Articles tagged with Surgery
Two new studies found that surgical interns and LGBTQ physicians-in-training experience higher rates of depression than their peers. Surgical interns who identified as female or had a history of adverse childhood experiences were also at increased risk. The studies add to the growing body of knowledge about mental health concerns in me...
A new study reveals that cardiac surgery causes distinct patterns of cortisol secretion, which may reflect individual physiological differences and inflammatory responses. Researchers identified three dynamic phenotypes: single-pulse, two-pulse and multiple-pulse dynamics, suggesting improved diagnostics and personalized interventions ...
A recent study by MUSC shows that quality improvement efforts have decreased complications for all patients and narrowed the gap in surgical outcomes between black and white patients. The research, led by Dr. Thomas Curran, analyzed data from over 30,000 patients who underwent surgery between 2015 and 2020.
Researchers found a weak correlation between provider and patient satisfaction with anesthesia during ocular surgery, suggesting that providers are poor predictors of patient comfort. The study recommends further research to understand patient satisfaction with anesthesia.
The study found an increase in mass shootings and proportion of women and children shot, highlighting worsening structural inequalities. The researchers emphasize the need for investment in public education, employment, and social services to address gun violence.
The UCF-developed real-time blood monitor uses an optical fiber to assess blood status and can be inserted directly into heart-lung machines or catheters without withdrawing blood from patients. This device has been shown to save doctors critical time during life-or-death operations, particularly in surgeries on infants.
A new technique developed at the University of Birmingham uses electroencephalography (EEG) to measure brain activity in patients before surgery, predicting their likelihood of severe pain after recovery. This allows clinicians to plan additional preventative pain medication and potentially reduce chronic symptoms.
A study found that opioid prescriptions for children undergoing common outpatient surgeries declined by up to 50% between 2014 and 2019. The trend was most pronounced in adolescents, with a decline from 78.2% to 48% of prescriptions filled within 7 days of surgery.
Researchers at Boston University have developed optoacoustic neurostimulation with single neuron and subcellular level precision. Optoacoustic neuromodulation may offer advantages over ultrasonic neuromodulation, including higher spatial temporal resolution.
Researchers found that stimulating a specific area of the auditory cortex improved speech perception in an epilepsy patient, allowing them to decipher spoken sentences with clarity. The study used invasive brain stimulation to enhance speech detection over background noise.
The GlobalSurgBox has been shown to significantly improve residents' ability to practice essential surgical skills, overcoming barriers such as lack of convenient access and time. The tool's adaptability and user-friendliness have made it a useful resource for medical students and residents around the world.
A survey of UK doctors found that they tend to overestimate the progress made towards gender equality in medicine, leading to greater reluctance to support initiatives promoting equal representation. Women's representation is well-established in general practice but underrepresented in medical and surgical specialties.
A new analysis of cases in the National Cancer Database finds that younger patients (less than 50 years old) with acute appendicitis are at increased risk of developing cancer of the appendix. The study suggests that patients under 40 may want to undergo surgery to rule out cancer.
A new study by Weill Cornell Medicine and colleagues found that most COVID patients regain consciousness after removal of respiratory support, but may take weeks to recover. The study also showed that patients who experienced low blood oxygen levels during treatment took longer to recover consciousness.
A meta-analysis of over 3,000 studies found that women with one ovary have a 30% lower chance of becoming pregnant and giving birth after IVF. The study suggests that surgical removal of an ovary has an adverse effect on fertility.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet studied long-term outcomes of bioprosthetic aortic valves implanted between 2003 and 2018. They found significant differences in performance depending on valve model, with Perimount having the lowest risk of replacement and mortality among patients
The Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas has awarded a grant extension to Dr. Rakhshanda Rahman, allowing her to provide no-cost mammograms and Pap smears to underinsured and uninsured women in the Permian Basin. The program aims to address high cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates in West Texas.
A single-center study found that trauma patients were less likely to be vaccinated against COVID-19, even as vaccines became more widely available. The study suggests that trauma centers can play a crucial role in introducing the vaccination conversation with high-risk patients.
Melanoma referral centers worldwide have adopted systemic therapies to treat high-risk melanoma, reducing the need for lymph node removal surgeries. The shift in treatment plans was driven by rapid adoption of effective treatments and a desire to avoid lifelong complications of surgery.
Experts recommend individualised multidisciplinary risk assessment for patients requiring elective surgery within 7 weeks of SARS-CoV-2 infection, considering baseline mortality risk calculation and surgical factors. Patients with persistent symptoms or moderate to severe COVID-19 may require longer delays than 7 weeks.
A new study from Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago found that children from less resourced neighborhoods were at increased odds of presenting with complicated appendicitis. This association persisted despite no significant link between neighborhood opportunity levels and healthcare utilization post-discharge.
A new poll of people aged 50 and older found that nearly 1 in 3 had a COVID-related delay for healthcare appointments in 2021. Many unvaccinated individuals still haven't rescheduled their appointments, posing concerns about preventive care, chronic condition management, and operations.
Trauma centers in the US are increasingly screening and intervening for patients with alcohol and substance abuse issues, as well as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and suicidal ideation. A survey found that over 95% of trauma centers screen and intervene for high-risk patients, leading to significant reductions in re-entry rates.
Researchers analyzed general surgery residency application and graduation rates for Black trainees compared to their peers, finding significant disparities in matriculation and graduation rates. The study highlights the need for improved diversity and inclusion initiatives in general surgery training programs.
A large-scale study found that simulation-based surgical training increased surgeons' skills for complex surgeries, with fewer total complications and ureteric injuries. Simulation training led to higher overall proficiency scores and fewer procedures required to achieve proficiency in complex surgeries.
A major study has found that spinal anesthesia is not safer or more effective than general anesthesia in patients undergoing surgery for hip fractures. The study, involving 1,600 patients, showed similar outcomes and risks between the two types of anesthesia, contradicting accepted wisdom.
A retrospective study found that the upgrade rate of architectural distortion on digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) to malignancy was 10.2% for radial scars without atypia and 28.2% for those with atypia. Imaging surveillance is considered an alternative to surgery for these cases.
A new study published in JAMA Health Forum found significant variations in care delivery among physicians with the same specialty and city, despite delivering care in the same clinical scenarios. The researchers analyzed medical insurance records from 2016 to 2019 and found that top-performing physicians were five to 10 times more like...
Researchers create a sticky patch that can seal large tears and punctures in the colon, stomach, and intestines of animal models without causing inflammation or sticking to surrounding tissues. The patch is designed to be biocompatible, flexible, and holds for over a month.
A national analysis of lung transplantations performed in the US between August 2020 and September 2021 shows that 7% of lung transplants were performed to treat COVID-19-related lung damage. The study suggests that lung transplantation may be a safe option for select patients with severe, irreversible lung damage.
A study published in The BMJ found that metal K-wires do not provide better wrist function than a traditional moulded plaster cast. However, patients treated with casts were more likely to need subsequent surgery for fracture reduction complications.
Researchers developed a novel robotic replica of a human spine with an artificial disc implant and soft magnetic sensor array. The system can classify five different postures of the spine with 100% accuracy, providing physiologically relevant data before invasive surgeries.
A pre-clinical study showed that the use of extracellular matrix supports improved nerve fibre regeneration across large nerve defects. The team's novel ECM-loaded medical device increased pro-repair inflammation, blood vessel density, and regenerating nerves, offering a promising alternative to current therapies.
Dr. Mark S. Parker, MD, FACR, has been recognized as the 2022 ARRS Distinguished Educator for his outstanding contributions to radiological education. He will be formally recognized at the ARRS Annual Meeting in New Orleans, LA on May 1, 2022.
A study of nearly 12,000 obese patients found that substantial weight loss achieved through weight loss surgery was associated with improved outcomes after contracting COVID-19, including lower risk of severe disease. The results suggest that weight loss surgery may help mitigate the severity of COVID-19 in individuals with obesity.
A recent China-wide study investigated the effect of general versus regional anesthesia on post-operative delirium in older adults undergoing hip fracture surgery. The results showed no significant difference in delirium incidence between the two groups, contradicting previous assumptions.
A new study warns that Omicron could lead to 100,273 fewer elective operations performed over the three winter months due to increased hospital admissions and COVID-19 patients. The model used NHS England data from September 2020 to July 2021 to project elective surgery activity based on the number of COVID-19 patients in hospital.
Researchers at UCSF developed a new technique using skin grafts with 'privacy glass' to provide a better facial color match for cancer patients. The study found that the technique resulted in a better match than other methods, with an average delta-E calculation of 6.3.
A study of over 200,500 women found an increased risk of death in younger pre-menopausal women when ovaries and fallopian tubes were removed during surgery. In contrast, the procedure is safer for older post-menopausal women, whose ovaries have already stopped producing estrogen.
Scientists at Tokyo University of Science have developed a novel polymer-based hydrogel that can prevent postoperative pancreatic fistulae, a frequent complication of pancreatic surgery. The Exceval hydrogel shows great promise for clinical applications due to its adjustable properties and high absorption abilities.
A new web-based application can predict which epilepsy patients will not benefit from stereo-electroencephalography (SEEG), a costly and invasive procedure. The '5-SENSE' score reliably identifies patients who will not have a focal seizure onset zone, allowing clinicians to avoid unnecessary procedures.
A novel AI algorithm developed at Mayo Clinic can predict long-term patient survival after cardiac surgery using a single-lead EKG. The study found a clear correlation between long-term mortality and a positive AI ECG screen for reduced left ventricular ejection fraction among patients without apparent severe cardiomyopathy.
A survey of general surgery program directors found that only a quarter of programs had a formal paternity leave policy, and when they did, it was often inconsistent. Residents often took shorter leaves than desired due to stigma against male residents taking parental leave.
A new study by researchers at the University of Copenhagen found that an imbalance in vaginal bacteria is associated with a higher risk of emergency caesarean section. The study analyzed 1,396 samples from 736 pregnant women and discovered that those with greater levels of imbalance were more likely to deliver via C-section.
The FDA has approved Cytalux, which enables surgeons to identify and remove cancerous lesions with greater precision. In a Phase 3 study, nearly 27% of women with confirmed ovarian cancer found at least one undetected lesion during surgery.
A Medicare claims data analysis revealed that TAVR programs in major metropolitan areas struggle to serve disadvantaged populations. Zip codes with higher proportions of Black and Hispanic patients had significantly lower rates of TAVR compared to more affluent neighborhoods.
The WOCN Society and medical organizations outline key principles for stoma site selection and marking. A properly placed stoma site can improve quality of life and reduce complications, while individualized consideration is necessary for optimal results.
A two-year follow-up of participants found that those who had both their mitral valve and tricuspid valve repaired at the same time experienced better outcomes, including less progression to moderate or severe leakage. This study provides high-level evidence for surgeons on how to perform tricuspid valve repair in these patients.
The analysis found that nearly 40 million referrals to surgeons showed a greater proportion of patients referred to male surgeons by male physicians. In contrast, female physicians were less influenced by surgeon sex when making referral decisions.
A comprehensive patient blood management program implemented at Mayo Clinic reduced allogenic transfusion use by 33% and improved hospital length of stay and adverse events. The program's multi-faceted approach included education efforts, computerized order entry processes, and analytics to inform decision-making.
Researchers from Osaka City University found that non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma (NTAPP) accelerates cell growth and promotes bone regeneration in animal models with critical bone defects. Micro-CT images showed a 1.51 times larger bone volume after 10-minute treatment, while histological analysis confirmed new bone formation ...
A new study revealed that global guidance for preventing Surgical Site Infections (SSI) is not effective and needs revision. The FALCON trial found no superiority of interventions like alcoholic chlorhexidine skin preparation and triclosan coated sutures over lower-cost alternatives.
The Comparing Outcomes of antibiotic Drugs and Appendectomy (CODA) trial found that nearly 7 in 10 patients with antibiotics avoided an appendectomy within three months. By four years, just under 50% had the surgery, suggesting both treatments are safe and valuable to patients differently based on unique symptoms and circumstances.
A new study found that a decline in hospital stays after surgery may be associated with an increase in post-discharge complications. Researchers recommend implementing a coordinated system to better identify and manage these complications, including improved patient education and enhanced communication between healthcare providers.
Using qualitative terms to describe risks associated with treatments for appendicitis led to a wide range of interpretations among patients. In contrast, giving risk percentages or ranges improved communication and reduced variance in interpretation.
Two studies investigate the factors associated with cancer centers offering telehealth services, revealing regional disparities and socio-economic influences. Researchers aim to increase access to care for patients who may be underserved or lack technology to participate in remote visits.
A study by Temple University Hospital found that virtual single-visit screenings are just as effective as in-person screenings, especially for African American patients. The telemedicine approach helped preserve access to lung cancer screening during the pandemic, despite a 75% decline in overall screenings.
A recent study found that COVID-19 lockdowns led to significant increases in bicycle-related injuries and gun-related injuries across four US cities. Trauma cases at Level I trauma centers showed a 100% rise in bicycle-related trauma rates and a 23.5% increase in gunshot wounds.
Patients with stroke symptoms can be quickly assessed for traumatic injuries without delaying brain imaging and treatment. The novel STRAUMA activation enables rapid evaluation of both stroke and trauma to facilitate timely administration of life-saving interventions.
A new study found that surgery benefits men with Stage IV breast cancer, particularly those responsive to systemic therapy. Trimodal therapy, including surgery and radiation, shows improved 5-year overall survival rates compared to systemic therapy alone.