A new study in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons reveals that 15 million Americans live in a county with no general surgeon, with 951 counties having no surgeon in any of 12 surgical specialties. The study provides an interactive data visualization tool for patients, clinicians, and policymakers to access county-level data.
The US will face a shortage of nearly 28,000 surgeons by 2038, with the greatest shortfalls in vascular surgery, ophthalmology, thoracic surgery, and plastic surgery. Rural areas are projected to have even worse gaps in the workforce, leading to longer waits for procedures and increased travel distances for medical care.
A retrospective cohort study of 50,802 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer found that younger patients (aged 45 and younger) had longer median disease-specific survival and a higher rate of 10-year survival compared to older patients. Younger patients were also more likely to have tumors in the left-sided colon and rectum, and a...
A matched cohort study of over 30,000 patients found that appendectomy was associated with a 58% lower relative risk of colorectal cancer diagnosis. The exact mechanisms behind this association are unknown, but may be related to earlier detection of an underlying cancer and removal of a source of inflammation.
Patients undergoing major surgery are at a higher risk of suboptimal recovery in urban heat islands, with Black patients and those in socially vulnerable communities hit hardest. Researchers recommend incorporating questions about home cooling and hydration into discharge planning to mitigate this risk.
Researchers developed an AI model that accurately predicted pancreatic cancer risk three years before diagnosis, using a patient's comprehensive health history and routine laboratory tests. The model achieved high accuracy in distinguishing between at-risk and low-risk individuals, with an AUROC of 0.853.
E-scooter trauma admissions increased 92% from 2021 to 2023, with young riders sustaining more severe injuries. Helmet use was documented in only 12% of cases, and nearly two-thirds of injured riders under 16 sustained major injuries. Researchers call for increased caution and awareness among e-scooter riders, particularly children.
Underweight patients face a significantly higher risk of death after emergency general surgery, with a 92% increased odds compared to normal-weight patients. Those who are both underweight and frail have the worst clinical outcomes, including longer hospital stays and higher readmission rates.
Death rates from treatable emergency surgeries, such as appendicitis and hernias, rose 50% between 1999 and 2020 in the US, with rural communities experiencing a significantly higher increase. The study found that these conditions are rarely fatal when treated promptly, but more working-age adults are dying from them than in the past.
A national study of 20,000 men with prostate cancer found that surgery led to higher rates of urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction, while radiation was associated with urinary complications and higher all-cause mortality. Researchers emphasized that both treatments have long-term consequences and that risks and benefits should...
A national study of over 230,000 pediatric trauma patients found that signs of hemodynamic instability may appear earlier than current standards indicate, highlighting the need for more accurate blood pressure thresholds. The study suggests that clinicians may need to recognize and respond to signs of circulatory instability at higher ...
A new paper by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma recommends making automatic crash notification (ACN) and advanced automatic crash notification (AACN) systems standard safety features in every new vehicle. These systems can provide critical information to emergency responders, such as the vehicle's location and poten...
A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that older adults who undergo high-risk emergency general surgery spend significantly fewer days living independently at home after surgery. The researchers analyzed outcomes for nearly 30,000 individuals aged 66 and older using a patient-centered measure...
A new national analysis found that opioid prescribing for children varies by procedure type and hospital, with nearly one-third of patients receiving opioids after surgery. The study highlights the importance of safe prescribing practices and may inform future efforts to standardize opioid prescribing in pediatric surgery.
Delirium is a common and preventable complication in older surgical patients, with verified geriatric surgery programs screening nearly every patient. Non-accredited hospitals screen only half of their patients for delirium, leading to a stark gap in care.
Transplant survival rates are improving thanks to medical and technical advances, including better organ preservation strategies and expanded donation criteria. However, the number of people needing transplants continues to exceed the available organs, particularly for kidneys.
A study found nearly 10% of surgeons left clinical practice in 8 years, with mid-career surgeons and certain specialties most likely to depart. Researchers identified specific areas where policy changes and support are needed to retain these high-risk surgeons.
Patients treated at NAPRC-accredited hospitals were less likely to have cancer cells remaining after surgery, associated with lower recurrence rates. These hospitals also delivered more comprehensive presurgical testing and improved surgical outcomes.
A study found that patients with missing case information in the SEER database have lower survival rates and are more likely to be from rural or socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds. The researchers suggest using multiple data sources to mitigate this issue.
A new study reviews key components of older adult surgical care, including delirium prevention and screening, fall prevention, and bowel regimens. The seven-component perioperative protocol is associated with improved outcomes, such as reduced complications and shorter hospital stays.
A new study found that patients who take more than 1,000 steps per day after surgery have a 18% lower odds of complications, 16% lower odds of readmission, and 6% shorter hospital stays. This suggests that step count is not just a marker of wellness but a key component of recovery.
A review of 23 randomized controlled trials found that both exercise-based and nutrition-based prehabilitation programs can improve recovery after surgery. Exercise-based programs were most often used in orthopedic cases, while nutrition-based programs were primarily used in gastrointestinal and cardiac surgeries.
A new mapping model uses geo-mapping and statistical analysis to identify areas with the greatest need for prehospital whole blood transfusions. The model can help hospital systems quickly deploy scarce blood resources and minimize waste, particularly in underserved communities.
Violence intervention programs are reaching at-risk trauma patients with firearm injuries, but only a small percentage of eligible patients participate. The study aims to improve access and integration of these programs to enhance recovery outcomes after injury.
A national study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that breast cancer stage at diagnosis differs sharply across rural US regions, with geographic, racial, and insurance factors influencing stage. The study analyzed data from 52,287 rural women diagnosed with breast cancer between 2004 and 2021, revealin...
The American College of Surgeons has released a national framework outlining measurable workplace standards for surgeons, aiming to improve surgeon well-being and patient safety. The framework provides customizable standards that can be incorporated into departmental policies and employment contracts.
A study published by the American College of Surgeons found that repealing universal motorcycle helmet laws resulted in a 26% increase in average inpatient costs per motorcycle crash patient. The policy change led to more severe and expensive injuries, putting pressure on trauma centers and taxpayers.
A new analysis found that rural cancer patients treated locally have similar surgical outcomes to those who traveled to urban facilities. The study used Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results data from Medicare-eligible patients with lung or colon cancer, aged 65 or older, residing in rural areas.
The report shows a notable increase in medication treatments, such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and hormone therapy, used before surgery to treat many cancers. Neoadjuvant systemic therapy increased notably for certain cancers, including gynecologic cancers, pancreatic cancer, and rarer abdominal lining cancers.
A new study analyzing over 5,000 homicide victim autopsies in Maryland found that a small but significant number of deaths could have been prevented with Stop the Bleed training. The program teaches bystanders how to apply pressure, pack wounds, and use tourniquets to control bleeding.
A national study found that older adults who develop geriatric syndromes after major surgery face higher risks of poor outcomes, including complications, fewer days spent at home, and increased likelihood of dying within a year. The study emphasizes the need for specialized surgical care approaches to optimize outcomes for older adults.
A national quality improvement program led by the American College of Surgeons found that providing structured support to cancer patients can reduce missed radiation appointments by up to 40%. The study, involving over 90,000 cancer patients, identified transportation barriers and illness as top reasons for missed appointments.
A new framework, EPoSSI, provides a structured nine-step guide to improve planning comprehensiveness in surgical quality improvement projects. The tool significantly improved planning outcomes, with participants meeting 100% of scoring criteria.
A study of 42,451 patients found that those whose credit scores dropped after a cancer diagnosis faced a significantly higher risk of mortality. The researchers also identified high-risk demographics and socioeconomic factors associated with financial toxicity.
Two studies reveal that adult pedestrians suffer more severe injuries than children in motor-vehicle accidents, with adults experiencing higher mortality rates and complications. Researchers hope to identify 'hotspots' of accidents using geocoding and advocate for community changes to prevent future crashes.
A systematic review found that patients value cancer surgeons who provide emotional support, maintain optimism, and set realistic expectations. These areas of communication include balancing facts with empathetic language, helping patients understand their treatment options, and involving patients in shared decision-making.
Between 2010 and 2020, nearly 300 surgical hospitals closed in the US, with closures concentrated in high-poverty areas. This loss of access to surgical care strains surrounding hospitals, causing strain on emergency departments and limiting patient access to medical records.
Death rates from unintentional injury related to drug use increased by nearly 60% from 2018 to 2023. Middle-aged adults, particularly those aged 35-44, were found to be at higher risk of death from drug-induced accidental injuries.
Rural patients face significantly longer emergency medical services call times due to limited access to specialized trauma centers. High-acuity activations are more common in rural areas, resulting in extended transport times.
A six-year analysis of coroner records from Ohio reveals that over 40% of drivers who died in fatal crashes tested positive for active THC in their blood, with average levels exceeding most state impairment limits. The study found no change in THC positivity before or after the legalization of recreational cannabis.
Women undergoing mastectomy may experience emotional and physical challenges, including worse psychosocial outcomes and a lack of standardized approach to assess quality of life. Researchers emphasize the importance of developing a validated screening tool to prepare women for surgery.
Researchers found that rectal bleeding increases the odds of a colorectal cancer diagnosis by 8.5 times in patients under 50, highlighting the need for symptom-driven care and lifestyle modifications to reduce the risk. The study analyzed 443 patients and identified no family history as a factor in early-onset colorectal cancers.
The study found a significant increase in the use of weight loss drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide among patients undergoing metabolic and bariatric surgery. The proportion of patients receiving these medications rose from 1.8% to 29.4% between 2020 and 2024, reflecting growing popularity and perceived effectiveness.
A study by the American College of Surgeons found that AI enhanced evacuation efficiency, optimized routes, and prioritized patients by injury severity. AI also accelerated drug delivery, identified new treatments for injuries, and supported artificial limb selection.
A new study found that untreated depression in cancer patients leads to poorer surgical outcomes, including longer hospital stays and higher mortality rates. However, treating depression with antidepressants can significantly improve post-surgical recovery and reduce healthcare costs.
Researchers analyzed data from 33,183 individuals and found that minimally invasive approach was associated with lower complication risks compared to open surgery. This study suggests that expanded use of minimally invasive surgery in rural areas may help bridge the gap between rural and urban patients with colon cancer.
A nationwide study analyzed data from over 2019 trauma patients treated at Level III or non-trauma centers and found that older age, public insurance, and lower designations are strong predictors of non-transfer to necessary higher-level care. The study highlights the need for strengthened trauma systems to ensure all patients receive ...
A new benchmark for hospital quality aims to identify areas for improvement by tracking older adult patient discharges to post-acute care facilities. The study found that 11.2% of patients were discharged to these facilities, with high and low outliers identified among hospitals.
A nationwide study found that alcohol withdrawal syndrome significantly increases risks of complications and longer hospital stays after major surgery. Proactive screening and multidisciplinary care can help prevent such complications.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that older adults with serious illness before undergoing elective surgery had significantly longer hospital stays, higher rates of readmissions, and almost double the yearly costs of healthcare compared to their counterparts. Depression was found to be a signifi...