Articles tagged with Surgery
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.
Researchers at Henry Ford Hospital conducted a retrospective review of 437 patients who underwent surgery for septal deviation. The study found that despite a higher prevalence of co-morbid mood disorders in surgical failures, there was no significant correlation between depression and nasal obstruction symptoms or treatment outcomes.
A new study published by the American College of Surgeons found that patients who underwent an operation as part of their cancer treatment and started a regular walking regimen experienced less fatigue than those who did not. After three months, the intervention group reported a 27% improvement in fatigue, compared to a 19% improvement...
A recent study published in The Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that elderly thyroid surgery patients are at a higher risk for serious complications. The study examined 7,915 patients from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database and found that elde...
A new infection-control protocol for children healing from cardiac surgery reduced sternum infections by 61 percent, according to a two-year study. The protocol included preoperative baths with skin disinfectant and administration of antibiotics before surgery.
Researchers created an emergency general surgery registry (EGSR) to analyze and improve surgical outcomes for patients. The registry includes ICD-9 codes to define and evaluate EGS cases, covering a range of pathologies including appendectomy, hernia repair, and cholecystectomy.
The article reports on innovative products and technologies that promote healing of difficult wounds. Biological therapies, such as growth factor delivery and bioengineered cells, are also featured to stimulate the healing process.
A recent study suggests that surgical breast biopsies are not overused, with the actual rate falling between 2% and 18%. The study analyzed Medicare data from 2004 to 2009 and found a true surgical breast biopsy figure of around 11%. This finding challenges earlier reports that suggested surgery was used for 30% of breast biopsies.
A new study uses advanced imaging to measure tricuspid valve anatomy and predict the severity of leakage. The research found that pulmonary arterial pressure, annulus area, and papillary muscle position are correlated with the grade of tricuspid regurgitation.
A study published in the British Journal of Surgery found that trauma centers are increasingly using non-surgical options to treat abdominal gunshot wounds, with a success rate of up to 80% in select patients. This approach has been associated with shorter hospital stays, better outcomes, and reduced pressure on healthcare budgets.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that African-Americans, Hispanics, and uninsured patients use fewer post-hospitalization services after traumatic injury. Notably, Hispanic patients were far less likely to utilize post-hospitalization facilities and services regardless of insurance status.
Research by the University of Exeter shows that trainee surgeons learn technical surgical skills more quickly and deal better with stress if taught to mimic expert eye movements. The study highlights the potential for 'gaze training' to speed up initial skill learning, getting trainees ready for the operating room earlier.
A study found that families of hospitalized children can provide valuable information about adverse events, but this information is not always documented by health care professionals. The study included 544 families and reported 321 adverse events, with most going unreported by the hospital.
A study examining racial disparities in surgical outcomes for patients with diverticulitis reveals that black patients are at a higher risk of urgent/emergency surgery, in-hospital mortality, and increased hospital charges. Black patients also experience longer hospital stays and higher readmission rates within 30 days of discharge.
John E. Wennberg, MD, MPH, received the first MacLean Center Prize in Clinical Ethics and Health Outcomes for his pioneering research on clinical medical ethics and health outcomes. His studies have revealed patterns of practice variation and the importance of patient engagement in decision making.
A Johns Hopkins study reveals racial disparities in pediatric heart transplant patient outcomes, with white patients more likely to survive a decade after surgery. The analysis of 2,721 transplants found that children who received their hearts from younger donors and were transplanted later had better long-term survival rates.
A new analysis of the PARTNER trial found that TAVR via the femoral artery is more cost-effective than SAVR for eligible high-risk patients, while transapical approach yields unattractive results from a health economic perspective. The study suggests that refinement of the transapical approach could improve outcomes and reduce costs.
A study found that transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) provides meaningful clinical benefits compared to surgical valve replacement in patients suitable for the transfemoral approach. In contrast, patients ineligible for this approach experienced no benefit and potentially worse outcomes with TAVR.
A recent meta-analysis notes that current evidence is not adequate to determine the best margin for common melanoma presentations. A new study adds to the evidence base with no significant difference in overall survival or recurrence-free survival for patients with a melanoma thicker than 2mm and two centimeter resection margins.
The NCBRSI will bring together scientists, clinicians, and clinical trial specialists to develop groundbreaking surgical ideas, carry out clinical trials, and disseminate knowledge and techniques to hospitals across the UK. The centre aims to improve quality of life for millions of people affected by bowel disorders in the UK.
A study suggests that referral practices need to be tailored by specialty. Primary care physicians are more likely to cite patient access and physician communication as reasons, while specialists prioritize patient experience.
Researchers found that physicians from different specialties experience similar work intensity and stress levels, contrary to common assumptions. This study suggests more equitable payment for primary care physicians and validates measurement tools for assessing stress and workload in medicine.
A new study found that simpler defibrillators with fewer risks of surgical problems and death are equivalent in benefits to complex devices. The study analyzed over 100,000 records and suggests re-evaluation of routine use of dual-chamber defibrillators.
A recent study found that the rate of TAVI success is similar between male and female patients, despite increased iliac complications among females. However, female patients had a higher one-year survival estimate (76%) compared to males (65%). Male gender was also identified as a strong predictor of one-year mortality after TAVI.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that acute care emergency surgical service (ACCESS) reduced surgical decision time by 15% and overall ED overcrowding by 20%. The implementation of ACCESS also improved length of stay for patients with appendicitis cases.
A surgeon's behavior in the operating room affects patient outcomes, healthcare costs, medical errors, and staff-satisfaction. Civility in the surgical suite can lead to fewer post-operative deaths and complications, improved clinical outcomes, and reduced medical errors.
The study found that trusts with more pure thoracic surgeons saw a significant increase in lung cancer resection rates. In 2009, the overall resection rate rose by 46% due to increased investment in thoracic surgical expertise.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons predicts a shortfall in the combined workforce of physicians, advance practice nurses, and physician assistants over the next two decades. The US will face serious shortages if an adequate supply of advanced medical professionals is not met.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that cardiac valve procedure patients' outcomes are influenced by their primary insurance type. Uninsured and Medicaid patients experienced higher risks of mortality, longer hospital stays, and increased total costs compared to those with private insurance.
A study published in Archives of Surgery found that most hospitals follow established practice guidelines for surgical treatment of cancer patients with Medicare. However, disparities in care exist, with patients receiving the right care at the right time not always guaranteed.
A study published in the Journal of Pediatric Urology found that a surgical technique for repairing hypospadias in boys results in a postoperative success rate better than 95%. The procedure, called tubularized incised plate (TIP) repair, is effective regardless of anatomy, and offers a more natural appearance after surgery.
The Wilderness Medical Society has published evidence-based practice guidelines for the prevention and treatment of frostbite. The guidelines emphasize preventing frostbite through measures such as maintaining blood flow to extremities, exercising, and minimizing exposure and heat loss. Treatment options include field-thawing followed ...
A recent study published in JAMA found that bariatric surgery among older, severely obese patients is not associated with reduced mortality. The study examined the long-term survival of high-risk patients who underwent bariatric surgery and compared them to nonsurgical controls.
A molecular imaging procedure using PET/CT and F18 NaF radiotracer accurately diagnoses and manages chronic back pain by pinpointing the source of abnormal bone reaction. In a study, this method was found to be highly effective in more than 85% of cases, providing relief for patients with hardware implants or bone grafts.
Research published in the British Journal of Surgery found a significant association between surgical site infections and noise levels in operating theatres. The study found that patients who underwent surgery in noisy environments were more likely to develop SSIs.
A large Swedish study found that surgical removal of the appendix and tonsils before age 20 increased the risk of premature heart attack. The study's findings suggest a potential link between immune system alterations and cardiovascular disease.
Georgia Health Sciences University surgeons developed a robotic facelift incision technique for removing diseased thyroid tissue, reducing the risk of neck scars and other complications. The procedure is considered safe for some patients, particularly those with larger thyroids or known cancers.
A pan-Canadian clinical trial led by UBC researchers aims to revolutionize oral cancer surgery with a new fluorescence visualization technique, potentially reducing recurrence rates and improving patient outcomes.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found shave biopsies to be a safe and accurate method for initial evaluation of melanoma. The study analyzed 600 consecutive patients who underwent shave biopsies, revealing that 97% of the results were accurate in determining T-stage and depth data.
A Nordic multicentre study found that pelvic organ prolapse surgery using synthetic mesh can restore genital anatomy and provide efficient symptom relief. However, the study also revealed an increased risk of complications with this method compared to traditional surgery.
A new Johns Hopkins study suggests that older, sicker heart-transplant recipients fare significantly better at high-volume centers than low-volume centers. The research found a 67% increased risk of death after one year for high-risk patients transplanted at low-volume centers.
A Swedish research team found that surgery significantly reduces prostate cancer mortality risk, even among men with low-risk tumours. The study followed 347 patients and found that surgical patients had a lower risk of dying from prostate cancer than those who underwent watchful waiting.
The MarginProbe System detected positive margins in 72% of cases, compared to 22% without the device, reducing patients' need for re-excision procedures. The technology improved traditional breast cancer surgery outcomes by providing immediate feedback on excised tissues.
A proposed Emergency Surgery Coalition aims to prevent supply delays and duplication of services after natural disasters. The coalition, involving experienced surgical humanitarian agencies, could support improved surgical delivery.
Researchers have validated a new 'Llanto' scale to measure infant pain after surgery, providing health staff with a simple and concise tool. The scale assesses factors such as crying patterns, breathing rate, and facial expression, allowing for accurate estimation of the child's suffering.
A study of 82 diabetic patients undergoing CABG found aggressive glycemic control did not improve survival rates. Instead, it led to a higher incidence of hypoglycemic events without significant benefits in major adverse effects.
The Endocrine Society released a new Clinical Practice Guideline for the evaluation and treatment of pituitary incidentalomas. The guideline recommends a complete history and physical examination, including visual field examinations if necessary, for patients with a pituitary incidentaloma.
A recent study by UCSD researchers found a significant inverse association between surgeon availability and road traffic injury-related deaths. Regions with more surgeons showed lower mortality rates, suggesting timely surgical treatment can reduce death risk.
A recent study published in Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery found that periocular treatment significantly improved overall quality of life for patients with facial paralysis. The treatment also reduced symptoms of dryness and irritation around the eyes.
A study found that gastric bypass patients take longer to process alcohol and have higher breath alcohol content after surgery. Researchers recommend limiting alcohol consumption to one standard drink every two hours for RYGB patients.
Early appendectomy significantly reduces time away from normal activities and overall adverse event rates compared to interval appendectomy in children with perforated appendicitis. The study found that early appendectomy led to a significant reduction in hospital stay length and improved patient outcomes.