Question

One of the senior surgeons in the hospital advises as to the best management of Merkel cell tumours of the skin in which she has a special interest. What level of evidence is this?

a. I
b. II
c. III
d. IV
e. V

Answer 1

The recommendation on Merkel cell tumour management by a senior surgeon is considered level IV evidence, referring to expert opinion and clinical experience.

Step-by-step explanation:

The advice from a senior surgeon on the management of Merkel cell tumours would be considered a level of evidence IV. This level pertains to evidence obtained from expert committee reports or opinions and/or clinical experiences of respected authorities. It indicates that the recommendation is based on the surgeon's clinical expertise and is not necessarily derived from controlled clinical trials or large studies.

The senior surgeon's advice on this topic would fall under Level Ib evidence. Level I evidence represents the highest level of evidence, which includes well-designed randomized controlled trials or meta-analyses of such trials. Therefore, the senior surgeon's advice represents the most reliable and trustworthy information available for the management of Merkel cell tumors.