Articles tagged with Surgery
Research finds that states with poor access to a comprehensive trauma center have more deaths occurring before injured patients arrive at a hospital. Improving access to care and reducing prehospital deaths can lead to lower overall trauma-related mortality.
Advanced liver disease patients who accept liver transplants from older donors (over 70 years old) have a reduced risk of death, regardless of their Model for End-stage Liver Disease score. The study found nearly a twofold decrease in mortality beyond 90 days with acceptance of an older donor.
The revised guidelines have led to a significant increase in hemithyroidectomy procedures, with benefits including lower complication rates, reduced hospital stays, and lower costs. The procedure is now considered an equal option to total thyroidectomy for many patients, offering improved outcomes and more personalized care.
A BMJ investigation reveals how vaginal mesh implant manufacturers aggressively marketed their products, with regulators approving them on flimsy evidence. The study also exposes financial ties between clinicians and industry, compromising the integrity of clinical practice.
A new technology called EFIRM has been developed to detect two cancer-linked mutations in blood or saliva samples from patients with early-stage lung cancer. The platform shows promise in identifying stages 1 and 2 NSCLC when surgical resection is still possible, offering a potential cure.
A comprehensive review of surgical mesh treatments reveals unacceptably high failure rates, with mesh erosion occurring in over 10% of cases for pelvic organ prolapse products and around 2-3% for urinary incontinence products. Patients are often left with lifelong pain and discomfort due to the damage caused by the mesh.
A study by Durham University found that industry-certified particle masks are most effective at protecting people from volcanic ash, while surgical masks offer less protection. The study also showed that cloth materials like bandanas and T-shirts provide very poor filtration.
A UHN study found that CIHI's model significantly underestimates mortality in patients undergoing high-risk heart surgery. The study compared outcomes with the Society of Thoracic Surgeons' clinical data model, which accounted for seven medical conditions that predict worse outcomes.
A new position paper from the Association of Academic Surgeons and others advocates for supporting global surgeons in academic health centers. The authors argue that global surgeons can bring strategic value to AHCs with their research experience, education, and health equity work.
A new study finds that biased cultures and policies can lead to dissatisfaction among childbearing surgical residents. The researchers identified three main risk factors: change in training plans due to balancing parenting with professional pursuits, perceived stigma around pregnancy, and lack of maternity leave policies.
A new study published in Annals of Surgery found that bariatric surgery wait times in the US have increased significantly over the past decade, with eligible patients often facing longer waits. The delay is largely attributed to insurers requiring patients to lose weight before surgery, which can deter some individuals from pursuing th...
A survey of UK doctors found that they mostly lean left-wing but high earners tend to lean right. Most believe Brexit will negatively impact the NHS, with an average score of 2 out of 10.
A pilot program at Hackensack Meridian Health improved staff confidence in managing airway emergencies through simulation-based training, revised data collection tools, and standardized crash carts. The program resulted in significant gains in readiness, with 41.67% of staff feeling "very confident" in managing respiratory distress.
The Strong for Surgery program improved glycemic control among diabetic patients, with 97.31% achieving proper blood sugar levels after six months. The program also increased smoking cessation rates, with 10.5% of tobacco users quitting before operations. An enhanced recovery approach reduced hospital length of stay and costs.
A modified ERAS approach lowered mortality rates by over 50% and reduced hospital stays by nearly two days in hip fracture patients. The program also decreased morbidity rates and pneumonia cases, while improving patient mobilization and discharge rates.
A six-year California records analysis found that vaginal mesh use is not associated with an increased risk of repeat surgery for recurrent prolapse. Careful patient selection is key to achieving good outcomes. The study suggests using strategies to balance surgical complication risks versus the risk of surgery for recurrent prolapse.
A small study of 20 surgeons found that most err on the side of operating despite perceived futility of treatment due to internal pride and pressure from patients' families. The researchers highlight the need for objective tools to assess risk and inform confident decision-making.
A new study found that surgeons have a substantial impact on genetic testing rates among breast cancer patients who need it. High-volume surgeons were more likely to refer patients for testing, while those with lower volumes saw less of a correlation between risk factors and testing rates.
A seven-year study published in The Lancet found that robotic surgery and open surgery are equally effective in treating bladder cancer, with no differences in complication rates. The study also showed lower blood loss and hospital stays for patients who received minimally invasive surgery.
A new study published in The Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition found that a nutrition care program significantly reduced readmission rates for malnourished surgical patients. The program resulted in a nearly 50% reduction in hospital readmissions and a 2.7-day shorter average length of stay.
Researchers at Kazan Federal University will develop autonomous controls for stitching in dynamic circumstances and with different types of tissues. The project aims to improve robotic surgical assistance, particularly in rural regions where skilled surgeons are scarce.
This special issue of CVIA journal presents major review articles and research findings on Adult Congenital Heart Disease, including pulmonary hypertension management, Ebstein anomaly surgery, and heart transplantation. Key topics include pregnancy in congenital heart disease and depression in adults with congenital heart disease.
A study published in The American Surgeon found that ambulatory surgical centers who publicly listed their prices saw increased patient volume and revenue. Five of the six centers reported a 30-50% increase in revenue and patient satisfaction after implementing price transparency.
The Fontan operation creates nonpulsatile pulmonary flow, leading to unique physiological consequences impacting the cardiovascular system and beyond. Innovative management strategies are needed to maintain quality of life and extend life expectancy in long-term survivors.
With improved surgical and medical management, more children with CHD survive to adulthood, leading to an increasing number of adult heart transplants. Approximately 300,000 adults with CHD have severe cases, making early recognition and referral crucial for successful transplantation.
Ebstein anomaly presents a wide spectrum of presentation, with outcomes varying by age at diagnosis. Surgical management is crucial, with poorer outcomes in neonates and excellent outcomes in adults.
A study found that most surgical residents have high risk debt-to-asset and debt-to-income ratios, and many feel the need for personal financial education. The researchers suggest providing financial training through accessible platforms like podcasts or web-based tools to help residents manage their debt.
A new study by Cedars-Sinai investigators found that online physician satisfaction scores tend to be skewed and can mislead patients. The study examined data from Healthgrades and found that ratings consistently skewed positively and had different distributions across specialties.
The surgical safety checklist has improved team communication and patient outcomes globally over the past decade. Effective implementation is essential to harness its full potential, particularly in resource-poor settings.
A new reference manual is in development to provide standards for military-civilian training platforms, ensuring combat readiness and retaining critical skills. The partnership aims to address challenges facing military surgery and civilian trauma care, including standard pre-deployment training and skills retention.
A team of researchers has developed a device called SpiderMass that enables surgeons to analyze tissue samples in real-time, potentially speeding up cancer surgery. The device uses mass spectrometry and a new ionization strategy to detect protein biomarkers, which could help identify stray cancer cells faster.
A study found that closing the left atrial appendage during coronary artery bypass or heart valve surgery reduces stroke and mortality risks, especially for patients with pre-existing atrial fibrillation. However, this procedure may increase risk in patients without prior atrial fibrillation.
The World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists and WHO have updated international anesthesia standards to improve surgical care worldwide. The guidelines aim to provide concrete standards for facilities, equipment, medications, and professional aspects of anesthesia care.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found a 61.7 percent reduction in colorectal surgical site infections in Hawaii's 15-hospital collaborative using AHRQ's Safety Program for Surgery. The program also improved hospital safety culture, with 10 out of 12 categories showing significant improvements.
A new 'scoring' system developed by Johns Hopkins Medicine enhances the prediction of survival in people with colorectal cancers that have spread to the liver. The system includes traditional Fong indicators plus genetic and morphological evaluation (GAME) factors, which outperform the existing Fong system in predicting patient outcomes.
A study reports that approximately half of young children with progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC) have received a liver transplant by age 10. Surgical biliary diversion was found to increase survival rates in children with mild or moderate PFIC2 mutations.
The journal published a special issue on valvular heart disease, featuring case reports and major reviews that will contribute to the field. Key findings include challenges in managing patients with severe aortic stenosis and ischemic mitral regurgitation.
Researchers developed a surgical camera inspired by the morpho butterfly's eye to help surgeons detect cancerous tissue. The camera uses infrared signals to locate tumors and can be integrated with surgical goggles, making it more accessible and cost-effective than existing technologies.
Researchers developed a camera that provides surgeons with both traditional color images and near-infrared images to detect fluorescently labeled cancer cells. The new camera greatly improves upon existing cameras, offering high sensitivity even under bright surgical lighting.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that tourniquet use improves survival rates for civilian trauma victims with vascular injuries of the arms or legs. The study involved 1,026 patients and showed that those who received a tourniquet had significantly lower mortality rates than those who did not.
Researchers analyzed 5,298 patients with surgically removed ampullary tumors and found no survival benefit from adjuvant therapy. Patients receiving additional chemotherapy or radiation therapy did not show improved stage-specific survival rates compared to those who underwent surgery alone.
A nationwide survey found that oral and maxillofacial surgeons prescribed more opioids after hydrocodone-containing products were rescheduled in 2014. The study also showed a significant reduction in phone calls requesting refill authorizations after switching to more potent pain medications.
A new quality improvement initiative, NAPRC, aims to improve US rectal cancer care by adopting a multidisciplinary team approach. The program's proposed quality measures and process indicators were analyzed, revealing varying completion rates among hospitals.
The study found significant cultural challenges and infrastructure shortcomings that led to concerns about leaving residency, with 39% of respondents considering quitting. The survey also revealed a lingering negative stigma surrounding pregnancy, with 75% witnessing or experiencing negative comments from colleagues.
The study found a significant decrease in mortality risk in patients with severe burns, with age, burn size, and inhalation injury being key predictors of mortality. Continuous improvement in care protocols has led to a 2% per year reduction in mortality rates across all age groups.
A team of experts from around the world collaborated to develop a program to treat bladder exstrophy in children, resulting in improved patient outcomes and long-term sustainability. The program, which includes rigorous patient follow-up and training of local surgeons, has transformed care for children born with this complex disorder.
Research highlights the importance of preserving healthy kidney tissue and minimizing ischemia time in partial nephrectomy to prevent chronic kidney disease. Minimally invasive surgery is also shown to offer therapeutic scope without compromising oncological outcomes.
Researchers studied 308 older patients who underwent abdominal surgery, finding that both vulnerable and frail patients were at higher risk of readmission or death within 30 days and 6 months. The degree of frailty predicted increasing risk of readmission or death, with frail patients at greatest risk.
A study of over 12,500 patients across 66 countries found that surgical site infections are a significant global health issue, with 22% of cases resistant to pre-surgery antibiotics. The incidence of infections varied greatly depending on the country's income level, with low-income countries being most at risk.
Patients in low income nations are more likely to develop surgical infections and are infected with bacteria resistant to medicines. The study found a significant link between antibiotic use and infection, highlighting an urgent need to tackle surgical infection globally.
A study found that few dermatologists prescribe opioids, but those who do concentrate in Southern states and surgical practices. Higher rates of opioid prescribing were also observed among dermatologists in these areas.
A new study found that Medicaid expansion in the US led to improved access to surgery and higher quality surgical care, with significant improvements seen within less than two years. The study analyzed data from nearly 300,000 patients and compared 27 states with expanded Medicaid coverage to 15 without expansion.
The study found that ACA's Medicaid expansion led to significant increases in insurance coverage and a greater likelihood of patients receiving timely and optimal care for five common surgical conditions. This improvement was particularly notable for patients with serious surgical conditions such as appendicitis or aortic aneurysm.
A new smartphone app enables patients to remotely send images of their surgical wounds for earlier detection of surgical site infections and prevention of hospital readmissions. The study found seven wound complications detected, one false negative, and a high patient satisfaction rate.
A study of 6.7 million patients found postoperative mortality increased gradually as the day of surgery approached the weekend. The odds of death were 12% higher for Thursday operations and 24% higher for Friday operations compared to Monday operations.
A study found that genetic variations account for 7-12% of chronic postsurgical pain cases, while clinical risk factors like age and sex contribute to 3-6%. Patients under 65 years old, males, and those with a prior history of chronic pain were at increased risk.
The first analysis of surgical suite carbon footprints reveals that anaesthetic gas choice is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing emissions can also reduce costs, without compromising patient care.
A new guideline based on patient data and education has been shown to effectively reduce opioid prescribing in surgery patients by up to 66%, while maintaining similar levels of pain control. The study's findings have the potential to significantly impact the national opioid crisis, with estimates suggesting over 13,000 excess pills ha...
A recent study reveals that 40% of hospitals do not routinely utilize CT shielding to protect patients from stray radiation during diagnostic imaging. Despite being aware of its benefits, only 84% of hospitals report using shielding, highlighting the need for increased awareness and implementation.
Suture ligation is a common but ineffective treatment for polydactyly, often requiring corrective surgery due to complications such as painful neuromas and infection. Surgical excision is considered a more effective option with fewer risks and less scarring.