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Longest follow-up of patients with early breast cancer shows radiotherapy does not improve survival after 30 years

A 30-year follow-up study of patients with early breast cancer found that radiotherapy does not improve overall survival rates after 10 years but reduces the risk of recurrence in the same breast. The study's findings challenge traditional concepts of long-term anti-cancer benefits of radiotherapy.

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 17, 2022

Researchers identify how certain immune cells contribute to worse survival in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer

Researchers found that HER2-positive breast cancer patients with high levels of tumour infiltrating lymphocytes in residual disease have significantly shorter overall survival. High levels of TILs are associated with poorer outcomes, while lower levels are linked to improved survival rates.

Ultrasound-guided surgery is quicker, less painful and more effective for treating early form of breast cancer

Researchers at Clinica Universidad de Navarra found that ultrasound-guided surgery (IOUS) is more effective and quicker than traditional wire-localisation methods for treating ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). This technique reduces the risk of positive margins, a common cause of second operations.

Ankle replacement and fusion demonstrate similar effectiveness for end-stage ankle osteoarthritis

A randomized controlled trial found that both total ankle replacement and ankle fusion improve quality of life and have similar clinical scores in patients with end-stage ankle osteoarthritis. However, TAR is associated with greater wound-healing complications and nerve injuries, while AF is linked to more blood clots and nonunion of t...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 14, 2022

Bariatric surgery decreases risk of heart disease

A Rutgers study of 86,964 adults with obesity and NAFLD found that bariatric surgery reduced the risk of major cardiovascular events by 49% compared to nonsurgical care. This is significant because heart disease is a leading cause of death in the US, and NAFLD can lead to liver damage and inflammation.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 14, 2022

Smoking & drinking means higher surgery risks, but health coaching before surgery could help

A new study of 200,000 patients found that those who smoke cigarettes and drink heavily are more likely to experience post-surgical complications. However, talking to a health coach about drinking-related risks before surgery can help patients cut their alcohol use in half and reduce the likelihood of surgical issues.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAnnals of Surgery·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 10, 2022

UCalgary study points to potential new treatment for inflammatory bowel diseases

Researchers at UCalgary have discovered a potential new treatment for fibrosis, a condition that causes thickening of the gut wall and life-threatening blockage in people with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The study suggests that drugs targeting specific sensors may prevent inflammation-associated gut blockage.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalCellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 7, 2022

ACC, AHA issue aortic disease guideline

The new guideline covers key aspects of aortic disease diagnosis and management, including surgical intervention considerations, consistent imaging practices, genetic and familial screenings. The ACC and AHA emphasize the importance of a multidisciplinary team in providing optimal care for patients with aortic disease.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 2, 2022

Special anti-Black racism issues of CMAJ focus on patient health and health professionals

The Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) publishes special issues on the impact of anti-Black racism on patient health and healthcare professionals. Research by Black health scholars and practitioners sheds light on systemic inequities, including cancer care disparities and gaslighting in academic medicine.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateOct 24, 2022

Research finds that life-saving intervention is not risk-free in pediatric patients

Research found that blood transfusions following solid tumor removal in pediatric oncology patients are associated with higher rates of post-surgery infectious complications, shorter disease-free intervals, and tumor recurrence. The study aims to inform thoughtful use of blood transfusion and encourage multi-center data collection.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 24, 2022

After 30 years -- new guidelines for weight-loss surgery

The new guidelines, issued by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO), recommend metabolic and bariatric surgery for individuals with a BMI of 35 or more, regardless of obesity-related conditions. The guidelines also endo...

SourceAmerican Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery·JournalSurgery for Obesity and Related Diseases·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 21, 2022

Patients waiting for urgent surgery in A&E feel calmer and experience less pain if given a music pillow

Researchers found that patients awaiting surgery experienced decreased pain and improved relaxation when given a music pillow to listen to during their wait. The study, which included over 30 participants, demonstrated a positive association between music and reduced anxiety in emergency department patients.

Pitt-developed genetic test for pancreatic cancer outperforms current guidelines

A new genetic test called PancreaSeq accurately classifies pancreatic cysts as potentially cancerous or benign, improving the accuracy of diagnoses compared to current guidelines. The test distinguishes between different types of cysts with higher accuracy than traditional forms of surveillance and current pancreatic cyst guidelines.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalGastroenterology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 5, 2022

Adolescents with severe obesity lost weight, kept it off, and erased comorbidities after bariatric surgery

A study by researchers from UTHealth Houston and the University of Miami found that adolescents with severe obesity who underwent bariatric surgery before age 22 lost significant weight and experienced complete remission of comorbidities such as diabetes, asthma, and elevated lipids. The study's results show that these young patients c...

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 20, 2022

Pediatric patients undergoing surgical stent removal report minimal amounts of postsurgical pain

Researchers found no significant difference in pain levels between children who received ibuprofen and those who received a placebo before stent removal. Only 7% of pediatric patients reported severe pain following the procedure, compared to 55% of adults.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Pediatric Urology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 15, 2022

TAVR is an affordable and effective strategy for treating aortic stenosis patients

A budget impact analysis found that catheter-based TAVR is an affordable and effective strategy for treating aortic stenosis patients, with lower total costs compared to surgical SAVR. The study showed that the upfront cost of TAVR is partially offset by reduced healthcare resources, making it a more efficient option.

SourceElsevier·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 12, 2022

Tendon tissue plus parathyroid hormone reproduces a normal meniscus

A group of researchers from Osaka Metropolitan University found that administering parathyroid hormone to rat Achilles tendons increased the production of cartilaginous matrix and promoted chondrogenic differentiation. This breakthrough discovery may lead to improved outcomes for meniscal reconstruction surgery, protecting knee cartila...

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalThe American Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 26, 2022

When recovery goes awry

A new study from Harvard Medical School reveals that patients who recover well after cardiovascular surgery exhibit precise paths for white blood cell and platelet counts. These trajectories can be used to monitor recovery in a personalized way, enabling clinicians to intervene earlier when necessary.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 22, 2022

Melanoma thickness equally hard for algorithms and dermatologists to judge

Researchers from the University of Gothenburg found that assessing melanoma thickness is challenging for both human dermatologists and machine-learning algorithms. Despite differences in success rates, both groups achieved comparable results when evaluating dermoscopic images, highlighting the need for further study to improve diagnost...

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJournal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 20, 2022

Law enforcement in the emergency department

Researchers examined law enforcement interactions with patients and clinicians in an urban emergency department, highlighting their impact on patient care. The study's findings suggest that effective communication between law enforcement officers and healthcare providers is crucial for safe and efficient patient treatment.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateJul 20, 2022

Shorter wait between COVID-19 and elective surgery possible

A recent Kaiser Permanente study suggests that fully vaccinated patients who have had COVID-19 may not be at an elevated risk of complications after surgery. The research analyzed records from over 228,000 surgeries and found no significant difference in postoperative complication rates between vaccinated and unvaccinated patients.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalAnnals of Surgery·DateJul 19, 2022

Clinicians who responded to recent mass shootings release recommendations for an effective healthcare response in the future

The study provides guidelines for healthcare facilities to respond effectively to mass shooting incidents. The clinicians identified the importance of modified triage plans, prioritizing patients based on anatomical considerations, and clear communication with emergency responders. By implementing these strategies, hospitals can better...

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJul 18, 2022

Evaluating rising incidence of thyroid cancer

A study of 1,300 patients found most thyroid cancers are discovered in asymptomatic individuals, supporting the hypothesis of ongoing subclinical disease detection. The findings contradict the notion of a rising incidence of thyroid cancer.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery·DateJul 14, 2022