A new smartphone app enables patients to remotely send images of their surgical wounds for earlier detection of surgical site infections and prevention of hospital readmissions. The study found seven wound complications detected, one false negative, and a high patient satisfaction rate.
A new patient education brochure has been shown to increase proper disposal rates of unused opioids among surgical patients, with adults receiving the brochure disposing of their medications at a rate of 22 percent compared to 11 percent among those who did not receive it.
A recent study found that the majority of women with breast cancer report not feeling completely informed about their treatment options. The study suggests that patients often prioritize making a quick decision over thoroughly researching their options. To address this issue, researchers recommend providing consistent, reliable informa...
A study analyzing over 1.25 million cases found improvements in surgical site and bladder infections for 9 out of 10 operations since 2008, with the greatest reduction seen in urinary tract infections. Hospitals are encouraged to focus on improving quality of care for pancreas surgery.
A new guideline for discharge opioid prescriptions after inpatient general surgical procedures could significantly reduce opioid prescriptions. The guideline, developed by researchers at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, recommends prescribing a certain number of opioids based on the patient's usage the day before discharge.
A large study of FEA lesions found that only a small percentage (2.4%) upgraded to breast cancer at surgery, while 30% were upgraded to higher-risk but non-cancerous lesions. Surveillance over surgery is recommended for women with FEA who do not have genetic mutations or are not interested in chemoprevention.
A high waist-to-hip ratio is associated with a significantly higher rate of complications, longer hospital stays, mortality, and 30-day readmissions after emergency general surgery procedures. The study suggests that measuring waist-to-hip ratio via CT scan may be a reliable predictor of adverse outcomes.
The study found that nonoperative management is associated with a significantly higher risk of dying during hospitalization for appendicitis. Patients receiving nonoperative management were, on average, eight years older and had more coexisting illnesses than those who underwent early operations.
A study of women with a 20% or greater lifetime risk of breast cancer found that only 23% underwent MRI screenings, even when the service was available at no cost. Researchers aim to understand why these women are declining screening, which could inform targeted interventions.
Improving readability of discharge instructions can lead to better health literacy and reduced need for hospital follow-up calls. A study by the American College of Surgeons found that editing templates made sentences shorter and easier to read, resulting in a 2.4 times lower number of phone calls per 100 patients.
A pilot study found that partnerships between rural hospitals and academic surgery departments can substantially increase patient satisfaction due to increased accessibility of quality surgical care. The partnerships also lead to cost savings for both the hospitals and the state, with projected savings of approximately $7 million.
A recent study found that cloth skullcaps are more effective than disposable bouffant hats in reducing airborne contamination in operating rooms. The researchers tested three types of headgear and observed lower particle counts and microbial shedding with cloth caps, suggesting they may be a better option for minimizing infection risk.
A pilot study shows that fluorescent imaging with antibody cetuximab can specifically distinguish cancer from normal tissue in patients with glioblastoma. The technique allows surgeons to visualize tumors more clearly, potentially leading to better progression-free survival.
A study using noninvasive brain imaging found that simulator-trained medical students demonstrated increased cortical activity and faster completion times for cutting tasks compared to those with no training. The researchers believe this approach can objectively assess surgical skill transfer, providing a more accurate representation o...
A study by Oakland trauma surgeons found that acoustic gunshot sensor technology can lead to quicker hospital arrival times and equal survival rates despite more severe injuries. The technology detects gunshots and provides responders with accurate information, helping paramedics treat and transport patients faster.
A new study found that weight loss after bariatric surgery can lead to significant improvements in heart health, including a return to natural shape and function. The study also showed a decrease in ventricle size by 15.7 percent, reducing the risk of heart failure.
A surgical checklist-based intervention called Clean Cut helps improve compliance with infection prevention standards in low- and middle-income countries. The program, developed by general surgery resident Jared Forrester, achieved significant improvements in hand hygiene, antibiotic timing, and instrument sterility.
A standardized eight-step ambulatory surgery care protocol reduced patients' postoperative pain and unplanned returns to the emergency room after surgery. The protocol emphasized patient preoperative education and preferential use of monitored anesthesia care, significantly reducing rates of unplanned visits.
A new study found that nearly 9% of bariatric surgical patients continue to use prescription opioids one year postoperatively, compared to 6% in general surgical populations. Surgeons must identify high-risk patients and adjust prescribing practices to prevent addiction.
A new pilot study using data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) found that 10 out of 14 geriatric-specific variables can predict morbidity and mortality outcomes in older surgical patients. The study identified risk factors such as cognitive impairment, surrogate consent, and...
A large-scale study found that patients who receive antibiotics before certain types of low-risk operations have the same risk for developing antibiotic-resistant infections as those who don't. The study analyzed data from over 22,000 patients and found no association between prophylactic antibiotic use and postoperative antibiotic res...
A new study has found that trastuzumab treatment does not increase the risk of surgical site complications that require intervention after breast reconstruction. Immediate breast reconstruction may be possible for patients receiving trastuzumab alone, but those on combination targeted HER-2 treatment should delay surgery.
A new study found that mandating sterile operating conditions at or close to the wound and tracking in-hospital outcomes on surgical site infections are key to minimizing surgery-related infections. The study also found that policies regulating OR personnel attire had no measurable impact on infection rates.
A new device using magnetic compression has been shown to be safe and easy for surgeons to use, offering a faster alternative to traditional suturing or stapling methods. The device was tested in a proof-of-concept clinical trial involving patients with complicated surgical reconstructions.
A national survey by Hartford Consensus reveals a disconnect between public perceptions and healthcare professionals' views on hospital safety during active shooter events. Healthcare professionals believe they have a duty to protect patients, but many also perceive hospitals as risky settings.
Researchers have identified a care plan for colon and rectal surgical procedures, presenting 12 components to improve preoperative and postoperative care. The clinical pathway aims to lower costs, improve safety, and speed recovery while increasing patient satisfaction.
A new study by the American College of Surgeons found that mental health visits increase in the three months prior to a burn injury, suggesting an opportunity for intervention. The study also revealed that burn-injury patients experience significantly increased rates of self-harm after their injuries.
A hospital implemented a water intake improvement project to increase patient hydration, resulting in increased water intake among patients undergoing bariatric surgery. The study found that standardizing the intake process led to significant improvements in hydration and reduced variability in postoperative fluid progression.
A new American College of Surgeons quality improvement program linked to a two-thirds decrease in smoking rates in patients undergoing cervical and lumbar spine procedures. The program, Strong for Surgery, helps patients prepare for surgery by identifying and evaluating evidence-based practices to optimize their health.
A protocol called Enhanced Recovery After Colorectal Surgery (ERACS) has improved outcomes for colorectal surgical patients by reducing hospital stays by over half and complications by more than one-third. The study also found significant cost savings of up to $11,000 per procedure.
A study found that women with breast cancer who undergo nipple-sparing mastectomy have a low rate of recurrence within five years, comparable to standard mastectomies. The procedure leaves the natural nipple intact and has several advantages over standard mastectomy.
A new analysis found that delaying lymph node biopsy more than 30 days after melanoma diagnosis does not adversely affect long-term clinical outcomes. The study examined 2,483 patients and found similar results in disease-free survival and melanoma-specific survival.
A combined molecular biology test can accurately identify benign pancreatic lesions, potentially sparing patients from unnecessary cancer screenings and operations. The test uses two proteins to rule out precancer and cancer, with a sensitivity of 95.5% and specificity of 100% for distinguishing between serous cystic neoplasms (SCN) an...
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that trauma centers verified by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma have lower complication rates for pediatric and elderly patients. The study analyzed data from the National Trauma Data Bank and found that patients treated at non-verified trau...
A phone-based transitional care program for surgical patients demonstrated high patient engagement and reduced hospital readmissions. The study found that 46% of patients had postoperative medication discrepancies, highlighting the need for improved discharge practices.
Researchers developed a new test combining International Normalized Ratio and thrombelastography to predict massive transfusion needs in trauma patients. The test was found to be highly sensitive and specific, reducing unnecessary transfusions by 97%.
A study published by the American College of Surgeons found that 93.79% of trained surgeons believe teaching bleeding control techniques to the public is an appropriate priority. The study's findings suggest that training surgeons can effectively disseminate bleeding control knowledge and teach skills to the general public.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that pancreatic cancer patients who travel to academic medical centers for surgery have longer overall survival rates and better quality care. For thyroid cancer patients, traveling also results in more adherence to evidence-based treatment guidelines.
A newly-created prognostic tool reliably predicts the recurrence of parathyroid cancer, allowing physicians to identify patients at highest risk. The tool is based on three key indicators: serum calcium level, age over 65, and tumor invasion into blood vessels.
Researchers analyzed data on 2,025 women diagnosed with stage I to IV melanoma and found no significant differences in prognosis between pregnant and non-pregnant patients. The study upends long-held beliefs about pregnancy and melanoma, showing that screening and treatment should be similar for both groups.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that most patients with uncomplicated diverticulitis can safely go home with a prescription for oral antibiotics after their ER visit. The study, which evaluated 240 patients, revealed that about half of those admitted to hospital could have been sent home.
A study found that outpatient laparoscopic appendectomy is safe and effective, with shorter hospital stays and decreased healthcare costs. The study showed no differences in complications, post-discharge ER visits, or readmissions between the outpatient and hospital-stay groups.
A modified Fistula Risk Score (FRS) based on ACS NSQIP data helps surgeons identify high-risk patients for anastomotic leak after pancreas resection. The risk score also assesses the quality of patient care and evaluates new interventions to prevent fistula development.
The American College of Surgeons has published comprehensive hospital-level surgical care standards for older adults, reflecting a shift toward interdisciplinary care. The new standards aim to improve the quality of geriatric surgery by addressing physiological changes related to aging and chronic diseases.
Researchers from UnityPoint Health developed an effective eight-minute educational module to teach staff in a large workplace about basic knowledge and skills to locate and use bleeding control equipment. The module showed positive results with 55% of respondents having direct patient care responsibilities, but limitations were noted r...
Researchers at Wake Forest University developed a tool to calculate the likelihood of survival and independence after hospital discharge in elderly patients with traumatic brain injury. The tool accounts for variables such as age and severity of brain injury, providing a statistical estimation of the patient's prognosis.
A study by the American College of Surgeons found that nonoperative management of abdominal gunshot wounds is safe and effective for selected patients, reducing complications and mortality rates. Trauma professionals now consider this approach as a viable alternative to operation.
A new study reports improved kidney transplant success rates in children and infants over the past 53 years. The study found that young children now experience better long-term transplant success than adults, with almost 100 percent patient survival rate.
Researchers report a high success rate for a regional chemotherapy technique that preserves limbs in patients with advanced soft tissue sarcomas. The study found that nearly 80 percent of patients were able to avoid amputation using the technique, known as isolated limb perfusion.
Researchers analyzed data from over 580 patients with stage II melanoma and found that 40% of recurrences were spotted by patients due to suspicious skin changes or other symptoms. Patients are encouraged to regularly examine their skin and report any new or unusual symptoms to their physicians.