Research on surgical treatment and outcomes. Covers fat-disorder surgery, survival after hip fracture, prostate-cancer care, and bariatric surgery.
The Chinese consensus highlights non-acid reflux as a significant form of reflux, with nocturnal gastroesophageal reflux being a common subtype. The consensus also emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary care in diagnosing and treating GERD, with various treatment options available.
Researchers at MIT have designed new 'smart' sutures that can deliver drugs or sense inflammation after surgery. The bioderived sutures use hydrogel coatings to detect early warning signs of complications, such as Crohn's disease, and can also release therapeutic molecules to promote healing.
A new commentary from infectious disease experts emphasizes the importance of continued masking in healthcare settings due to low evidence of efficacy and high transmission risks. Despite recent conflicting views, the authors argue that mask-wearing remains a crucial strategy for infection prevention.
Researchers at Nanyang Technological University found that cells near wavy shaped wounds moved in a swirling manner, while those near straight wounds moved in straight lines. This discovery reveals that the swirling motion is crucial for gap-bridging and accelerates wound healing in wavy wounds.
A randomized clinical trial found that providing palliative care at the time of cancer surgery did not improve patient outcomes, including quality of life and survival. The study suggests that surgeons should not be reluctant to call for palliative care consultations based on fear of upsetting patients.
Researchers found that immune-modulating cells may slow the expansion of bulges in the aorta by creating a less-inflammatory environment. A second study discovered evidence that a COVID-19 infection promotes the enlargement of abdominal aortic aneurysms, which are extremely dangerous and potentially fatal if they rupture.
Researchers developed 'smart' coatings that monitor strain on implants to prevent infection and provide early failure warning. The coatings, inspired by dragonfly and cicada wings, integrate flexible sensors with antibacterial surfaces.
Researchers discuss the importance of biomarkers in breast lump management, enabling patients to make informed decisions between proactive treatment and watchful waiting. The development of biomarkers could provide personalized risk assessments and guide treatment strategies for women with breast lumps.
A randomized controlled trial shows that a best endovascular treatment first revascularisation strategy is more effective in preventing major amputation and death than a vein bypass first strategy for patients with chronic limb-threatening ischaemia. The study, BASIL-2, recruited 345 patients from the UK, Sweden, and Denmark and found ...
New research published in the journal SURGERY found that obesity is associated with increased risk of complications following surgery, including infection, blood clots, and kidney complications. Patients with overweight or obesity had higher risk-adjusted odds of developing these post-operative outcomes compared to those of normal weight.
Researchers analyzed outcomes for 144 Colorado patients who had lymph node sampling at the time of surgery for kidney tumors between 2005 and 2019. They found no statistically significant difference in clinically significant complications between patients who underwent more extensive lymph node sampling than those who didn’t.
A first-of-its-kind study has estimated that transgender women taking estrogen are at a higher risk for prostate cancer, with 14 cases per 10,000 people. The study found disparities in diagnosis rates among different racial groups.
A national pilot program evaluated the implementation of geriatric surgery standards in eight hospitals with variable sizes and resources, finding high levels of compliance. The study highlights the scalability and feasibility of the program, which aims to optimize care for older adults in a wide range of hospital settings.
The guideline provides guidance on definitive local therapy options for non-small cell lung cancer with limited extracranial metastases. It emphasizes the need for a patient-centered, multidisciplinary approach to treatment decisions.
The US military medical system is not ready to handle major conflicts with near-peer adversaries, who possess similar military capabilities. Prolonged field care training and strong patient data are crucial to address the challenges of evacuating wounded soldiers and providing specialized surgical care.
A growing number of states have implemented policies to cover outpatient hemodialysis for undocumented immigrants with kidney failure. This expansion may be due to increased awareness of poor outcomes with emergency hemodialysis and advocacy efforts. The move towards covering dialysis in all 50 states is called for by experts, who also...
Researchers developed a method to convert eggshells into amorphous calcium phosphate particles, which were found to be safe, cell-friendly, and effective in promoting bone regeneration. The findings promise to create an eco-friendly alternative to commercialized xenograft materials.
Researchers found deaths from gallstone disease increased in younger populations and those with Medicaid after Medicaid expansion, highlighting the need for proactive prevention over reactive emergency care. A new healthcare model emphasizing primary care and prevention is proposed to address these inequities.
A recent study led by Dr Rachael Rigby from Lancaster University found that delays in stoma reversal surgery do not impact on risk of complications or commensal microflora loss, atrophy, or scarring. However, a higher degree of microflora loss is associated with an increased risk of complications.
Researchers found that participants with lower written health literacy experienced longer delays in initiating postoperative radiation therapy. The study controlled for demographic and clinical factors, highlighting the importance of health literacy in cancer care.
Researchers developed a system to grade and predict surgical complications by analyzing 51,030 cases. The system uses Bayesian network modeling to identify key risk factors and clusters, enabling precise prediction of surgical outcomes.
A study found that sleeve gastrectomy decreases bone mineral density and strength in adolescents and young adults. Participants who underwent weight loss surgery lost significant amounts of weight and experienced reductions in abdominal fat tissue and muscle mass.
A study by University of Cambridge researchers found that minority ethnic groups are less successful in applying to specialty training programmes in the NHS. Female applicants had a higher success rate overall, but certain specialities tend to appeal more to one gender or the other.
Researchers found that removing ovaries during a benign hysterectomy increases the risk of hospitalization for cardiovascular disease in premenopausal women, but not necessarily for cancer. The study supports current recommendations to conserve ovaries in premenopausal patients at low risk for ovarian cancer.
Dr. Erik K. Paulson, MD, chair of Duke University's radiology department, has been elected as the 123rd President of ARRS for a one-year term starting April 2023. He succeeds Gary J. Whitman, who served from 2022 to 2023.
The study found that 68% of carbon contributions come from single-use items, with production and waste disposal contributing significantly. Reusable alternatives for products like gowns, drapes, and instrument table drapes can reduce carbon footprint by one third.
A novel treatment approach called balloon pulmonary angioplasty has been shown to be effective in treating chronic blood clots in lung arteries. The procedure improves exercise capacity and quality of life, with some patients able to stop medications altogether. Refinements in technique have improved the procedure's safety and efficacy.
A randomized clinical trial found that using smartphone apps for home monitoring after oncologic surgery leads to improved quality of recovery and equal patient satisfaction. The study compared this approach with conventional in-person follow-up, revealing no significant differences in these outcomes.
Medical University of South Carolina researchers streamlined kidney transplant evaluations to increase access for African Americans. They used telehealth and partnerships with local providers to help patients complete the evaluation process, resulting in higher numbers of African Americans beginning and completing the evaluation.
Hokkaido University researchers evaluate a material used to build model arteries, finding it suitable for medical education and surgical practice. The study also highlights the potential for improved assessment of 3D printing technology in creating highly accurate models of individual patient's artery structure.
A study of over 43,000 adults found that parathyroidectomy has no estimated effect on long-term kidney function in older adults. However, early treatment may preserve kidney function in patients younger than 60 years old.
A new study from Mass General Brigham researchers found that early menopause may be a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease dementia. However, women who received hormone therapy around the time of menopause onset did not experience an increased risk of dementia. The study suggests that timing is crucial when it comes to hormone therapy, ...
Researchers found that preserving the meniscus with sutures is more effective in protecting cartilage from future damage in younger patients. Meniscectomies, which remove more than half of the meniscus, were more likely to progress cartilage degeneration.
The funding will support preclinical research using genetically modified pigs, aiming to improve compatibility and reduce immune rejection in xenotransplantation. The goal is to enable human clinical trials and address the organ shortage crisis.
Scientists developed an injectable biomaterial with improved adhesion, stretchability, and toughness, making it ideal for surgical wound sealing. The material showed superior adhesive strength, stability, and biocompatibility in physiological conditions.
A recent study of 29,000 patients found no association between recent COVID-19 infection and increased risk of adverse postoperative outcomes. The study suggests that the timing of COVID-19 infection within 60 days of surgery has no significant impact on surgical outcomes.
A large observational study found that most patients do not medically benefit from consultation with a medical specialist before their surgery. The study of 359,618 patients in Ontario suggested that preoperative medical consultations were an independent risk factor for death 30 days after surgery.
Researchers developed a hybrid micro-robot that can navigate in physiological environments and capture targeted damaged cells. The micro-robot uses electric and magnetic mechanisms to identify and transport single cells for further study.
A statewide effort in Michigan resulted in a 56% reduction in opioid prescriptions after six common operations and a 26% drop in persistent opioid use. The achievement surpassed national trends, driven by voluntary prescribing guidelines and surgical team involvement.
A new survey found that nearly a third of Americans worry more about obesity due to COVID-19, with 28 million people considering weight loss methods. The survey also showed that nearly 90% with obesity have tried to lose weight at some point in their lives, but many underestimate the effectiveness of treatments like weight-loss surgery.
Developing postoperative delirium is associated with a 40% faster rate of cognitive decline compared to those who do not develop delirium. The study, which followed 560 older adults for up to six years, found that delirium influences every time point and is linked to sharper drops in cognition and faster declines over time.
Women surgeons remain underrepresented among NIH-funded surgeon-scientists over a 25-year period, despite early career success in receiving funding. This disparity underscores the necessity of targeted support to create a more diverse surgical research workforce.
A new study found that California's Insurance Gender Nondiscrimination Act led to a significant increase in gender-affirming surgery utilization. The data suggests that similar policies could inform state legislative efforts to protect transgender and gender-diverse patients' health coverage.
A new technique involving a small flap in the peritoneum can reduce postoperative complications in prostate cancer surgery by allowing lymphatic fluid to escape and be absorbed. The study found that this technique significantly reduced the incidence of lymphocele, a common complication where lymphatic fluid collects in the pelvis.
The ProtecT trial found that active monitoring of prostate cancer has the same high survival rates after 15 years as radiotherapy or surgery. Men on active monitoring were more likely to see their cancer progress, but this didn't reduce their likelihood of survival.
A UK study reviewing over 90,000 vasectomies found that chronic scrotal pain occurs in just 0.2% of patients, while post-operative infection rates are around 1.6%. The study updates outdated figures and aims to encourage more men to undergo the procedure.
A recent study found that spinal manipulation is a gentle therapy used to treat low back pain in patients after previous lumbar spine surgery. The study, published in Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, compiled data from over 100 patients and reported most cases were done using a potentially gentler method.
Studies found an association between living close to higher-quality food stores and better weight loss outcomes after bariatric surgery. Living near low-diversity stores was linked to less sustained weight loss, while moderate- or high-diversity stores had no effect.
The study analyzed data from 151 hospitals that participated in an ISCR protocol for colorectal surgery to determine if they improved or worsened in complying with ERP process measures over an 18-month period. Key findings suggest a significant opportunity to improve compliance and patient outcomes, but inadequate resources and limited...
A new study by Weill Cornell Medicine found that the FDA's mandate to limit opioid-acetaminophen combinations resulted in significant reductions in liver injuries. The mandate, implemented in 2014, limited the dosage of acetaminophen in these drugs, leading to a decline in hospitalizations and acute liver failure cases.
A new algorithm predicts female patients are at higher risk for kidney damage after aneurysm repair, with those having reduced glomerular filtration rate facing a 4.7 times increased risk. The algorithm could help identify patients at risk and optimize them before surgery.
A new review found that spinal cord stimulation is no better than a placebo for treating low back pain, with probably little to no benefit for people with the condition. The review also highlighted gaps in clinical data and called for future trials to be longer and more comprehensive.
Leading medical organizations have formed a coalition to combat the growing problem of firearm violence in the US. The Healthcare Coalition for Firearm Injury Prevention aims to promote education, advocacy, and community-centered approaches to reduce firearm-related injuries.
A study found that a commercial water purifier may have caused Mycobacterium abscessus infections in 4 cardiac surgery patients due to chlorine depletion. The hospital's water system was contaminated via municipal water, emphasizing the importance of monitoring and preventing mycobacteria.
Women have a roughly 30-40% higher risk of dying following coronary artery bypass surgery, with female patients having a 2.8% rate of death during or soon after surgery compared to 1.7% for male patients.
Researchers found that patients receiving salvage radiation therapy (sRT) with PSA levels above 0.25 ng/mL had a 50% higher risk of death compared to those with lower PSA levels. The study suggests delaying sRT until PSA levels exceed 0.30 ng/mL may increase mortality risk.
Researchers found that patients with greater buildup of fatty plaque deposits in the heart's three largest blood vessels had higher chances of developing serious health issues following surgery. This study suggests using existing chest scans to estimate patients' risk of heart attack or death during major surgeries.
A phase 2 clinical trial shows that treating resectable stage 3 and 4 melanoma patients with pembrolizumab both before and after surgery greatly improves outcomes compared to pembrolizumab given only after surgery. This approach resulted in significantly longer event-free survival rates.
The average age of patients requiring anaesthesia increased by 2.3 years over the last decade, with a higher proportion of patients living with overweight and obesity. Surgical cases are becoming more complex, with a decrease in ASA 1 and an increase in ASA 2 and 3 patients.
A study by researchers at TUM found that gut bacteria play a crucial role in liver regeneration. The microbiome produces short-chain fatty acids, which are essential for liver cell growth and division. In mice treated with antibiotics, liver regeneration was delayed or not possible, but a