Articles tagged with Surgery
Patients operated on by high-volume mitral valve surgeons experience lower one-year mortality and reoperation rates compared to those performed by lower-volume surgeons. High-volume surgeons are more likely to perform durable repairs, with repair rates ranging from 77% for 51+ cases to 48% for fewer than 10 cases.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that pancreatic cancer patients who travel to academic medical centers for surgery have longer overall survival rates and better quality care. For thyroid cancer patients, traveling also results in more adherence to evidence-based treatment guidelines.
A decade-long surgical outreach program has improved screening and diagnosis, reducing RHD-related deaths by 10% in Rwanda. The program also established a sustainable cardiothoracic care center, training local personnel to improve cardiovascular disease management.
Researchers analyzed data on 2,025 women diagnosed with stage I to IV melanoma and found no significant differences in prognosis between pregnant and non-pregnant patients. The study upends long-held beliefs about pregnancy and melanoma, showing that screening and treatment should be similar for both groups.
A new study by Rice University and MD Anderson Cancer Center found that high-volume surgeons who perform more complex cancer operations have lower patient costs due to reduced complications and better outcomes. However, this association disappears when accounting for processes of care and complications associated with surgical procedures.
The American Association for Thoracic Surgery has released guidelines for identifying and treating anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery (AAOCA) in young athletes. AAOCA can increase the risk of sudden cardiac death due to ischemia and arrhythmias, especially during intense exercise.
The updated AATS guidelines offer guidance on managing ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR), a condition associated with increased long-term mortality. For patients with severe IMR, replacement or repair of the mitral valve is considered based on specific criteria.
The American College of Surgeons has published comprehensive hospital-level surgical care standards for older adults, reflecting a shift toward interdisciplinary care. The new standards aim to improve the quality of geriatric surgery by addressing physiological changes related to aging and chronic diseases.
A study found that the 2006 Massachusetts health reform led to a significant increase in surgical intervention for thyroid cancer, particularly among nonwhite patients. The researchers discovered a 26% rise in thyroidectomy rates and a 22% increase in neck dissections among these patients compared to those with private insurance.
A new fluorescent probe developed by Michigan Technological University researchers has the potential to improve cancer surgery outcomes. The probe uses a near-infrared fluorescence that can penetrate deep tissues, reducing background noise and increasing precision for surgeons.
Researchers from UnityPoint Health developed an effective eight-minute educational module to teach staff in a large workplace about basic knowledge and skills to locate and use bleeding control equipment. The module showed positive results with 55% of respondents having direct patient care responsibilities, but limitations were noted r...
The SURTAVI trial shows that TAVR is comparable to surgical aortic valve replacement for intermediate-risk patients, with similar all-cause mortality rates and better mean aortic valve gradient at two years. Near-term results also indicate improved outcomes for TAVR patients, including lower stroke rates and quicker hospital discharge.
The SURTAVI trial shows that self-expanding TAVR is non-inferior to open-heart surgery for intermediate-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis, with comparable rates of stroke and death. The study found no significant differences in mortality or disabling stroke between the two groups at 2 years.
A study published in JAMA Surgery found that racial disparities in firearm injuries are more strongly associated with race than neighborhood income levels. The researchers argue that establishing a national database on gun violence incidents is crucial to understanding and addressing this public health problem.
A recent analysis found that only 31.8% of newborns were assessed for prolonged, continuous pain in European neonatal intensive care units. Intensive care units with specific support systems performed assessments more frequently, highlighting the need for better pain monitoring in newborns.
Researchers at Wake Forest University developed a tool to calculate the likelihood of survival and independence after hospital discharge in elderly patients with traumatic brain injury. The tool accounts for variables such as age and severity of brain injury, providing a statistical estimation of the patient's prognosis.
A study by the American College of Surgeons found that nonoperative management of abdominal gunshot wounds is safe and effective for selected patients, reducing complications and mortality rates. Trauma professionals now consider this approach as a viable alternative to operation.
A new study reports improved kidney transplant success rates in children and infants over the past 53 years. The study found that young children now experience better long-term transplant success than adults, with almost 100 percent patient survival rate.
Older adults who underwent surgery for a herniated lumbar disk experienced similar improvements in disability, health-related quality of life, and leg pain compared to younger patients. However, they had more perioperative complications and longer hospital stays.
A new biocompatible 3D tracking system has shown promising results in improving the accuracy of robot-assisted surgery. The system, which uses near-infrared fluorescent markers, enables accurate tracking of tissue and surgical tools with millimeter accuracy.
Researchers find that mosquito mesh is a cost-effective alternative to commercial mesh for groin hernia repair. The study's lead author advocates for further research on implementation, safety, and training to bring high-quality surgery to millions of people in need.
Researchers analyzed data from over 580 patients with stage II melanoma and found that 40% of recurrences were spotted by patients due to suspicious skin changes or other symptoms. Patients are encouraged to regularly examine their skin and report any new or unusual symptoms to their physicians.
A case series analysis of 22 patients with frontal sinus fractures found that 20 treated without surgery showed improvement, with no complications. The minimally disruptive treatment protocol promises to revolutionize the treatment of frontal sinus fractures by prioritizing sinus preservation.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that the New York State Medicaid expansion improved access to cancer surgery for the uninsured, but failed to reduce racial disparities. The proportion of minority patients undergoing cancer surgery remained unchanged relative to whites.
A systematic review found that both endovascular (EVAR) and open surgical (OSR) repairs for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) can lead to renal function impairment. The study included six studies with over 2,100 patients, revealing similar risks of renal decline in EVAR and OSR groups.
A new study from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center found that advances in imaging technology have led to a six-fold increase in the diagnosis of blunt cerebrovascular injuries in trauma patients. This has resulted in a significant decline in stroke and related death rates over the past 30 years.
Surgical site infections affect up to 300,000 patients annually, with an estimated annual cost of $3.5 billion to $10 billion. The new guidelines recommend measures such as quitting smoking, controlling blood sugar, and using antibiotic sutures to reduce the risk of SSIs.
A study found that AYA patients with small intestine GISTs had improved survival rates compared to older adult patients with stomach GISTs. Surgical management was also associated with improved survival in AYA patients, even those with metastatic cancer.
A University of Alberta researcher has developed a method to treat surgical masks, making them effective against airborne viruses. By using a salt-based treatment, the mask's fibre filter can trap and kill viruses, reducing the risk of transmission.
A Mayo Clinic study found significant discrepancies in reporting postoperative infection complications between hospital-based administrative data and clinical registry data. The analysis of four common complications revealed that the two approaches yielded vastly different assessments, with rates varying up to fivefold.
Using cardiac imaging during heart surgery can detect serious residual holes in the heart that may occur when surgeons repair a child's heart defect. Pediatric experts say this tool, called transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), improves outcomes for children with congenital heart disease.
A recent study published in BMJ Global Health reveals that children from low-income countries are at a significantly higher risk of dying after emergency abdominal surgery. The likelihood of dying is up to 7 times greater than for children from rich nations.
The new guidelines aim to reduce SSI risk through patient education, lifestyle changes, and improved hospital management. Target blood glucose levels are set at 110-150 mg/dL for all patients before surgery, while smoking cessation and weight loss are encouraged.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide have developed an optical fiber probe that can distinguish breast cancer tissue from normal tissue. This technology has the potential to reduce unnecessary follow-up surgery for 15-20% of patients.
The use of frailty screening initiatives before surgery has been shown to reduce the risk of death among elderly patients. The study found that mortality rates decreased by 70% and 19% at 30 and 180 days, respectively, after implementation of the initiative.
Residents selectively extend work shifts to facilitate care transitions, stabilize critically ill patients, and perform routine responsibilities. However, senior residents reported more frequent duty hour violations, with junior residents having the highest rate of frequent violations.
A national survey of US general surgery residents found that 86% preferred flexible duty hour policies over standard schedules, with a stronger preference among senior residents. The study also showed that flexible hours improved patient safety and continuity of care, and reduced resident dissatisfaction.
A new study has found that ventilator-associated pneumonia rates have been stable and substantial since 2005, with approximately 10% of critically ill patients developing the condition. The study's findings contradict previous data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, highlighting a need for further research into preven...
Trauma patients who receive intensive physical, occupational, and cognitive therapy at acute care inpatient rehabilitation facilities are more likely to go home and survive a year after discharge. The study found that these patients experienced significant improvements in functional outcome and had a lower risk of death after a year.
A study published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology found that robotic surgical instruments are difficult to clean completely, with a protein residue remaining despite multiple cleanings. The researchers suggest establishing new standards for cleaning these instruments using repeated measurements of residual protein.
Michigan Medicine launches initiative to help doctors and hospitals across the state care for surgical pain without setting up chronic opioid use or addiction. The network will collect data on opioid prescribing patterns to combat the epidemic.
For patients with suspicious papillary thyroid cancer, lobectomy is associated with better outcomes and lower costs compared to total thyroidectomy. The study used a Markov model to determine the effectiveness of each procedure in terms of quality-adjusted life years.
Studies show that websites for pancreatic cancer treatment differ in their presentation of information. Researchers found that non-profit organizations' websites were more easily understood and recommended by patients. The study suggests that website usability and visuals play a significant role in patient recommendations.
Trauma centers treating high proportions of uninsured patients would see significant gains in financial margins from Medicaid expansion, according to a nationwide study. The simulation model found nearly three times as many patients would gain health insurance through Medicaid in expansion states than non-expansion states.
A study of 3,242 patients found that mesh use during incisional hernia repair reduced hernia recurrence risk over 5 years. However, the long-term benefits were partially offset by mesh-related complications. The study highlights the need for more research on the safety and efficacy of mesh in hernia repair.
A study using wearable activity trackers found that monitoring patients' postoperative functional recovery correlates strongly with reported complications, showing a median of 1,247 steps on day seven compared to preoperative daily steps.
A nationwide study found that infants from families with no health insurance or low income have a higher risk of death from sepsis. Those with severe illness and low birth weight were at the highest risk, with odds ratios as high as 36.1 and 4.8, respectively.
A study published in JAMA Surgery found significant variation in Medicare expenditures for treating surgical complications across hospitals. High-cost hospitals charged 2- to 3-fold more than low-cost ones, despite similar rates of failure to rescue and overall mortality.
A new method of evaluation, using the cephalic width-intercoronal distance ratio, has been recommended to help determine when surgical intervention is needed for infants with fused cranial sutures. This measurement indicates a potential need for surgery in cases where the front and back of the skull are not proportionate.
Patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement are at increased risk of developing infective endocarditis, with younger age, male sex, and diabetes mellitus being significant risk factors. The study found a high rate of in-hospital mortality and 2-year mortality rates, highlighting the need for preventive measures.
A study published in JAMA compared five-year survival rates after endosonography and mediastinoscopy for mediastinal nodal staging of lung cancer. The endosonographic strategy was found to be more sensitive for diagnosing mediastinal nodal metastases.
A novel TAVI device has been developed to replace heart valves in patients with rheumatic heart disease, offering a simplified approach that does not require advanced cardiac surgical facilities or sophisticated cardiovascular imaging. The procedure can be performed without rapid ventricular pacing, making it more tolerable for patients.
A new study found that epilepsy surgery significantly improves seizure-free rates for patients, with 69% achieving complete freedom from seizures within a year. The procedure also proves cost-effective, with reduced antiepileptic drug use and lower direct costs over time.
A team at Rice University is creating a haptic cueing system that provides real-time vibration feedback to medical students during endovascular surgeries. The system aims to improve the smoothness of tool movements, reducing errors and improving training efficiency.
Researchers at UBC Okanagan campus develop synthetic heart valves made of polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel, reducing the need for animal tissues in bypass surgery. The new material allows surgeons to practice techniques in a more realistic and safe environment.
A new study published in the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery suggests that patients with isolated moderate to severe mitral valve regurgitation may benefit from surgical repair at an earlier stage than previously thought. The research, led by UAB/VA investigators, found severe underlying cardiac muscle damage in asymptom...
A survey of US physicians reveals they frequently discuss e-cigs with patients, recommending e-cigs as a way to reduce smoking, but cautioning against using them to quit. However, the study found that many doctors are uncertain about their knowledge of e-cigs and are often asked by patients about their use.
The use of electric power morcellation for hysterectomy declined significantly following the FDA's safety communication in April 2014. The prevalence of abnormal pathology remained unchanged despite the decline in morcellation use, highlighting the need for continued caution in patient selection.
Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine developed a new care plan for managing septic perianal Crohn's disease, which combines medical and surgical treatments. The plan resulted in a 60% healing rate among patients, with half requiring permanent ostomy bags while the other half saw some improvement but did not heal completely.
Researchers found that cloth masks are only marginally beneficial in protecting people from particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers, and remove only 39-65% of standard particles. The most commonly used cloth mask products perform poorly compared to alternative options.