Research on surgical treatment and outcomes. Covers fat-disorder surgery, survival after hip fracture, prostate-cancer care, and bariatric surgery.
A recent study found that 49% of transgender and gender-diverse patients who undergo gender-affirming genital surgery travel outside their home state, resulting in significantly higher out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average out-of-state patient pays $2,645, compared to $1,781 for in-state patients.
The study reveals uterus transplant outcomes are safe for the recipient, living donor, and child, making it a potential solution for women struggling with uterine-factor infertility. Uterus transplants may be a viable option for these individuals, offering a chance to conceive and carry a pregnancy.
A cross-sectional study of 885 surgical residents revealed that trainees perceived as white received similar autonomy, while those perceived as African American, Black, Hispanic, or Latinx experienced disparities. Autonomy differences were negligible by the end of residency.
Outpatient antibiotic management of selected patients with appendicitis is safe, allowing many to avoid surgery and hospitalization. This treatment approach is associated with fewer serious adverse effects compared to hospitalization.
A new study found that hospitals can reduce excessive opioid prescribing by implementing an evidence-based default setting for opioid prescriptions written in electronic health records. The study showed that patients who received a standard prescription size with a lower default dose of opioids had similar pain control, but took home f...
A new study found that post-operative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is associated with a higher risk of hospitalization for heart failure among patients undergoing cardiac and non-cardiac surgery. POAF may be an early marker for heart failure, and its presence could contribute to the development of the condition.
Updated long-term results from Phase III trials demonstrate significant benefits from combining procarbazine, lomustine, and vincristine chemotherapy with radiation therapy for patients with anaplastic oligodendrogliomas. Patients with chromosome 1p19q codeleted tumors experienced improved overall survival and progression-free survival.
Researchers will develop and test new beacon molecules and imaging equipment to improve the detection and removal of non-small-cell lung cancers, aiming to reduce unnecessary tissue removal. The goal is to enhance surgical outcomes and improve patient care.
Researchers from NYU Abu Dhabi have developed a simple yet effective approach for on-demand tactile sensing in minimally-invasive surgery. The Smart Laparoscopic Forceps (SLF) system measures grasping force and angle, providing surgeons with relative stiffness index of tissue to help with decision-making during operations.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed self-powered smart implants that can monitor spinal fusion healing in real-time. The implants use a new class of multifunctional mechanical metamaterials to record pressure and stresses, generating their own power and providing crucial information about the healing process.
A study evaluating discharge data from five states found that postoperative mortality rates in children undergoing tonsillectomy were associated with recognized risk factors for complications. The analysis revealed that comorbidities, such as heart disease and respiratory conditions, significantly increased the risk of mortality.
Researchers at CMU propose a new cell delivery method using shrink-wrapped corneal endothelial cells as an alternative to cornea transplant. The technology enables rapid engraftment into intact tissues, showing promise in treating diseases such as cystic fibrosis and heart attack.
A Michigan study reveals that hundreds of thousands of surgical and dental opioid prescriptions are filled long after writing, but a state law helped reduce this trend. The authors suggest tightening state laws to prevent or reduce misuse associated with delayed dispensing of opioids.
Researchers analyzed nearly 3.5 million patients and found no disparity in elective surgery case volume reductions among racial groups, with Black, Asian, and other non-white individuals showing similar decreases as white counterparts. The study challenges existing assumptions about the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare disparities.
A large-scale analysis of daytime surgeries performed by surgeons who operated the previous night found no correlation with increased risk of in-hospital mortality or major complications. The study, involving nearly 500,000 operations, suggests that surgeons can perform safely and effectively even after a night shift.
A new study published in Anaesthesia found that a 'watch and wait' approach can lead to better outcomes for patients with severe frailty, reducing the need for emergency surgery. The study analyzed hospital data for adult patients with common acute conditions and found significant differences in survival rates between those who receive...
A study of 28,000 trauma patients found significant sex-based disparities in timeliness of care, with females facing longer delays and higher likelihoods of long-term care. The results suggest that female trauma patients are at a disadvantage in receiving timely trauma care compared to their male counterparts.
A new study published in Open Heart found that patients with asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis benefit from early valve replacement surgery to prevent irreversible heart muscle damage. The research showed that timing of surgery is crucial in reducing mortality and hospitalization rates.
A new clinical decision support software platform reduces harm due to medication errors in the OR by more than 95%. Clinicians using the system work with greater efficiency and provide better care, with improved blood pressure control and accurate pain medication adjustments.
Patients with stage II/III esophageal cancer who received delayed surgery had a relative survival rate that was almost half that of patients who underwent early surgery. Early-stage cancer patients did not experience significant differences in survival rates between those who received immediate versus delayed surgery.
An artificial intelligence model trained on histological images of surgical specimens accurately classified patients with and without Crohn disease recurrence. The model revealed previously unrecognized differences in adipose cells and mast cell infiltration, enabling stratification by prognosis for postoperative Crohn disease patients.
The TVT 2022 program features cutting-edge research on transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and other structural heart therapies. The meeting will focus on patient evaluation, imaging modalities, and therapeutic options.
A recent study in JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery reveals that thyroid cancer patients in the US experience substantial financial burdens. The researchers propose a novel framework to help guide future research and inform cancer care providers on cost considerations.
Researchers analyzed changes in gender-affirming surgery across US regions between 2008-2017, finding that policy shifts and insurance coverage significantly influenced surgical rates. The study suggests a positive correlation between increased insurance coverage and higher rates of gender-affirming surgery.
A research team has developed a genetic score to predict the likelihood of needing knee or hip replacement surgery for osteoarthritis. The score was validated in a study involving 12,093 individuals and found that those with high risk scores had a higher odds of needing replacement surgeries.
A Canadian study found that Inuit patients in Nunavut experienced a 25% higher risk of serious complications after surgery compared to non-Inuit patients. The research also showed that Inuit patients had different baseline health characteristics, including lower age and chronic disease prevalence.
Most swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) resolve within two months after spine surgery, but perception may persist for longer. Patients with chronic increased neck tissue thickness do not show impairments on x-ray testing despite dysphagia symptoms.
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 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.
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.
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 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 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 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.