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.
A Stanford study found that mechanical heart valves are beneficial until age 70 for mitral valve replacement and until age 55 for aortic valve replacement. Researchers examined patient records from 142 hospitals in California between 1996 and 2013, resulting in the largest number of patients ever studied to examine this issue.
A study found circulating tumor cells (CTCs) associated with relapse in stage IV melanoma patients, suggesting a potential predictor for high-risk disease progression via liquid biopsy. CTCs were detected in approximately 40% of advanced stage melanoma patients and linked to faster relapse rates.
A new study has found that a pioneering heart valve repair device is safe and effective, reducing the need for open-heart procedures and resulting in improved quality and frequency of repairs. The Harpoon Mitral Valve Repair System repaired the heart while it continued to beat, with no deaths or major complications.
The 121st annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology features keynotes from CMS Administrator Seema Verma and a world-renowned expert on inherited eye disease. The meeting also explores innovations in big data, stem cell therapy, and gene therapies to improve patient care.
A survey of UK doctors reveals that workload pressures are a primary motivator for early retirement, particularly among GPs. Reducing bureaucratic burdens and shortening working hours could help retain senior doctors' expertise, which poses significant challenges for the medical workforce.
A large study of FEA lesions found that only a small percentage (2.4%) upgraded to breast cancer at surgery, while 30% were upgraded to higher-risk but non-cancerous lesions. Surveillance over surgery is recommended for women with FEA who do not have genetic mutations or are not interested in chemoprevention.
The study found that nonoperative management is associated with a significantly higher risk of dying during hospitalization for appendicitis. Patients receiving nonoperative management were, on average, eight years older and had more coexisting illnesses than those who underwent early operations.
Improving readability of discharge instructions can lead to better health literacy and reduced need for hospital follow-up calls. A study by the American College of Surgeons found that editing templates made sentences shorter and easier to read, resulting in a 2.4 times lower number of phone calls per 100 patients.
A pilot study found that partnerships between rural hospitals and academic surgery departments can substantially increase patient satisfaction due to increased accessibility of quality surgical care. The partnerships also lead to cost savings for both the hospitals and the state, with projected savings of approximately $7 million.
A study of women with a 20% or greater lifetime risk of breast cancer found that only 23% underwent MRI screenings, even when the service was available at no cost. Researchers aim to understand why these women are declining screening, which could inform targeted interventions.
A recent study found that cloth skullcaps are more effective than disposable bouffant hats in reducing airborne contamination in operating rooms. The researchers tested three types of headgear and observed lower particle counts and microbial shedding with cloth caps, suggesting they may be a better option for minimizing infection risk.
A study by Oakland trauma surgeons found that acoustic gunshot sensor technology can lead to quicker hospital arrival times and equal survival rates despite more severe injuries. The technology detects gunshots and provides responders with accurate information, helping paramedics treat and transport patients faster.
A standardized eight-step ambulatory surgery care protocol reduced patients' postoperative pain and unplanned returns to the emergency room after surgery. The protocol emphasized patient preoperative education and preferential use of monitored anesthesia care, significantly reducing rates of unplanned visits.
A new tool developed at the University of Michigan provides guidance on prescribing powerful opioid pain medications to surgery patients. The Opioid Prescribing Recommendations for Surgery are based on data and surveys from surgery patients across Michigan, aiming to prevent chronic opioid use and addiction.
Frailty increases odds of serious complications after outpatient operations like hernia and breast surgery. Patients with 2-3 frailty traits have more than twice the risk of serious complications compared to those with fewer traits.
A study published in JAMA Surgery found that patients undergoing major abdominal surgery with lower health literacy levels experience longer hospital stays. Patients with low health literacy spent an additional median of one day in the hospital compared to those with high health literacy.
A new study found that delays in melanoma surgery are common among Medicaid and privately insured patients, highlighting the need for better access to specialty care. The likelihood of surgical delay decreased when dermatologists performed operations or made diagnoses.
Developed by the University of Sydney and Northeastern University, MeTro combines elastic protein technologies with light-sensitive molecules to seal wounds quickly and effectively. The glue sets in 60 seconds and has a built-in degrading enzyme to determine its longevity.
A new study found that surgical cancer centers in England are investing heavily in unproven technologies to stay competitive, despite a lack of evidence on their effectiveness. This trend has led to the closure of several centers, with patients often traveling to alternative facilities offering robotic surgery.
A new web-based program called RoboLog has been developed to improve the reporting of robotic surgeries performed by surgeons in training. The system provides detailed information about a resident's involvement in robotic surgeries, allowing for more accurate assessment of their competency and earlier identification of deficits.
A study published in JAMA found that a postoperative 48-hour course of antibiotics significantly decreased the rate of surgical site infections within 30 days after delivery among obese women. The researchers used oral cephalexin and metronidazole, and found a 10.9% overall SSI rate compared to 15.4% in the placebo group.
A new study found that mandating sterile operating conditions at or close to the wound and tracking in-hospital outcomes on surgical site infections are key to minimizing surgery-related infections. The study also found that policies regulating OR personnel attire had no measurable impact on infection rates.
A study of over 600 colorectal surgeries found racial and socioeconomic disparities in pain management, with white patients more likely to receive optimal care. The findings highlight the importance of process measures in preventing these disparities, particularly for historically disadvantaged populations.
A new device using magnetic compression has been shown to be safe and easy for surgeons to use, offering a faster alternative to traditional suturing or stapling methods. The device was tested in a proof-of-concept clinical trial involving patients with complicated surgical reconstructions.
A national survey by Hartford Consensus reveals a disconnect between public perceptions and healthcare professionals' views on hospital safety during active shooter events. Healthcare professionals believe they have a duty to protect patients, but many also perceive hospitals as risky settings.
A study published in JAMA Surgery found that women with a history of C-section delivery had a higher risk of reoperation and surgical complications after undergoing a hysterectomy. Women with two or more C-section deliveries were also more likely to receive blood transfusions.
A new study by the American College of Surgeons found that mental health visits increase in the three months prior to a burn injury, suggesting an opportunity for intervention. The study also revealed that burn-injury patients experience significantly increased rates of self-harm after their injuries.
A large new study shows that only one in three patients who have bariatric surgery succeed in getting their body-mass index below 30 in the first year. Patients with lower BMIs before surgery had higher odds of achieving this goal and better health outcomes, including stopping medication for high blood pressure and cholesterol.
A new software technology helps surgeons precisely locate liver tumors during surgery by correcting for the organ's deformation. This innovation has shown to improve registration in over 70% of cases, aiding in more accurate and safer surgical procedures.
The University of Birmingham has been awarded £7 million by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) to establish a global surgical research unit. The unit will focus on developing sustainable international research hubs across low and middle-income countries.
A recent study published in the British Journal of Surgery found that topical antibiotics are moderately effective but not justified due to limited information on adverse effects. The research highlights the need to fight antibiotic resistance and encourages a more cautious approach to their use.
A University of Alberta study found that patients receiving 24/7 intensivist physician care had a lower risk of major complications and readmission compared to those cared for by resident physicians. Patients also experienced less time on mechanical ventilation and fewer surgical postponements.
A new study found that black patients on traditional Medicare are 33% more likely to be readmitted after surgery, while those enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans are 64% more likely. The authors suggest lower quality care, follow-up support, and social factors may contribute to the disparities.