Articles tagged with Surgery
A study examined general surgery patient outcomes before and after 2011 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) duty hour reform. The findings show that the reform was not associated with a significant change in death or serious illness, as well as no impact on resident examination performance.
A new technology has been developed that allows for the creation of an invisible 3D haptic shape using ultrasound. This innovation enables surgeons to explore complex medical imaging data, such as CT scans, in a more immersive and tactile manner.
A new study found that macho stereotypes discourage both men and women from pursuing traditionally masculine occupations. The research suggests that increasing the appeal of these jobs to a more diverse range of men could help attract more women, leading to greater equality in the future.
Researchers used 3D printing to create detailed heart models of three patients with complex congenital heart defects. Surgeons successfully repaired severe abnormalities in all three patients, potentially extending their lifespan by decades. This emerging technology has the potential to revolutionize surgical planning and treatment.
The PRESERVE study aims to determine the safety and effectiveness of IVC filters in preventing pulmonary embolism. It will enroll 2,100 patients at over 60 centers across the US and assess patient outcomes every six months for up to two years.
Researchers found that higher volume hospital and surgeon volume are associated with fewer post-operative complications and improved overall survival for bladder cancer patients. The study aims to identify processes and interactions leading to better outcomes, which could inform improvements in care at lower volume hospitals.
A century on, researchers found WWI surgeons couldn't effectively treat amputation-related pain, despite advancements in prosthetic technology. Phantom limb pain, common among survivors, remains poorly understood and difficult to manage.
A new study found that children under 18 with appendicitis are more likely to experience a ruptured appendix if they live in areas with severe shortages of general surgeons. Younger children, especially those under 5, face the greatest risk due to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
A simple awareness-raising campaign reduced distracted driving incidents by 50% among hospital staff. The intervention educated employees about the dangers of texting and cell phone use while driving, with significant long-term impact.
A new study by the American College of Surgeons recommends that older trauma patients receive palliative care to address their physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs. The study found that elderly trauma patients have unrecognized needs for palliative care, which can improve their quality of life and alleviate pain.
A new study found that two-thirds of health websites recommending prostate cancer screening aligns with medical organizations' stance. Many online resources advocate for patient-individualized approaches, while some sites advise against screening due to potential risks.
The study found that over-the-scope clip (OTSC) placement is a safe and effective therapy for closing gastrointestinal (GI) defects. Clinical success rates ranged from 90% for perforations to 73% for leaks, with successful closure of fistulae being less than half the patients.
The Surgical Trauma Series examines the biological mechanisms and clinical implications of large-scale trauma. Researchers discuss the systemic immune response to trauma, its association with reduced resistance to infection, and the role of ageing in influencing survival rates.
A combination of factors makes it difficult to pinpoint the extent of organ trafficking worldwide. Researchers identify five key reasons for this lack of clarity, including a reluctance by organ donors to speak out and inconsistent laws across countries.
The Mayo Clinic has developed a scoring system to identify patients who can safely bypass the intensive care unit (ICU) after liver transplantation. The study found that 54.3% of patients can be fast-tracked, with better survival rates compared to those sent to the ICU.
A multidisciplinary program that incorporated best practices across perioperative care phases significantly reduced superficial surgical site infections (SSIs) and postoperative sepsis. The bundled approach improved patient outcomes but had no significant impact on deep SSIs, length of stay, or readmission rates.
A new study found that robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) procedures for prostate cancer increased from 0.7% to 42% among US surgeons between 2003 and 2010. RARP adoption was associated with higher volume providers and decreased costs over time.
Patients with advanced laryngeal cancer who underwent surgery had significantly better disease-specific and overall survival rates compared to those treated with nonsurgical chemoradiation. The study analyzed data from over 5,000 patients diagnosed between 1992 and 2009.
Patients with low vitamin D levels are at increased risk of death and serious complications after noncardiac surgery. Higher vitamin D concentrations were associated with decreased odds of in-hospital mortality/morbidity, but the association was only statistically significant for cardiovascular complications.
A study found significant variation in hospital use of medical consultations for surgical patients, with greater differences among those without complications. Hospitals that are non-teaching or for-profit have a higher rate of medical consultation use, while larger hospitals have more consultations for THR patients.
A new study found that electronic reminders, such as text messages, significantly increase patient compliance with a preadmission antiseptic showering regimen. The study showed a 66% reduction in composite mean concentration of chlorhexidine gluconate on the skin surface in patients who did not receive digital communications.
A new study reveals nearly half of transplant surgeons experience burnout, with high emotional exhaustion and low personal accomplishment reported. The findings highlight the need for organizations to develop systems to prevent burnout and support sustainable workforces.
A study at a Veterans Affairs hospital found that implementing a postoperative pneumonia prevention program led to a significant decrease in pneumonia rates, from 0.78% to 0.25%. The hospital reported a total of 18 cases of postoperative pneumonia among 4,099 patients between 2008 and 2012.
Researchers evaluated 459 patients who underwent transcatheter valve-in-valve implantation for failed bioprosthetic aortic valves. The study found that survival rates were associated with surgical valve size and mechanism of failure, with patients experiencing better outcomes for regurgitation compared to stenosis.
A study published in JAMA found that patients who underwent gall bladder removal without postoperative antibiotic treatment did not experience a higher incidence of infections compared to those who received antibiotics. The lack of antibiotic treatment was associated with similar length of hospital stay and readmission rates.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons reports that surgical resection improves survival among metastatic melanoma patients with limited liver disease. The five-year survival rate for surgical patients was 30%, compared to 6.6% for nonsurgical patients.
A new study shows that patients who undergo gastric bypass surgery lose significant amounts of bone density, even after their weight stabilizes. Bone health may need to be closely monitored in these patients to prevent fractures and osteoporosis.
The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) has identified five tests and procedures commonly performed in anesthesiology that may not be necessary, potentially saving patients time, money, and preventing harm. These recommendations include avoiding baseline laboratory studies, cardiac testing, pulmonary artery catheters, blood tra...
Dr. Herndon has made significant contributions to burn care, including discoveries related to metabolic responses and increased caloric needs after burns. He is recognized as one of the elite surgeons globally, with numerous publications and a prestigious award from the International Burn Foundation.
A study by MD Anderson Cancer Center found that needle biopsy is underused in breast cancer diagnosis, with many patients undergoing unnecessary excisional biopsies. Surgeon influence was also a significant factor, with certain characteristics associated with a higher rate of excisional biopsies.
Researchers found that even modest delays in TAVR can significantly impact its effectiveness in severely ill patients. Modest increases in wait times reduced the treatment's benefits, while prolonged waits made it less effective than surgery for high-risk surgical candidates.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that older black trauma patients are 20% less likely to die from their injuries compared to white patients. This counterintuitive finding suggests that factors such as better access to healthcare and lower rates of penetrating trauma may contribute to the difference in survival rates.
A new study analyzing Michigan hospital data found that Medicaid patients who underwent surgery had twice as many health risk factors, more emergency operations, and two-thirds more complications than those with private insurance. They also used 50% more hospital resources.
A Mayo Clinic study finds that implementing a uniform method to care for lower-risk cardiac surgical patients reduces hospital time by 15% and lowers overall costs by 15%. The new model sets clear expectations for hospital care, improves patient experiences, and reduces variability in costs and outcomes.
A recent Mayo Clinic study found that nerve damage after hip surgery may be caused by inflammation, rather than mechanical factors. The study identified key signs for physicians to look out for, including delayed onset of neuropathy and severe pain.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons reveals that noncombat-related injuries, such as accidents and burns, are the leading cause of pediatric admissions to U.S. military combat hospitals in both countries. The study analyzed data from over 6,000 children under 14 years old treated at Army support hos...
A new technique that brings CT imaging into the operating room enables precise demarcation and removal of small sub-centimeter lung nodules while minimizing damage to healthy lung tissue. This approach has shown promising results in reducing errors and increasing accuracy in lung cancer surgery.
Researchers found a decreasing trend in early deaths after ASO, but a rising trend in late deaths due to improved post-surgical care. Implementing ECMO was associated with early death, highlighting the need for re-evaluating mortality targets and quality assurance measures.
A 20-year analysis of HIPEC treatment shows significant improvement in patient outcomes for selected individuals with advanced abdominal cancer. The median overall survival was 29.9 months, with a five-year survival rate of 32.5%.
A recent study investigates Google Glass's potential use in pediatric surgical settings, finding it useful for hands-free photo/video documentation, making calls, and looking up medical terms. However, concerns over patient privacy remain due to the device's internet connectivity.
A pilot study found that children with uncomplicated acute appendicitis improved significantly with antibiotic treatment, with 93% showing improvement within 24 hours. The research suggests that antibiotics may be a successful alternative to surgery for this condition.
A team-based approach suggests balancing surgical and non-surgical treatment options with the patient's values and goals. High-risk senior patients can benefit from informed choices among treatments, including no treatment.
A study analyzing national hospital data found a significant increase in postoperative cardiac surgery deaths at the 30-day mark, suggesting an unintended consequence of prioritizing this measurement. The researchers suggest that emphasizing 30-day survival as a key metric may lead to delayed end-of-life decisions and unnecessary treat...
Henry Ford Hospital has implemented a kidney transplant technique using new patient safety standards coordinated by the University of Oxford. The IDEAL framework was used to develop and test the minimally-invasive procedure, which successfully transplanted kidneys in 50 recipients.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that Florida's participation in the ACS National Surgical Quality Improvement Program resulted in broad improvement across hospitals. The program reduced complications by 14.5% and saved an estimated 89 lives, avoiding $6.6 million in healthcare expenses.
A worldwide study of 7,500 patients found that giving steroids during bypass surgery does not improve health outcomes and may increase the risk of heart attack. The study challenges a decades-long practice in cardiac surgery, suggesting that steroids should not be used prophylactically.
Childers has implemented a surgical safety checklist in South Carolina hospitals, reducing preventable readmissions and improving patient outcomes. The checklist's effective use can transform organizational culture and improve patient safety in operating rooms.
A new national analysis of trends and outcomes reveals that pancreatic cancer surgery remains under-utilized for patients with the deadly disease. Researchers identified factors associated with not receiving surgery in patients with localized pancreatic cancer, including age, race, and location.
A new study from Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center found that preserving a fallopian tube following an ectopic pregnancy has no significant benefit for fertility prospects. The research, published in The Lancet, compared outcomes between two surgical treatments: salpingectomy and salpingotomy.
The Hartford Consensus aims to educate law enforcement on the importance of controlling hemorrhage in active shooter incidents. The initiative, led by the American College of Surgeons, provides training and equipment for police officers to respond to mass casualty events.
Researchers developed chemical agents that bind and potentially remove the anti-coagulant heparin, improving patient care. The system is biodegradable, reducing the risk of side effects.
A study published in the Canadian Journal of Surgery found that helicopter transport significantly improves survival rates for trauma patients with severe injuries, reducing mortality rates compared to ground ambulance transport. The researchers attributed this improved outcome to advanced monitoring and equipment available in air ambu...
Boston Medical Center implemented a cost-effective approach to reduce audible alarms, resulting in a 89% decrease in cardiac monitor and telemetry alarms. The pilot study showed significant improvements in patient and clinician satisfaction, with increased time for direct care and interaction with patients.
De Vita is working with collaborative partners to determine the elastic and viscoelastic properties of uterosacral and cardinal ligaments. Her research could transform surgical reconstruction methods for female sufferers, establishing new guidelines and biocompatible grafts.
A new iPad application has been developed to collect and analyze trauma patient data at a South African hospital, improving injury surveillance and patient outcomes. The eTHR system has been successfully implemented at Groote Schuur Hospital, capturing key information on past medical history, demographics, and injury severity scores.
The Illinois Surgical Quality Improvement Collaborative aims to reduce surgical complications, inpatient stays, readmission rates, and deaths by analyzing hospital practices and outcomes. By sharing data and best practices, hospitals can identify areas for improvement and develop effective solutions.
Researchers in Denmark investigated oral fluoroquinolone use and found no association with an increased risk of retinal detachment. The study analyzed data from a nationwide register and compared fluoroquinolone use to nonuse, concluding that current use would account for only 11 additional cases per 1,000,000 treatment episodes.
Researchers at Henry Ford's Vattikuti Urology Institute found instances of ureteral injury in 6,442 patients who underwent robotic prostatectomy. Patient characteristics such as infection history, abdominal surgery, and enlarged prostate glands may forewarn such damage.
A multicenter clinical trial found similar patient outcomes one year after surgery for both mitral valve repair and replacement. However, mitral valve replacement was shown to be more durable than repair in preventing recurrence of mitral regurgitation.
Researchers compared two surgical approaches for severe heart valve disease, including repair and replacement of the affected valve. The study found that after one year, there were similar outcomes between the two treatments, with some notable exceptions.