early embryogenesis. The authors synthesize ev…
New research highlights how a specific type of RNA methylation helps control gene expression and stability during early pregnancy and embryo…
HearWHO app shows low diagnostic accuracy for hearing loss compared to pure tone audiometry
App based hearing tests show low accuracy in rural clinics
This observational study evaluated the HearWHO app as a tool for hearing screening in a rural Tanzanian clinic. The app demonstrated low sen…
A mobile app designed to test hearing in noisy environments showed low accuracy compared to standard tests in a rural clinic.
Contemporary liposuction techniques show low reported rates of seroma and infection in cosmetic procedures
Modern liposuction techniques show low rates of common complications
This meta-analysis evaluates various contemporary liposuction techniques including SAL, PAL, UAL, LAL, WAL, and RFAL for cosmetic procedures…
New data shows that modern liposuction techniques, including laser and water-assisted methods, have low rates of infection and fluid buildup…
Near-Styloid puncture improves first-attempt success and reduces access-site complications in coronary angiography
Near-Styloid Puncture May Improve Success in Heart Procedures
This randomized controlled trial of 380 patients undergoing coronary angiography found that near-styloid puncture significantly improved fir…
A new puncture location for heart procedures may improve success rates and reduce complications like bruising or artery blockage.
Acetate-buffered balanced crystalloid shows no significant difference from lactated Ringer's in post-ERCP pancreatitis incidence
Trial Shows Balanced Crystalloid Similar to Lactated Ringer's Solution
This randomized superiority trial of 813 adults with moderate-to-high PEP risk found no significant difference in PEP incidence between acet…
A large trial found that acetate-buffered balanced crystalloid is as effective as lactated Ringer's for preventing pancreatitis after ERCP p…
Multi-parameter correction strategies in ultrasound imaging improve safety awareness and reduce acoustic exposure
New cloud technology may improve safety during ultrasound imaging
This narrative review synthesizes evidence on an integrated quantum-cloud framework for ultrasound imaging. The authors conclude that tissue…
A new cloud-based system could make ultrasound scans safer by using specific tissue data to reduce radiation exposure while keeping images c…
PSA-based screening is associated with reduced prostate cancer-specific mortality in adult populations
PSA screening shows link to lower prostate cancer death rates
This meta-analysis evaluated the impact of PSA-based screening on prostate cancer-specific mortality in adults. The authors found a reductio…
A large analysis of over 700,000 men shows that PSA-based screening is linked to a lower risk of dying from prostate cancer.
Patellar tendon autografts provide superior rotational stability compared to hamstring tendon autografts in ACL reconstruction
Patellar tendon grafts provide better stability after ACL surgery
This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials involving 713 patients compared patellar tendon (PT) and hamstring tendon (HT) autografts…
Choosing between patellar and hamstring tendons for ACL surgery impacts both the stability of the knee and the amount of pain a patient feel…
Doppler ultrasound measurements show moderate to high intraobserver reliability but lower interobserver consistency
Ultrasound Measurements Show Variable Results in Pregnancy Monitoring
This meta-analysis of 2457 measurements evaluates the reliability of UA, MCA, and UtA Doppler ultrasound measurements. The study found high …
New analysis shows that ultrasound measurements for fetal health can vary between different observers, highlighting the need for standardize…
Artificial intelligence in radiology education reports positive outcomes in 86% of reviewed studies
Artificial intelligence shows promise for training new radiology professionals
This systematic scoping review synthesizes 29 studies regarding artificial intelligence in radiology education. The review found that 86% of…
New research shows that artificial intelligence can help radiology students build skills and feel more confident in their training.
Machine learning predicts Ki-67 in renal tumors with moderate accuracy, AUC 0.85 to 0.86
Machine Learning Models Help Predict Ki-67 in Renal Tumors
This meta-analysis of 7 retrospective cohort studies evaluated machine learning models for noninvasive Ki-67 prediction in renal tumors. Poo…
New machine learning models show promise in predicting Ki-67 levels in renal tumors, offering a potential noninvasive tool to support pathol…
Deep-learning models show variable sensitivity and precision for knee osteoarthritis grading
Deep Learning Shows Promise Grading Knee Osteoarthritis
This meta-analysis of 32 studies evaluated deep-learning (DL) algorithms for radiographic grading of knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Pooled sensi…
AI shows promise grading knee OA on X-rays, but it's not ready for early-stage detection, a new review finds.
Saline tract sealing reduces postbiopsy pneumothorax risk in patients undergoing CT-guided percutaneous lung biopsy
Saline irrigation reduces lung complications after a biopsy procedure
Researchers evaluated the impact of immediate sterile saline instillation into the biopsy tract for patients undergoing CT-guided lung biops…
A simple saline rinse during lung biopsies can significantly lower the risk of a collapsed lung and the need for a chest tube.
PFAS pollution shows moderate to strong positive correlations and high priority risk levels in China
New data reveals environmental health risks from PFAS chemical pollution
This meta-analysis evaluates PFAS pollution characteristics and environmental health risks in the Northeast Black Soil Region of China. The …
New research identifies specific high-priority risks from PFAS chemicals, helping experts target the most dangerous areas of chemical pollut…
Anabolic-androgenic steroid use is associated with reduced LVEF and increased LVMI in strength-trained athletes
Steroid use is linked to heart structure and function changes
This meta-analysis of 1906 athletes found that anabolic-androgenic steroid use is associated with significant cardiac structural and functio…
New data shows that anabolic steroids are linked to heart muscle thickening and reduced pumping power in strength-trained athletes.
Potent bisphosphonate therapy reduces incident vertebral fractures by 71% after denosumab discontinuation
Potent bisphosphonates may lower fracture risk after denosumab treatment stops
This meta-analysis of 683 adults with osteoporosis or low bone mass found that potent bisphosphonate therapy significantly reduced incident …
Patients with osteoporosis may have a lower risk of spine fractures when switching to potent bisphosphonates after stopping denosumab.
Impact of Heart Failure Medications and Ventilation on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Survival
Heart medications and ventilation linked to longer life in DMD
A meta-analysis of over 13,000 patients reveals that home mechanical ventilation and heart failure medications significantly extend survival…
New data shows that home ventilation and specific heart medications are linked to longer lifespans for people with Duchenne muscular dystrop…
Pre-stenting increases FANS-UAS placement success from 80.0% to 94.8% in RIRS for kidney stones
Pre-stenting improves success rates for kidney stone surgery
This randomized controlled trial of 221 patients undergoing retrograde intrarenal surgery found that pre-stenting significantly improved FAN…
A new study shows that placing a stent before kidney stone surgery can make it easier for doctors to access stones and place necessary tools…
Standard-of-care salvage radiotherapy aims to improve metastasis-free proportion in biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer
New trial plans to test radiation for prostate cancer recurrence
This randomized controlled trial protocol evaluates standard-of-care salvage radiotherapy versus initial observation in 312 men with biochem…
Doctors are planning a trial to see if early radiation helps men whose prostate cancer returns after surgery but cannot be seen on scans.
Cold atmospheric plasma modulates immune signaling pathways and macrophage polarization in infection and cancer models
Cold atmospheric plasma may help fight infection and heal wounds
This narrative review synthesizes evidence on cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) and its impact on immune signaling, including NF-kB, Nrf2-Keap1,…
Cold atmospheric plasma could offer new ways to treat infections, heal wounds, and manage inflammation by influencing the immune system.
Multi-protein panels improve gastric cancer diagnosis over single markers
Protein Microarrays Show Better Diagnostic Performance for Gastric Cancer
This systematic review examines protein microarray-based proteomics in gastric cancer. It finds that multi-protein biomarker panels and comp…
New protein microarray methods may provide more accurate gastric cancer diagnoses than traditional single-marker tests by using multi-protei…
Interactive digital assistants may improve short-term HPV vaccine booking and cervical cancer screening uptake
Digital assistants may help people complete cervical cancer screenings
This systematic review of 14 reports evaluated interactive patient-facing digital assistants for HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screeni…
Interactive digital tools like chatbots and health apps can help more people book HPV vaccine appointments and complete cervical cancer scre…
AI diagnostic tools show pooled AUC of 0.845 in prostate cancer, deep learning outperforms classical models
AI Tools Show Promise for Prostate Cancer Diagnosis and Prognosis
This meta-analysis of 43 studies (34 in the meta-analysis) evaluated AI-based tools for prostate cancer diagnosis and prognosis. Pooled AUCs…
New analysis shows AI models may improve the accuracy of diagnosing and predicting the outcome of prostate cancer cases.
PSMA PET-guided management leads to 53% management change in men with biochemical failure of prostate cancer
PSMA PET scans help doctors manage prostate cancer recurrence
This meta-analysis of 9948 men with biochemical failure of prostate cancer following definitive treatment found that PSMA PET-guided managem…
A new review shows that PSMA PET imaging can help doctors change treatment plans for men whose prostate cancer has returned.
HER2 overexpression significantly associates with higher grade, progression, and lymph node metastasis in bladder cancer
HER2 Overexpression Linked to Higher Risk in Bladder Cancer
This meta-analysis of 2799 patients with urothelial carcinoma of the bladder identifies significant associations between HER2 overexpression…
New research links HER2 protein levels to more aggressive features and higher recurrence rates in patients with bladder cancer.
Tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy reduces hospital stay and analgesic use compared to standard percutaneous nephrolithotomy
Tubeless Surgery May Reduce Pain and Recovery Time for Kidney Stones
This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials involving 2171 patients with large and complex renal calculi found that tubeless percutan…
A tubeless surgical technique for large kidney stones may lead to less pain and shorter hospital stays compared to standard methods.