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American College of Surgeons


Motorcycle helmet laws save lives: Study shows universal laws increase helmet use and reduce injury severity

A study found that universal helmet laws in North Carolina resulted in higher helmet use rates (94%) compared to South Carolina (47%), leading to less severe injuries. The study also highlighted the human toll of not wearing helmets, including longer ICU stays and more ventilator support.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·TypeObservational study·DateMay 22, 2025

Cancer diagnoses and deaths are declining in Appalachia but remain significantly higher compared to other US regions

Researchers found that cancer incidence and death rates are decreasing in Appalachia, but people in the region are more likely to be diagnosed with and die from cancer compared to other areas of the US. The disparities are attributed to limited access to care, historical occupational risks, and higher poverty rates.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 6, 2025

Improved health care value cannot be achieved by hospital mergers and acquisitions alone

A systematic review of 384 studies found that only about one in five health care integrations leads to improved value of care delivery, primarily due to better care management processes. Hospital charges increased with integration, and quality of care showed reduced quality or no change in nearly 77% of the studies.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateDec 30, 2024

Geriatric surgery verification program can improve outcomes for older cancer patients in community hospitals

The American College of Surgeons Geriatric Surgery Verification program significantly decreases hospital stays among older cancer patients, increasing their independence and likelihood of discharge home. The program addresses the unique needs of older adults undergoing major abdominal oncologic procedures.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateDec 10, 2024

Using antibiotics alone to treat children with appendicitis is a cost-effective and safe alternative to surgery, study shows

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that using antibiotics alone to treat children with uncomplicated appendicitis is a cost-effective and safe alternative to surgery. This approach resulted in lower costs and similar quality-of-life scores compared to upfront surgery.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateNov 26, 2024

Vulnerable patients have a decreased mortality risk when treated at commission on cancer-accredited hospitals

A new study found that vulnerable patients treated at Commission on Cancer-accredited hospitals had a 9% lower mortality rate and were more likely to receive guideline-based care. This is attributed to CoC accreditation requirements for treatment guideline adherence, community engagement, and addressing barriers to care.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateSep 19, 2024

Study shows improved outcomes in hospitals accredited for rectal cancer surgery

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that hospitals accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC) demonstrate significantly better outcomes for patients undergoing rectal cancer surgery. These institutions show lower rates of mortality, complications, and morbidity comp...

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateMar 28, 2024

New research in April: colorectal cancer, kidney health, OR supply costs, and more

Research highlights new findings on social vulnerability and survivorship after colorectal cancer resection, as well as disparities in kidney recovery among Black donors. Additionally, studies reveal cost savings from implementing quality interventions and explore eligibility for transplants in obese patients with end-stage renal disease.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateMar 15, 2024

Permitless open carry laws may lead to more firearm-related suicides

A study published by the American College of Surgeons found that permitless open carry laws in states without such restrictions had a significantly higher rate of firearm-related deaths and total suicides. The researchers suggested that the ease of access to firearms under these laws may be responsible for the increase in suicide rates.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateMar 11, 2024

Gastric bypass improves long-term diabetes remission, even after weight recurrence

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that gastric bypass surgery results in high rates of Type-2 diabetes remission five years after the operation, even after patients regain a significant amount of weight. In contrast, patients who underwent sleeve gastrectomy and regained their weight were five t...

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateFeb 13, 2024

Novel screening tool and recovery program may help reduce mental health problems after trauma

A novel mental health risk screen for hospitalized patients accurately predicts mental health outcomes, with 10 items correctly identifying 75% of those who later developed mental health issues. A tailored recovery program can also be effective in reducing mental health problems after trauma, increasing health equity among historically...

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateDec 1, 2023

Prioritizing circulation before the airway in trauma may improve outcomes for patients with massive bleeding

A literature review found that prioritizing circulation before the airway in trauma patients with major blood loss leads to improved outcomes, including lower mortality rates. This approach, known as CAB, has gained acceptance over the ABC model and is now being recommended by the American College of Surgeons.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 28, 2023

Certain cancers will likely rise exponentially due to COVID-19 screening delays

A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons predicts a significant increase in cancer cases due to COVID-19 screening delays, with lung, breast, and colorectal cancers most affected. The study found that missed diagnoses during the pandemic may lead to delays in treatment and upstaging of disease.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateMay 25, 2023