Medical Reviewer
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
Systematic review and meta-analysis finds no significant link between styloid process anatomy and internal carotid artery dissection overall
Styloid bone traits linked to neck artery tears in some cases
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the association between styloid process characteristics and internal carotid artery disse…
A new analysis suggests a shorter distance between the styloid bone and the carotid artery may be linked to internal carotid artery dissecti…
Five-year follow-up shows persistent disability after operative treatment for complex lower limb fractures
Five-year follow-up shows lasting challenges after complex leg fractures
This secondary analysis of an RCT follow-up studied 868 UK adults with complex lower limb fractures. Disability and quality of life improved…
Most patients see big gains in the first year after surgery, but little further improvement. Persistent pain remains a key issue.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of disitamab vedotin efficacy in urothelial carcinoma
Researchers Find Disitamab Vedotin Shows Activity In Bladder Cancer
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates disitamab vedotin-based therapy in HER2-negative and HER2-low locally advanced or metasta…
A new review suggests the drug disitamab vedotin might work for some bladder cancer patients with low or negative HER2 levels.
Intravenous dexmedetomidine improves sleep quality scores in women after elective cesarean section
A single dose of dexmedetomidine improved sleep for women after elective cesarean section
This randomized controlled trial enrolled 68 women undergoing elective cesarean section.
Women who received a specific medicine infusion slept better in the first few days after having an elective cesarean section.
Hospitalized children with HMPV infection had 28.0% severe CAP rates and higher risks of wheezing and co-infection
Premature birth and wheezing raise severe HMPV pneumonia risk
This retrospective cohort study examined 878 hospitalized children with human metapneumovirus (HMPV)-positive community-acquired pneumonia (…
A study of 878 children finds premature birth and wheezing are strong predictors of severe HMPV pneumonia.
Review of multimodal deep learning model for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma diagnosis
New AI tool spots esophageal cancer early with expert accuracy
This review synthesizes a model development and validation study for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
A new AI system matches expert doctors in spotting early esophageal cancer. This could change how patients get diagnosed.
Prenatal MRI detects imaging characteristics in fetuses with complete agenesis of the corpus callosum and associated malformations
New MRI signs reveal hidden brain twists in unborn babies with missing brain bridges
This retrospective cohort study examined 101 fetuses diagnosed with complete agenesis of the corpus callosum via prenatal MRI.
A new MRI scan reveals hidden brain twists in unborn babies that standard ultrasounds often miss, helping doctors prepare for birth.
Two-bottle bleaching gels show similar efficacy but differ in pulp chamber hydrogen peroxide diffusion and enamel surface effects
One whitening gel lets teeth brighten with less nerve pain
This in vitro study evaluated two-bottle in-office bleaching gels applied in 30-minute sessions to sixty sound human premolars and thirty mo…
A common teeth whitening treatment may be safer for sensitive teeth thanks to a gel that blocks more pain-causing chemicals from reaching th…
Meta-analysis links perihematomal edema growth to poor outcomes in intracerebral hemorrhage patients
Brain swelling linked to worse outcomes in hemorrhage patients
This meta-analysis examines the association between perihematomal edema volume changes and outcomes in 1523 participants with intracerebral …
Early swelling in the brain after a bleed may predict higher risk of death or disability within three months.
EC1169 and 99mTc-EC0652 show increased bone lesion detection and longer rPFS in mCRPC patients
A new prostate cancer drug shows promise but has limited activity in this early trial
This Phase I study evaluated EC1169 and 99mTc-EC0652 in 103 patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.
A new prostate cancer drug detected bone lesions better than standard scans and linked to longer survival in early testing.
Corneal biomechanics and endothelial morphology in healthy Saudi adults: a cross-sectional study
Thicker corneas in healthy adults drive lower pressure readings
This cross-sectional study of 122 healthy Saudi adults aged 18–40 years found that corneal biomechanics are primarily driven by central corn…
In a Saudi group of healthy adults, thicker corneas were the main factor lowering pressure readings, while eye shape played a smaller role.
Brolucizumab Protocol for Chronic Central Serous Chorioretinopathy Compared to Multivitamins
Doctors test new eye drug for stubborn fluid without neovascularization
This protocol describes a randomized controlled trial comparing intravitreal brolucizumab to oral multivitamins in 42 patients with chronic …
A new eye drug trial could help people with stubborn fluid in their retina by comparing it to vitamins in a strict study.
Postoperative tibial slope size does not affect five-year wear in total knee arthroplasty
Knee Replacement Alignment Linked to Implant Loosening
This observational study analyzed secondary data from a randomized controlled trial involving 93 total knee arthroplasty patients.
A new analysis finds that the angle of the knee after replacement may affect how much the implant shifts over time.
Meta-analysis shows anteroinferior plating improves shoulder function over superior plating for clavicle fractures
Anteroinferior plating improves shoulder function after clavicle fracture
This meta-analysis evaluated anteroinferior plating versus superior plating for mid-shaft clavicle fractures in 1,433 adults.
A new analysis of 1,433 patients finds that anteroinferior plating leads to better shoulder function and fewer nerve injuries than superior …
POCUS and Laparoscopic Repair for Incarcerated Pediatric Direct Inguinal Hernia
A 15-month-old boy gets a quick fix for a dangerous hernia without synthetic mesh
This case report describes a 15-month-old male with an incarcerated direct inguinal hernia diagnosed by point-of-care ultrasound within 2 ho…
Doctors used ultrasound to quickly diagnose and repair a dangerous hernia in a 15-month-old boy, avoiding synthetic mesh and ensuring a fast…
Hands-free carotid ultrasound improves ROSC detection in cardiac arrest
Hands-free ultrasound speeds up heart restart checks for cardiac arrest patients
This randomized controlled trial of 341 adults with in-hospital cardiac arrest found that hands-free carotid ultrasound (CADFlow) led to a…
A new trial shows hands-free ultrasound devices help medical teams detect heart restart success faster and more accurately during cardiac ar…
Continuous glucose monitoring may reduce mortality and hypoglycemia in ICU patients compared to point of care testing
Meta-analysis links continuous glucose monitoring to lower mortality risk in ICU patients
This meta-analysis evaluated continuous glucose monitoring versus point of care blood glucose measurements in ICU patients.
A new analysis suggests continuous glucose monitoring may lower mortality and hypoglycemia in ICU patients, though evidence remains very unc…
Selective decontamination of the digestive tract reduces hospital mortality in mechanically ventilated ICU adults
Selective decontamination lowers death risk for ICU patients on ventilators
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated selective decontamination of the digestive tract (SDD) versus standard care or placebo in…
A massive analysis of 32 studies shows selective decontamination of the digestive tract lowers hospital death rates for adults on ventilator…
SABR Protocol Deviations Linked to Poorer Survival in Oligometastatic Head and Neck Cancer
Major protocol deviations cut survival time for head and neck cancer patients
This exploratory analysis of a randomized phase 2 trial (GORTEC 2014-04) in 69 patients with oligometastatic head and neck cancer found that…
Strict radiation quality checks linked to better survival for head and neck cancer patients. Minor or major errors during treatment reduced …
Lignocaine-based opioid-free anesthesia increases sevoflurane need in head-and-neck cancer surgery
Opioid-free surgery needs more gas to keep patients asleep safely
This randomized trial in 30 patients undergoing head-and-neck cancer surgery found that lignocaine-based opioid-free anesthesia required hig…
Opioid-free anesthesia using lignocaine needs more breathing gas and causes more blood pressure spikes than morphine during major head surge…
SIB-RT plus S-1 improves survival in elderly inoperable esophageal cancer
Combination therapy improves survival in older esophageal cancer patients
This phase III multicenter RCT compared simultaneous integrated boost radiotherapy plus oral S-1 (CRTCT) to radiotherapy alone in patients a…
Adding chemo to radiation boosts 5-year survival from 24% to 34% in older patients with inoperable esophageal cancer.
Meta-analysis links facial palsy and ANCA negativity to poor hearing in OMAAV patients
Three Signs Predict Hearing Loss In A Rare Vasculitis Disease
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates hearing outcomes in patients with otitis media associated with ANCA-associated vasculitis…
Three specific health markers predict hearing loss in patients with a rare form of ear inflammation, offering doctors a clearer path to prot…
GERD Associated with Increased Risk of Laryngeal Cancer in Meta-Analysis
Large study links GERD to higher risk of laryngeal cancer
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 1,768,394 adults found that gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) was significantly associated wit…
A massive analysis of nearly 1.8 million adults found a link between gastroesophageal reflux disease and increased risk of laryngeal cancer.
Risk factor modeling showed modest performance for predicting visual function progression in acute NAION eyes
Risk Factors for Vision Loss in NAION Identified in Trial Analysis
This secondary analysis of a multicenter, double-masked, sham-controlled, randomized clinical trial evaluated 589 study eyes with acute NAIO…
Analysis of trial data links sleep apnea and high diastolic pressure to early vision decline in NAION patients.
Ultrasound-guided microconvex in-plane subclavian puncture reduces composite risk and improves success rates compared to landmark technique
Ultrasound-guided puncture lowers risks for subclavian vein catheterization
This randomized controlled trial enrolled 101 patients scheduled for elective surgery.
A trial of 101 patients found ultrasound-guided microconvex in-plane subclavian puncture reduced complications and improved success rates co…
Haemorrhage pattern predicts complications in angiogram-negative subarachnoid haemorrhage patients
Blood pattern predicts risk for hidden brain vessel issues in patients
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated 5921 angiogram-negative subarachnoid haemorrhage patients.
New data shows that how blood spreads in the brain helps doctors decide if a second scan is needed to find hidden vessel problems
AI models improve diagnostic accuracy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma compared to conventional methods
AI models improve pancreatic cancer diagnosis accuracy in large review
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated radiomics-based models derived from computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, posi…
A large review shows AI tools using scans can detect pancreatic cancer with higher accuracy than standard methods, offering hope for earlier…
Systematic review and meta-analysis of 3D-EAUS, unenhanced MRI, and CE-MRI for anal fistula classification
3D Ultrasound and MRI Show High Accuracy for Anal Fistula
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated diagnostic efficacy for anal fistula classification using 3D-endoanal ultrasound, unenhan…
A new review finds 3D ultrasound and contrast-enhanced MRI are highly accurate for classifying anal fistulas, helping guide treatment.
Systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates apical sparing ratio for cardiac amyloidosis detection in hypertrophy
A specific heart pattern helps spot amyloidosis but misses some cases
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the diagnostic accuracy of the apical sparing ratio (ASR) derived from echocardiographic …
A new analysis shows a heart scan pattern finds amyloidosis in most people with thick heart walls, but it still misses some cases.
Review of CT-Guided Puncture Device in PCNL shows reduced time and radiation in small preliminary report
A new puncture tool helps doctors remove kidney stones faster and with less radiation
This preliminary report reviews a synthesis of data comparing a CT-Guided Puncture Device to free-hand and X-ray-guided techniques in 51 adu…
A new tool helps doctors remove kidney stones faster and with less radiation during a common procedure for adults.
Online adaptive MRI-guided SBRT showed technical feasibility in intermediate-risk prostate cancer patients
New MRI-guided radiation technique works for most intermediate-risk prostate cancer patients
This Phase 2 non-randomized trial evaluated online adaptive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided stereotactic body radiation therapy in 5…
A new radiation method delivered the right dose to tumors in 85% of patients with intermediate-risk prostate cancer. This approach uses onli…
Phase II trial of CyberKnife SBRT and androgen deprivation therapy in unfavorable intermediate- to high-risk localized prostate cancer
Small trial shows CyberKnife radiation plus hormone therapy is well tolerated for high-risk prostate cancer
This Phase II trial evaluated CyberKnife-based SBRT with simultaneous integrated boost and androgen deprivation therapy in 20 patients with …
A small study of 20 men with high-risk prostate cancer found that CyberKnife radiation plus hormone therapy was well tolerated with low rate…
Ultrasound-guided salvage brachytherapy with interstitial hyperthermia shows low toxicity in locally recurrent prostate cancer
New prostate cancer treatment shows low side effects after 5 years
This prospective phase 2 trial evaluated ultrasound-guided salvage brachytherapy with interstitial hyperthermia in 109 patients with locally…
A new treatment for recurrent prostate cancer kept 93% of patients alive at 5 years with very low serious side effects.
RIRS with TFLLT shows similar stone-free rates to PNL for 20-30 mm kidney stones in adults
Small kidney stones get cleared with less pain and blood loss now
This randomized prospective study compared Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS) with Thulium Fiber Laser Lithotripsy (TFLLT) to Percutaneous…
A new laser technique clears large kidney stones with less pain and blood loss while keeping success rates high for patients
Patient-specific 3D printed kidney models improved comprehension and satisfaction compared to conventional 2D CT scans in PCNL patients
3D kidney models improve patient understanding before surgery
This randomized clinical study enrolled 40 individuals aged 18 to 80 planned for PCNL surgery.
A small study found that 3D printed kidney models significantly improved patient comprehension and satisfaction compared to standard 2D scan…
Systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates PRIMARY score on PSMA PET for prostate cancer detection
PRIMARY Score Finds Hidden Cancer With High Accuracy
This systematic review and meta-analysis of 1974 patients evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of the PRIMARY score on PSMA PET/CT or PET/MRI f…
A new scan reading tool catches most dangerous prostate cancers with high accuracy for men who have never had a biopsy.
Systematic review and meta-analysis compares micro-ultrasound and mpMRI guidance for prostate biopsy cancer detection
Micro-ultrasound guidance finds prostate cancer at same rate as MRI
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated clinically significant and insignificant prostate cancer detection rates between micro-ul…
A large analysis found micro-ultrasound and MRI guidance detect prostate cancer equally well during biopsy, offering a viable alternative fo…
AI-based fluid volume quantification predicts visual acuity in neovascular AMD better than CST
AI fluid measurements better predict vision loss than thickness in AMD
This randomized phase III trial in 290 eyes with neovascular AMD found that AI-based quantification of intraretinal and subretinal fluid vol…
AI-based fluid volume tracking explains more vision changes than standard thickness measurements in macular degeneration patients.
Aflibercept 8 mg extended dosing maintains visual gains with fewer injections versus 2 mg every 8 weeks in DME
Aflibercept 8 mg every 16 weeks matches standard dosing for diabetic macular edema
This randomized, double-masked, noninferiority phase 2/3 trial enrolled 658 patients aged ≥ 18 years with center-involved diabetic macular e…
A new trial shows that aflibercept 8 mg every 16 weeks works as well as the standard 2 mg every 8 weeks for diabetic macular edema with fewe…
Motivational Interviewing Workshop Improves Communication Skills in Ophthalmology Residents
Motivational Interviewing Workshop Boosts Glaucoma Counseling Skills
This pilot RCT with 20 ophthalmology residents found that a 1-hour Motivational Interviewing workshop improved standardized patient encounte…
A simple one-hour class helps doctors talk to glaucoma patients in ways that actually change behavior and improve medication use.
Mingmu Dihuang Tang plus conventional treatment improved visual acuity and reduced complications in elderly cataract patients
Trial shows Mingmu Dihuang Tang plus Western medicine improves cataract markers
This randomized controlled trial enrolled 120 elderly patients with cataract.
Adding Mingmu Dihuang Tang to standard care improved antioxidant levels and vision recovery in elderly patients with cataracts.
Systematic review and meta-analysis links pregnancy to higher risk of central serous chorioretinopathy
Pregnancy increases risk of central serous chorioretinopathy by more than five times
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the association between pregnancy and central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) using data f…
A large review found pregnancy raises the risk of central serous chorioretinopathy significantly. This matters for expectant mothers and doc…
Systematic review and meta-analysis shows aflibercept biosimilars match reference drug efficacy and safety in AMD and DME
Aflibercept biosimilars match the original drug for eye disease treatment
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated aflibercept biosimilars versus reference aflibercept for neovascular age-related macular …
A large review of 4064 patients found that aflibercept biosimilars work just as well as the original drug for two common eye conditions.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of intra-arterial chemotherapy for pediatric retinoblastoma outcomes
Meta-analysis links intra-arterial chemotherapy to better outcomes for pediatric retinoblastoma
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC) versus intravenous chemotherapy (IVC) for pediatric ret…
A meta-analysis of twelve studies suggests intra-arterial chemotherapy improves survival and eye salvage compared to intravenous chemotherap…
Meta-analysis compares intravitreal vs subretinal tPA for submacular hemorrhage
Two injection methods for eye bleeding show similar vision results over time
This meta-analysis of 353 eyes compared intravitreal and subretinal injection of tissue plasminogen activator for submacular hemorrhage.
A review of 353 eyes found that injecting medicine into the eye chamber or under the retina offered similar vision outcomes and safety profi…
Meta-analysis of tafluprost-timolol fixed-dose combination for open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension
Tafluprost-timolol drops lower eye pressure than switching to single drugs
This meta-analysis evaluated the tafluprost-timolol fixed-dose combination versus a monotherapy switch group in patients with open-angle gla…
A meta-analysis of 2066 patients found that fixed-dose tafluprost-timolol lowered eye pressure more than switching to monotherapy, with mini…
Systematic review finds radiotherapy combined with anti-VEGF therapy increases risk of vision loss compared to anti-VEGF monotherapy in nAMD
Radiotherapy plus anti-VEGF therapy increases vision loss risk for nAMD
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated radiotherapy combined with anti-VEGF therapy versus anti-VEGF monotherapy for neovascular…
Adding radiotherapy to anti-VEGF treatment for wet macular degeneration was linked to a higher risk of vision loss compared to anti-VEGF alo…
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Associated with Higher Odds of Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Large study links obstructive sleep apnea to higher risk of age-related macular degeneration
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 3,536,314 adults found that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) was associated with higher odds of age-re…
A massive analysis of over 3.5 million people suggests obstructive sleep apnea is linked to a higher risk of age-related macular degeneratio…
Systematic review and meta-analysis of uveitis subtypes in European tertiary centers
European data show most adult uveitis cases are anterior or non-infectious
This systematic review and meta-analysis of 30 471 patients from European tertiary centers found that anterior uveitis is the most common su…
A large review of 30,471 patients found that over half of uveitis cases were anterior and nearly half were non-infectious across Europe.
Calcium sulfate paste graft with locking plate for proximal humeral fractures: no functional benefit
Adding calcium paste to bone plates reduced complications in older patients with broken shoulders
This randomized clinical trial in 70 older patients with proximal humeral fractures compared osteosynthesis using a locking plate with calci…
Adding calcium paste to bone plates reduced total complications in older patients with broken shoulders, while other recovery measures staye…
Intramedullary fixation with dual integrated lag screw shows no difference in failure rates compared to single lag screw fixation
Static Locking Screws Work Just As Well As Dynamic Ones For Hip Fractures
This multicenter randomized controlled trial enrolled 477 patients older than 60 years with intertrochanteric femur fractures.
New data shows that locking the top screw in place does not raise the risk of hip implant failure for older patients.
Human-written medical histories rated higher than ChatGPT in paediatric orthopaedics
Human notes beat AI for pediatric knee care summaries
In a randomized blinded study of 20 paediatric patients, human-created medical history summaries received significantly higher overall ratin…
Doctors wrote better summaries than AI for kids with knee problems, showing human judgment is still needed for medical records.
Contracting retraining schedule improves task speed compared to expanding schedule in novice orthopedic residents
Practicing more before surgery helps doctors keep skills sharp
This randomized controlled trial compared three retraining schedules for 27 orthopedic residents without prior arthroscopic experience.
Practicing more often right before a break helps surgeons remember their skills better than spreading out their training time
VBQ and Hounsfield Units Predict Subsequent Fractures After Vertebral Augmentation
Vertebral Bone Quality Scores Predict Fracture Risk After Vertebral Augmentation
This meta-analysis of 7364 patients found that higher VBQ scores and lower HU values are significantly associated with subsequent fractures …
A large analysis of 7,364 patients shows Vertebral Bone Quality scores better predict future fractures after vertebral augmentation than sta…
Systematic review and meta-analysis links Type 2 Diabetes to higher fracture risk across multiple anatomical sites
Type 2 Diabetes Linked To Higher Fracture Risk Across All Body Sites
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated fracture risk in 13,074,868 individuals with and without Type 2 Diabetes.
A massive analysis of over 13 million people found that having Type 2 Diabetes is associated with a significantly higher risk of breaking bo…
Pressure-controlled ventilation reduces peak airway pressure in scoliosis surgery
New breathing method lowers lung pressure during spine surgery
This RCT compared pressure-controlled versus volume-controlled ventilation in patients undergoing posterior spinal fusion for thoracolumbar …
A new breathing method during spine surgery lowers lung pressure and improves gas exchange for patients in the prone position
Higher Intraoperative Mechanical Power Linked to Impaired Oxygenation and Pulmonary Complications After Orthopedic Surgery
Higher surgical machine power linked to worse lung oxygen levels after orthopedic surgery
This post hoc analysis of a cluster factorial randomized trial included 2,582 patients undergoing orthopedic surgery.
Using more power during orthopedic surgery was linked to lower oxygen levels and more lung complications in patients recovering from these o…
Hypophosphatemia during KRT linked to fewer ventilator-free days in critically ill patients
Low phosphate during dialysis linked to fewer ventilator-free days
This post hoc analysis of the STARRT-AKI trial found that hypophosphatemia during kidney replacement therapy was associated with fewer venti…
A new analysis finds that critically ill patients who develop low phosphate during kidney therapy spend fewer days off ventilators.
Feasibility trial protocol for ultrasonography-guided therapeutic pleural drainage in ICU patients with pleural effusion and respiratory failure
A new trial protocol checks if ICU drainage helps adults with fluid buildup and breathing trouble
This feasibility trial protocol evaluates ultrasonography-guided therapeutic pleural drainage with small-bore catheter in adults acutely adm…
This feasibility trial protocol checks if draining fluid from the lungs helps adults in the ICU who have breathing trouble and fluid buildup…
ICU CogHab cognitive rehabilitation feasibility study in ICU survivors with cognitive impairment
Feasibility study tests cognitive rehab for ICU survivors with cognitive impairment
This randomised controlled feasibility study evaluated a cognitive rehabilitation intervention in 83 ICU survivors with cognitive impairment…
A feasibility study found that cognitive rehabilitation can be introduced to ICU survivors, though recruitment and retention remain challeng…