From surgery to laboratory and back again
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.
Surgery
Articles tagged with Surgery
Helicopters save lives
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...
BMC alleviates alarm fatigue by decreasing noise
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.
Virginia Tech's De Vita receives government's highest of engineering honors to study pelvic disorder
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.
South African trauma center launches portable electronic trauma health record application
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.
New partnership aims to improve surgical care quality at Illinois hospitals
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.
Study finds no increased risk of retinal detachment with use of certain antibiotics
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.
Study: Ureteral injury during robot-assisted prostate surgery
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.
Study may impact guidelines for mitral valve surgery for severe ischemic mitral regurgitation
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.
Study finds similar outcomes for repair or replacement of damaged heart valves
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.
Study examines effect of sleep deficiency and possible surgical complications
Researchers found no association between surgeon sleep deprivation and increased risk of complications, conversions to open operations, iatrogenic injuries, or patient death. The study suggests that surgeons can perform elective operations without compromising patient safety, even after operating the night before.
LSUHSC simulation or team training improves performance & patient safety
A study by LSU Health Sciences Center found that simulation-based operating room team training improved attitudes, behaviors, and performance among medical and nursing students. The training resulted in better clinical outcomes and increased patient safety.
Mid-level health workers as effective as physicians
A study published in the Bulletin of the World Health Organization finds that mid-level health workers, such as midwives and nurses, can deliver clinical outcomes comparable to physicians in certain services. The research analyzed 53 studies conducted in 18 countries and suggests opportunities for all countries to exploit.
Elsevier adds open access journal: Annals of Medicine and Surgery to its medical journal portfolio
Elsevier has added Annals of Medicine and Surgery to its portfolio, publishing original research articles and review pieces for medical trainees. The online-only, open-access journal aims to engage and develop talents of those in medical training.
Study finds prenatal diagnosis and birth location may significantly improve neonatal HLHS survival
A study by Texas Children's Hospital found that infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) who are born near a hospital with high-volume cardiac surgical centers have improved survival rates. Prenatal diagnosis is also crucial in reducing mortality.
3D images generated from PET/CT scans help surgeons envision tumors
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University developed a hologram-like display of a patient's organs using molecular PET/CT images. This approach allows surgeons to plan surgery and visualize tumors in 3D, reducing complications and improving outcomes.
Narrow-spectrum UV light may reduce surgical infections
A study by Columbia University Medical Center researchers suggests that narrow-spectrum ultraviolet (UV) light could dramatically reduce surgical wound infections. The researchers found that 207-nm UV light was as effective at killing MRSA bacteria as a conventional UV lamp, but resulted in less damage to human skin cells.
Same-hospital readmission rate an unreliable predictor for all-hospital readmission rate
A new study suggests that using same-hospital readmission rates as a benchmark for surgical quality outcomes is misleading. The researchers found that nearly half of hospitals reclassify when switching to all-hospital readmissions rankings, highlighting the need for access to real-time data.
No 'weekend effect' seen following appendix removal operations
A new study by American College of Surgeons found that appendectomy patients who undergo surgery on weekends do not experience more postoperative complications compared to weekday patients. However, they pay $419 more in hospital charges on average. The study analyzed nearly 826,000 appendectomies performed between 2006 and 2009.
Use of post-operative blood clot rate as measure of hospital quality may be flawed
A new study challenges the use of post-operative blood clot rates as a hospital quality measure, citing surveillance bias that can lead to inaccurate results. The study found that hospitals with higher imaging rates for VTE detection actually had better adherence to prevention measures and unexpectedly higher risk-adjusted VTE rates.
Study estimates costs of health-care-associated infections
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine estimated the total annual costs for five major health care-associated infections (HAIs) at $9.8 billion. Surgical site infections were found to be the most costly HAIs, with central line-associated bloodstream infections coming in second.
Surgery for heart valve disorder associated with greater long-term survival
A study published in JAMA found that early surgical correction of mitral valve regurgitation was associated with greater long-term survival and lower risk of heart failure compared to initial medical management. This is particularly true for patients without American College of Cardiology guideline class I triggers.
Study: Heart pump with behind-the-ear power connector
Researchers are testing a skull-based connector behind the ear for powering heart pumps, aiming to reduce infections at the abdominal site. The study compares two similar devices with internal power cords routed through the neck or behind the ear, seeking better infection prevention and quality of life for patients
Novel 3-D simulation technology helps surgical residents train more effectively
A new online interactive simulation platform has been shown to effectively train and assess surgical residents in various patient care scenarios. The study found significant gaps in performance between interns, junior and senior residents, and attendings, highlighting the need for improved training.
Patient warming systems may affect ventilation in OR, study suggests
A recent study suggests that forced-air patient warming systems may affect airflow in operating rooms, potentially increasing exposure to bacteria and other contaminants during surgery. Conductive warming systems, on the other hand, do not disrupt ventilation airflows over the surgical site.
Surgeons report melanoma recurs after 10 years in more than 6 percent of patients
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that melanoma recurrence 10 or more years after initial treatment occurs in over 6% of patients. Patients who experience late recurrences tend to live longer and have better survival rates compared to those whose cancer recurs within the first three years.
Hartford consensus aims to improve survival after mass shootings
The Hartford Consensus aims to establish a shared, common terminology for first responders to improve victim care. The plan emphasizes bleeding control, law enforcement training, and local coordination of resources.
Quality improvement educational initiative proves to be a model program for surgical residents
A novel graduate medical education initiative at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine enhances surgical residents' skills in quality improvement. The program, which began in 2008, teaches residents the fundamentals of QI theory and pairs them with process improvement mentors for hands-on projects.
Despite living closer to better hospitals, black patients go to lower-quality hospitals
A study from University of Michigan Health System reveals black patients in segregated areas are up to 96% more likely to have surgery at low-quality hospitals, living nearly twice as close to high-quality facilities as white patients. The results suggest separate but unequal hospitalization patterns exist, with potential solutions inc...
Second-generation TAVI device -- Lotus Valve -- shows good performance in REPRISE II
The Lotus Valve System demonstrated successful valve implantation in all 60 patients, meeting the primary device performance endpoint. The rate of moderate or greater aortic regurgitation decreased significantly, while mortality rates remained low.
Racial disparities in the surgical management of non-small cell lung cancer
A study of over 1.2 million patients found racial disparities in the initial treatment of non-small cell lung cancer, with African-Americans less likely to undergo surgery and Hispanics more likely to receive treatment. The disparities may contribute to recognized racial differences in cancer patient outcomes.
New study pinpoints biochemical mechanism underlying fibrosis following glaucoma surgery
Researchers have found that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) induces the production of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-B1), which promotes fibrosis in glaucoma surgery. The study suggests that inhibiting VEGF may reduce scar formation and improve surgical outcomes.
DCIS Score quantifies risk of IBE
A new tool, the DCIS Score, complements traditional factors to predict IBE risk in women with DCIS treated without radiation. The score helps guide personalized treatment decisions.
Surgical delay of more than 48 hours increases mortality in older hip fracture patients
A study of 32,383 participants found that prolonged surgical delay after hip fracture significantly increases long-term mortality risk in older adults. The researchers suggested that early surgery may help mitigate this risk and improve patient outcomes.
Diagnostic errors more common, costly and harmful than treatment mistakes
Diagnostic errors accounted for the largest fraction of malpractice claims and the highest total payments, resulting in severe patient harm and death or disability almost twice as often as other error categories. The majority of diagnostic errors were missed diagnoses, with outpatient care being more common than inpatient care.
Additional imaging gives better view and reduces complications in patients needing gastric tubes
Researchers found that combining fluoroscopy and CT scans reduces major complications during gastric tube insertion by nearly eliminating misplacement errors.
Single best practice to prevent DVT reduces hospital costs by more than $1.5 million annually
Researchers at Medstar Health and Georgetown University School of Medicine found that implementing a value-based analysis approach to preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in surgical patients resulted in significant cost savings, with an estimated overall system-wide savings opportunity of $4 million. The study identified limiting the...
Liver transplantation for patients with genetic liver conditions has high survival rate
Researchers found that children and adults with genetic liver disorders have good chances of survival five years after a liver transplant. High survival rates also imply that liver transplantation is the best available treatment for these patients.
Ophthalmologists urge early diagnosis and treatment of age-related macular degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration is a leading cause of visual impairment in people over 65, affecting over 9.1 million Americans. Regular screening by an ophthalmologist is critical for early detection and treatment.
Study confirms difference in radical prostatectomy outcomes between surgeons
A Swedish study found significant heterogeneity in continence rates among patients after radical prostatectomy, suggesting that some receive suboptimal care. The research used multivariate models to evaluate surgeon variation and identified a negative correlation between potency and continence rates.
Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for March 19, 2013
Researchers found that most medical subspecialty practices are unable to accommodate patients who use wheelchairs, citing transfer issues as the primary barrier. A new study suggests hydrochlorothiazide may be a safer treatment option than chlorthalidone for elderly patients with hypertension, due to its lower risk of electrolyte imbal...
Midterm stroke, death rates comparable for TAVR, standard surgery
The PARTNER study found that transaortic valve replacement (TAVR) and open-heart surgery resulted in similar all-cause and cardiovascular mortality rates at three years, with no increased risk of stroke after 30 days. However, TAVR patients were more likely to experience leaks around the valve.
UMD study provides new clues to how flu virus spreads
A University of Maryland study found that wearing a surgical mask can significantly reduce the release of infectious flu virus in even the smallest airborne droplets. The research provides new evidence on the importance of using masks to prevent the spread of influenza, particularly among vulnerable populations.
Wii-playing surgeons may improve performance on laparoscopic procedures
Surgeons who played games on a Nintendo Wii improved certain metrics of performance on laparascopies. The study found that Wii-trained surgeons showed significant improvements in economy of instrument movements and efficient cautery.
Early surgical menopause linked to declines in memory and thinking skills
A study of 1,837 women found that early surgical menopause is associated with faster declines in long-term memory and overall thinking abilities. Women on hormone replacement therapies had slower declines.
REVIVE-IT study to examine earlier device use for patients with heart failure
The REVIVE-IT study will investigate the potential benefits of left ventricular assist devices for patients with advanced heart failure. Researchers aim to determine if implanting these devices earlier can improve patient outcomes.
Surgical technique spots cancer invasion with fluorescence
A new surgical technique has been developed at the University of California - San Diego School of Medicine, using fluorescently labeled molecules to spot cancer invasion in lymph nodes. This allows surgeons to identify cancerous tissue during surgery, saving healthy tissue and reducing unnecessary removal of lymph nodes.
Study reports racial disparities in pediatric appendicitis treatment tied to hospital type
Researchers found racial disparities in pediatric appendicitis treatment tied to hospital type, with Hispanic and Asian children more likely to experience perforation at community hospitals. The study highlights the need for further research on prevention interventions to address these disparities.
Young surgeons face special concerns with operating room distractions
A study by Oregon State University researchers found that young surgical residents made major mistakes nearly half the time during simulated gall bladder removals due to distractions in the operating room. The analysis showed that young surgeons, particularly those in the afternoon, struggled with interruptions and conversations.
Robots enable scar-free hysterectomies for some women
A new approach to hysterectomy allows for essentially scar-free surgery using robotic arms in a thin incision. The technique provides improved access for surgeons, enabling clearer views of anatomy and reducing the risk of injury to vital structures.
Study questions the relevance of SCIP benchmarks among CABG patients
A study from Boston University School of Medicine found that achieving SCIP benchmarks for glycemic control may not be relevant among patients undergoing CABG surgery who receive perioperative continuous insulin infusions. These patients had excellent glycemic control, despite being outliers in the SCIP guidelines.
Expert advisory: VCU study finds simple prevention strategy reducing MRSA infections
A nine-year study found that high compliance with hand hygiene and infection control measures reduced MRSA infections by 95% in medical, surgical, and neuroscience intensive care units. The approach also improved patient safety and reduced the need for costly isolations.
Better battlefield triage, transport may raise severely wounded soldiers' survival rates
A military trauma study found higher mortality rates from chest injuries in Iraq and Afghanistan, but better triage and transport may have led to more survivors. The study's authors suggest that advances in prehospital care and medical facilities may have contributed to improved survival rates.
Army surgeons present new research on cancer vaccine, colorectal surgery
Army surgeons have presented two studies highlighting the potential of a cancer vaccine in improving survival rates. The first study showed that breast cancer survivors who received a HER2 peptide vaccine had a higher likelihood of surviving disease-free compared to those without the treatment. In contrast, patients with Crohn's Diseas...
Surgeons recreate eggs in vitro to treat infertility
Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center have made a breakthrough in helping infertile, premenopausal women produce enough eggs to become pregnant. By stimulating ovarian cell production using an in vitro rat model, they were able to generate early-stage eggs that could be fertilized.
Serious games could be integrated into surgical training subject to validation
A systematic review of serious games for surgical training suggests that these tools can improve both technical and non-technical skills in surgeons. However, game-based learning's effectiveness is limited by a lack of scientific research, according to the authors.
Study links hyponatremia with increased risk of death, complications following surgery
A study of nearly 1 million patients who underwent surgery found that preoperative hyponatremia was associated with a 44% increased risk of 30-day perioperative mortality. The condition also led to higher risks of major coronary events, surgical site infections, and prolonged hospital stays.
New antibacterial coating for sutures could reduce infections after surgery
Scientists have discovered a new antibacterial coating for sutures that is nearly 1,000 times more effective than the most widely used commercial coating. The coating, designed from naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides, kills a wide range of bacteria and has a low chance of causing resistance.
Vanderbilt-led study reveals racial disparities in prostate cancer care
A study led by Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center finds that black men with prostate cancer receive lower quality surgical care than white men. Black men are less likely to use high-volume surgeons and hospitals, resulting in longer hospital stays and higher mortality rates.
The power to heal at the tips of your fingers
Researchers develop electrotactile stimulation devices that can respond to touch and finger movement, paving the way for smart surgical gloves. The devices could enable precise local ablations and ultrasound scans with unprecedented accuracy.