A surgical site infection is an infection occurring within 30 days of the procedure. They are common postoperative complications that can cause significant patient morbidity and mortality. SSIs occur in 2% to 4% of all patients undergoing inpatient surgical procedures. They constitute the second most common type of healthcare-associated infection after urinary tract infections. The etiology of the infection is multifactorial, with both patient-related and surgical-related factors playing a role. Patient-related factors include advanced age, immunocompromised status, obesity, diabetes mellitus, smoking, and poor nutritional status. Surgical-related factors include prolonged operative time, contaminated surgical instruments or equipment, poor surgical technique, and inadequate wound care. Common symptoms of SSI involve surgical site erythema, delayed healing, fever, pain, tenderness, or swelling. The diagnosis is commonly based on evidenced purulent discharge from superficial and deep wounds, organisms isolated from cultures. Overall, the management of surgical site infections includes wound care, antimicrobial therapy, wound exploration, and debridement. In addition, effective infection prevention strategies, including appropriate antimicrobial prophylaxis and adherence to infection prevention practices, are crucial in reducing the incidence of SSIs in surgical patients. This article provides a broad overview of the clinical approach to this day-to-day condition.

Hemorrhoids are the symptomatic enlargement and displacement of the normal anal vascular plexus. It is estimated that up to 50% of the adult population may eventually develop hemorrhoids. The incidence increases with age and is more common in males than females. Hemorrhoidal disease has a multifactorial etiology, but it mainly results from increased pressure on the hemorrhoidal veins, leading to vascular congestion, enlargement, and subsequent protrusion. The condition is characterized by swelling and inflammation of the blood vessels in the anal canal. Hemorrhoids are classified into two types: internal hemorrhoids, which occur inside the anal canal, and external hemorrhoids, which occur outside the anus. Clinical presentation includes rectal bleeding, prolapse sensation, anal pain, irritation, and/or anal discharge. The most common symptom is rectal bleeding, which is usually painless and associated with defecation. The patient's history and clinical examination establish the diagnosis of hemorrhoids. Treatment depends mainly on the severity of the condition. Conservative therapies such as dietary modifications, increased fiber intake, and sitz baths may be sufficient for mild cases. Topical medications such as corticosteroids, vasoconstrictors, and local anesthetics may also relieve symptoms. Minimally invasive procedures such as rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy, cryotherapy, or infrared coagulation may be recommended for more severe cases. For those severe cases that do not respond to other treatments, a more invasive procedure (hemorrhoidectomy) may be necessary. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the different therapeutic alternatives for hemorrhoids, mainly focusing on surgical procedures.

Pneumoconiosis is a lung disease caused by inhalation of organic or nonorganic airborne dust and fibers for an extended period. The clinical presentation can vary depending on the dust type and the disease's severity. Common symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and wheezing. Pneumoconiosis is one of the most common occupational diseases in the world. The most frequent types include asbestosis, silicosis, anthracosis, berylliosis, siderosis, and talcosis. It is important to note that there are other types of pneumoconiosis. However, due to their exceptionally rare occurrence, they are not addressed in this review. Diagnosis of pneumoconiosis typically involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests such as chest X-rays and CT scans. Pulmonary function tests may also be used to assess lung function. The prognosis of pneumoconiosis depends on several factors, including the type and severity of the disease, as well as the patient's age, overall health, and exposure to the causative dust. In some cases, the condition may progress and lead to severe respiratory impairment, while in other cases, the symptoms may be mild and manageable with treatment. Treatment strategies are mainly tailored to avoid further exposure to inhalants, smoking suspension, pulmonary rehabilitation, and symptomatic treatment. Patients with end-stage disease may be candidates for lung transplants. This narrative review article presents an overview of the most common types of pneumoconiosis.

Achalasia is a rare disorder of the esophagus that affects the esophagogastric junction's peristalsis and relaxation. It has an incidence of approximately 1.6 per 100,000 individuals. Esophageal achalasia commonly presents with dysphagia, regurgitation, and chest pain. Diagnosis is often challenging and requires a multidisciplinary approach with a combination of clinical presentation, patient history, and diagnostic test findings. Among the most useful diagnostic tools for this condition are upper endoscopy, barium esophagograms, and manometry. Treatment options include medication, endoscopic interventions, and surgery. The most suitable management has to be determined on a case-by-case basis. While current treatments can help improve symptoms and quality of life for many patients with achalasia, further research is still needed to improve the success rates and outcomes for patients. This article provides a narrative review of the role of current therapeutic options for esophageal achalasia, focusing mainly on surgical options.

Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory musculoskeletal condition that represents a major cause of physical and psychological disability. This disorder represents a significant diagnostic and management challenge, given that it has different forms of clinical presentation, associated comorbidities, and high rates of therapeutic resistance. Early diagnosis is of crucial importance in impacting the prognosis of the disease. Typical treatment includes the administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, and the use of biological medicines. Currently, multiple biological therapies have proven to be advantageous in managing psoriatic arthritis, but they have not been fully approved for use in routine clinical practice. Therefore, in this article, we aim to provide an overview of the role of new biological therapies for the management of psoriatic arthritis.