Research on surgical treatment and outcomes. Covers fat-disorder surgery, survival after hip fracture, prostate-cancer care, and bariatric surgery.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 ...
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 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.
A nationwide pause of most elective operations led to significant financial losses for hospitals, with one study estimating a 42% loss of net revenue. Hospitals lost $1.53 billion from missed pediatric procedures, with a median time to recovery of one year.
A survey of adults shows low colonoscopy rates during the pandemic, but home-based fecal occult blood testing increased by 30% among respondents. The study highlights the need for tailored screening options to address patient concerns and improve colorectal cancer screening rates.
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.
Older adults who lived at home with family and friends were more likely to be discharged home after surgery. Patients who relied on informal caregivers had a higher risk of readmission, highlighting the importance of their role in post-operative care.
LGBTQ+ surgical residents in the US reported higher instances of prejudice, often perpetrated by attending surgeons, leading to a hostile environment. The study aims to shed light on this issue and inform strategies for improving inclusivity in medical training.
Left atrium emptying fraction derived from cardiac CTA improves predictive performance of established clinical risk scores. A reduced LAEF independently predicts all-cause mortality within 24 months post-procedure.
Scientists developed a fluorescent spray that specifically targets and illuminates cancerous tissue, enabling precise tumor detection and removal during surgery. The innovative approach offers a solution to the challenge of distinguishing between healthy tissue and cancerous cells.
A new study finds that bariatric surgery increased among lower-income white adults, but remained unchanged for Hispanic and Black adults following Medicaid expansion. The increase in weight-loss surgery rates is a significant finding with implications for health policy.
A new study reveals that COVID-19 lockdowns led to significant delays in cancer surgery, resulting in potentially more cancer deaths. Patients in lower income countries and those with advanced disease were most affected, with one in seven missing their scheduled operation.
A national study led by McMaster University researchers found that patients using take-home technology following non-elective surgery had significantly greater detection and correction of drug errors, and reduction in patients' pain. The study also showed a reduction in acute-hospital care as the result of virtual care and remote autom...
The American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery will present research on ear health, head and neck cancer, sleep-disordered breathing, and more at its annual meeting. Twelve 'Best of Orals' and 14 late-breaking scientific oral presentations will be showcased.
A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital researchers found that higher-rated dialysis centers have a 47% higher likelihood of patients being listed for kidney transplantation. The integration of waitlisting rates into quality metrics aims to incentivize greater referral rates and improve facility quality.
A study published in Anesthesiology found that anesthesia for total knee replacement surgery generates substantial CO2 emissions, with an average of 14.9-18.5 kg for general, spinal, and combined anesthesia approaches respectively, contributing to a carbon footprint of approximately 42 miles driven by a US car.
Researchers developed a handheld photoacoustic finder to detect cancer metastasis without radiation exposure. The device uses a solid-state dye laser and transparent ultrasound transducer to locate sentinel lymph nodes or melanoma.
A mixed-methods analysis found that most surgical patients prefer virtual follow-up care for its convenience, which does not compromise patient satisfaction. The study highlights the potential benefits of virtual visits in improving access to care and reducing barriers for patients.
A recent study found that fenestrated-branched endovascular aortic repair significantly reduced mortality rates for patients with complex aortic aneurysms, with a 1% risk of mortality at 30 days compared to 21% in open surgical repair. The procedure also showed better outcomes regarding major adverse events, including spinal cord injury.
The study found that intraoperative esophagogastroduodenoscopy (IEGD) reduces hospital length of stay, radiation exposure, and costs compared to postoperative upper gastrointestinal (PUGI) radiographic series. IEGD also improves patient satisfaction with similar clinical outcomes.
A survey of 147 medical professionals found that smaller endotracheal tube sizes reduce complications in professional voice users. The team hopes to establish evidence-based practices for managing the airways of these patients, who are particularly vulnerable to damage from intubation.
Researchers developed a method to overlay a virtual scale on acquired endoscope images in real-time, allowing accurate estimation of colorectal polyp sizes. The approach uses triangulation principles and minimal image processing, enabling cost-effective diagnosis without adding extra instrumentation.
A Northwestern University study found that unionizing resident doctors does not reduce burnout, but provides additional benefits such as more vacation time and housing stipends. The study suggests that improving resident wellness requires a program-by-program approach, with implementing wellness toolkits being a promising solution.
Researchers developed a model to predict the risk of death and unplanned cardiac hospitalization among patients awaiting cardiac surgery. The tool, based on an ethnically diverse group of 62,375 patients, identifies factors such as gender, urban residency, and cardiac symptoms that increase the risk of adverse events.
Researchers evaluated the frequency and accuracy of race and ethnicity reporting in top surgery journals. They found significant gaps in reporting, suggesting potential biases and inequalities.
Long-term kidney transplant survival rates in the US have increased significantly over the last three decades, with five-year survival rates for deceased and living donors rising from 66.2% and 79.5%, respectively, in 1996-1999 to 78.2% and 88.1% in 2012-2015.
A recent study investigated sex disparity in living donor liver transplant access, revealing a significant inequity between men and women. The research suggests that male donors have better access to liver transplants than female donors, highlighting the need for gender-specific solutions to address this disparity.
A recent study published in Transplant Infectious Disease found that COVID-19 vaccination provides strong protection against the virus for solid organ transplant recipients, with an almost 80% reduction in symptomatic cases. The study examined data from over 2,150 transplant patients and showed that nearly 70% of vaccinated patients re...
Researchers found that local delivery of tumor-specific T-cells is an efficient option to convert tumors unresponsive to checkpoint inhibitors to permit tumor cures. Locally delivered T-cells showed similar control of established tumors as intravenous adoptive T-cell transfer.
The American College of Surgeons proposes four strategies to address the root causes of violence, including investing in at-risk communities and advocating for policy changes. Trauma Informed Care is a key feature of these strategies, aiming to foster empowerment and partnership with patients.
The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) has awarded $254 million to fund 28 new research studies aimed at reducing health disparities in maternal morbidity, preventing youth suicide, and improving behavioral health outcomes. Four studies will assess interventions to improve prenatal care for Black women and their child...
A study of 692 female surgeons found that nearly half experienced major pregnancy complications, including miscarriages and preterm birth. The researchers call for policy changes to support pregnant surgeons and change the culture surrounding childbearing.
A new case report describes a 28-year-old COVID-19 patient who developed orbital cellulitis due to sinusitis, which spread to the area around the eye. Early surgical intervention prevented vision-threatening complications, emphasizing the importance of prompt treatment for severe cases.
Patients who underwent bariatric surgery reported improved physical health, energy, and reduced body pain compared to those on medical therapy alone. Significant weight loss and insulin independence drove these improvements in general health measures and quality of life.
The American College of Surgeons surveyed its members on firearm safety, with strong consensus for policy initiatives and safe storage. Most respondents support preventing people with serious mental illness from buying firearms and cracking down on illegal sales.
Researchers at USC have developed a new simulator that accurately predicts the forces acting on a knife as it cuts through soft materials, enabling applications in safer food processing and surgical robotics. The system uses 'differentiable' simulation to automatically tune parameters from real-world measurements.
Researchers develop a promising surgical technique called SurCOP to repair ventricular septal rupture (VSR) after severe heart attacks. The technique achieved a 100% success rate and improved survival rates by 77.8%, offering new hope for patients with life-threatening fluctuations in blood pressure.