Articles tagged with Surgery
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers found that combining fluoroscopy and CT scans reduces major complications during gastric tube insertion by nearly eliminating misplacement errors.
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...
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers at WashU Medicine found that administering antibiotics before cesarean section surgery cuts infection rates in half. The study, published in Obstetrics & Gynecology, followed over 8,000 women and found significant reductions in surgical site infections after policy change.
Patients who refuse transfusion following cardiac surgery, particularly Jehovah's Witnesses, experience lower morbidity and mortality rates compared to those who receive blood transfusions. They also show fewer complications such as heart attacks and longer hospital stays, while having better long-term survival rates.
Surgical interns believe new duty-hour restrictions will decrease continuity with patients, coordination of care, and time spent operating, as well as reduce their acquisition of medical knowledge and development of surgical skills. However, they also report that the regulations will increase quality and safety of patient care.
A study analyzing health insurance claims found that patients with surgical site infections after knee or hip replacement had significantly higher rates of rehospitalization and increased healthcare costs. The analysis suggests that preventing further complications could save the US healthcare system up to $65 million annually.
University of Michigan Health System study shows that lean thinking techniques can improve efficiency, morale, and teamwork in the operating room. The study found significant improvements in turnaround time, staff empowerment, and problem-solving skills.
A new UCLA study finds that nerve-sparing surgical techniques and experienced surgeons can improve erectile function after prostate cancer surgery. Surgeons with at least 1,000 cases under their belt and those who actively seek improvement have better outcomes.
A recent study found VATS resection in CT-screened high-risk Danish population yielded higher incidence of early stage lung cancer. The study detected 68 lung cancers in the screened group versus 24 in the unscreened group, with 51 patients suitable for surgery and 84% undergoing VATS.
A new study shows that imaging surveillance is a suitable alternative to surgical excision in patients with benign papilloma diagnosed at breast core biopsy without cell abnormalities. The study found no cancer was detected in 66 lesions monitored for at least two years, while 53 lesions were surgically excised, including 50 benign cases.
A recent study published in the Journal of American College of Surgeons found that removing a child's ruptured appendix within 24 hours significantly lowers hospital costs and charges. The study showed an estimated $10,000 savings in hospital charges when pediatric general surgeons removed the ruptured appendix early.
A national cohort of recent medical school graduates revealed significant disparities in general surgery board certification among women and minority groups. The study found that these groups were more likely to leave the surgery workforce or not complete the certification process, impacting patient care and healthcare outcomes.