Articles tagged with Surgery
Scientists at UC San Diego have developed injectable fluorescent peptides that cause hard-to-see peripheral nerves to glow, alerting surgeons to their location. The discovery could revolutionize nerve preservation in surgery, especially in cases where nerves are damaged or distorted.
Researchers have developed a system that recognizes hand gestures as commands to control a robotic scrub nurse or display medical images during operations. The technology aims to reduce surgery lengths and infection risks, while also having potential applications in emergency response activities.
A new study from Henry Ford Hospital finds that surgery greatly reduces daytime sleepiness in patients with obstructive sleep apnea compared to other non-surgical treatments. The study shows a significant improvement in Epworth Sleepiness Score after surgery, with a 50% reduction in apnea/hypopnea events during sleep.
Researchers analyzed data on 45,000 CABG patients and found a decline in stroke occurrence over the past three decades. The study identified various risk factors associated with stroke after CABG, including older age, previous stroke, and certain surgical techniques.
A recent study found that up to 16% of surgeons reported suicidal thoughts in the past year, despite depression being a common link. Burnout, emotional exhaustion, and depersonalization were also strongly associated with suicidal ideation.
A web-based curriculum was found to be an effective method for teaching and assessing systems-based practice concepts in surgical residents. The study showed a significant improvement in knowledge of health care business concepts and principles, with residents reporting a preference for Web-based learning.
A Rhode Island Hospital study found that culturing the nose is more likely to reveal MRSA than other body sites, and a strong correlation exists between nasal MRSA quantity and colonization at other sites. The researchers suggest screening the nose and groin for MRSA yields the highest yield.
Dual-physician marriages are increasing, but surgeon-surgeon marriages face greater challenges in balancing personal and professional lives. Surgeons married to fellow physicians experience higher rates of career conflicts, work-home conflicts, and decreased mental quality of life.
Two papers review cases of vascular trauma in battle-injured service personnel, highlighting high lethality of torso injuries and the importance of limb salvage. Additionally, a study on primary blast injury to the abdomen finds that abdominal PBI has significant potential for death and illness, with key findings on incidence rates and...
The American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopy (AAGL) advocates for vaginal or laparoscopic hysterectomy due to low surgical risks and reduced morbidity. These minimally invasive procedures enable faster recovery periods and shorter hospital stays.
A new implantable device aims to restore balance during Meniere's disease attacks while preserving natural hearing and residual balance function. The device, developed by University of Washington researchers, has shown promising results in a 10-person surgical trial.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that airbags significantly reduce the risk of kidney injury in car crashes. The research analyzed over 2,800 records and found a 45-52% reduction in renal injuries with airbag deployment.
Despite the PARTNER trial's promising results, surgical aortic valve replacement should remain the standard treatment for aortic stenosis. Transcatheter aortic-valve implantation (TAVI) is only suitable for patients at high risk who have decreased life expectancy and cannot undergo surgery.
A team-based training program incorporating aviation crew practices significantly reduced surgical mortality rates in hospitals participating in the program. The study found a 50% greater decrease in annual surgical mortality rate among trained facilities compared to non-trained facilities.
Lakeland Surgical & Diagnostic Center CEO David G. Daniel received the APIC Healthcare Administrator Award for his efforts to virtually eliminate healthcare-associated infections at his facility. His leadership led to a significant reduction in surgical site infections, with infection rates declining every year since 2006.
The partnership aims to double the number of physicians graduating from Mozambique medical schools in the next decade and improve surgical care in rural areas. The UCSD component will focus on training additional faculty and building surgical research capacity within UEM.
A pediatric field hospital in Haiti evolved from a disaster service facility to a full-fledged children's hospital, providing critical care to over 50 injured children. The hospital's transformation showcased the importance of adaptability and teamwork in disaster response.
Researchers presented studies on safe outpatient total thyroidectomy using a serum parathyroid hormone-based discharge algorithm, as well as the potential benefits of statins in treating chronic rhinosinusitis. Additionally, a study examined the impact of mobile phone use on auditory health and found increased risk of cochlea damage. O...
African-American victims of motorcycle crashes are 1.5 times more likely to die from their injuries than similarly injured whites, despite wearing helmets. Injury-prevention programs may not be sufficient to protect all riders equally.
High blood glucose levels after surgery may be a significant risk factor for surgical site infections in general surgery patients, according to a recent study. The authors found that postoperative hyperglycemia was the most important risk factor for surgical site infections in both general and colorectal cancer surgery patients.
A new material can mark early-stage tumors using ultrasound imaging, potentially reducing the need for second surgeries and making operations more comfortable for patients. The durable material is made of porous glass spheres filled with a gas that helps it last longer.
Researchers found that low-income neighborhoods have nearly 20 times more penetrating injuries and six times higher blunt injury rates compared to high-income areas. The study suggests that interventions are needed to reduce injury rates in low-income neighborhoods.
A new study found that smoking increases breast abscess risk by 6 times, while nipple piercing is also a risk factor. Smoking also leads to higher recurrence rates, with 40-50% of cases recurring.
A new technique preserves periprostatic anatomy by keeping intact the pubovesical complex, achieving a higher rate of urinary continence after radical prostatectomy. The study reports a 25.7% weighted mean continence rate immediately after catheter removal.
A decline in international medical graduates is creating a shortage of general surgeons, threatening patient access to quality surgical care. The study found that rural areas are particularly affected, with a 40% decline in the number of rural surgeons and a projected shortage of 1,875 general surgeons by 2020.
A study found significant variability in 5-year patient survival rates for lung transplantation centers in the US, with risks of death ranging from 30% lower to 70% higher. Despite controlling for procedural volume, center performance remained significant, suggesting true differences in quality of care.
A survey of Swiss surgical residents and consultants found that the 50-hour workweek limitations negatively affected surgical training, operating time, and patient care. However, 58% of residents and 81% of consultants reported improved quality of life.
Researchers analyzed surgical outcomes of non-small cell lung cancer patients over 30 years, finding improved survival rates with earlier stage diagnoses. The increase in patients diagnosed with early-stage adenocarcinoma is thought to contribute significantly to the favorable results.
New research findings indicate that delaying cholecystectomy in elderly patients with acute cholecystitis results in increased costs, morbidity, and mortality. Prompt surgical treatment leads to lower re-admission rates and improved survival rates.
A new study found that grassroots awareness and education programs have more than doubled minority organ donations since their inception. The National Minority Organ Tissue Transplant Education Program has increased the percentage of minority donors to 35%.
A study found that patients with positive CT exam results who exhibit inconsistent symptoms may have chronic or recurrent appendicitis and should undergo surgical treatment. The researchers reviewed medical records of 2,283 patients who underwent CT scans between 2002 and 2007.
A national survey of surgical residents found that those who are single or do not have children are more likely to pursue specialty fellowships. The study also highlights the growing trend of specialization among surgery residents, which may impact the future of general surgery.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins found that a simple frailty test can accurately predict surgical outcomes in older patients. The test assesses physical reserve and ability to withstand stress, identifying those at risk for complications and prolonged hospital stays.
A study found that preoperative MRI can help surgeons identify the neurovascular bundle and spare it during RALP, leading to better erectile function outcomes. The technique has improved surgical decision-making without compromising oncological results.
The new Canadian practice guideline addresses improper use of opioids in chronic non-cancer pain management. The guideline provides recommendations for safe and effective opioid therapy, with a focus on risk stratification, patient selection, and monitoring.
A study suggests that breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can detect breast lesions missed on mammography and ultrasound, influencing surgical management choices. Breast MRI positively impacts patient management decisions, potentially reducing the need for re-intervention by accurately assessing tumor extent.
A pilot pneumonia-prevention program implemented in a hospital surgical ward significantly reduced postoperative pneumonia, with an 81% decrease in incidence. The program, which included eight evidence-based strategies, was highly statistically significant and could improve patient care and lower healthcare costs.
The journal will support high-quality continuing professional development and enable travel medicine practitioners to share research and recent developments. The partnership aims to promote best levels of health and high standards of healthcare worldwide.
A new study from the University of Michigan Health System found that doctors who own a surgery center operate on average twice as many patients as those without such financial ties. This increased caseload may be due to lowered treatment thresholds, suggesting potential conflicts of interest among physician owners.
Researchers found that surgical masks were as effective as respirators in preventing hospital staff from acquiring H1N1. The study suggests that a uniform policy of using surgical masks when in close contact with patients can protect healthcare workers from infection.
Researchers have developed biocompatible flexible electronics that can map large areas of tissue at once, monitoring electricity coursing through a beating heart. The technology has the potential to redefine design strategies for advanced surgical devices and implants.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology suggests that women with radial scars should undergo surgical excision to rule out an underlying malignancy. The study found that up to 40% of radial scars are associated with cancer, and that mammographic and sonographic appearances are not reliable indicators of malign...
A new study by the American College of Radiology found that X-rays are often inconclusive in detecting hip and pelvic fractures. The study used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to confirm or rule out fractures, revealing a significant number of missed diagnoses.
Scientists found that emphasizing non-pathogen specific infection control practices, such as hand hygiene and chlorhexidine bathing, significantly reduced MRSA rates. The study observed a 91% reduction in central line-associated bloodstream infections, a 62% reduction in catheter-associated urinary tract infections, and a 92% reduction...
A French national program to reduce healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) reported important successes with mandatory public reporting. The program led to a drop of 40% in MRSA cases and improved infection control measures across the country. Key initiatives included advancing research, improving communication with patients, and stan...
A study published in the Journal of American College of Surgeons found that uninsured gunshot trauma patients had a higher mortality rate than insured patients. After adjusting for demographics and injury severity, the odds of dying from a gunshot trauma were 2.2 times greater for uninsured patients. This disparity underscores the need...
A global study indicates that uterine fibroid embolization has a comparable fertility rate to myomectomy, the gold standard surgical treatment, for women seeking to conceive. The procedure showed a 58.1% fertility rate, similar to myomectomy's 57% success rate.
A new study found that breast cancers detected through palpable lumps, not mammography, were more common in women who didn't undergo annual screening. The researchers also found that clinical breast examination and breast self-examination played a crucial role in detecting breast cancer.
A large-scale US study found that live kidney donors have similar long-term survival rates as healthy individuals, contradicting previous concerns about increased mortality. The study, which analyzed over 80,000 donations, suggests that living kidney donation is a safe and reasonable option for addressing the organ shortage.
A landmark study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that live kidney donors suffer few ill effects from the procedure and are likely to live as long as those with both kidneys. The study analyzed data from over 80,000 live kidney donors in the United States.
A new evaluation tool helps clinicians decide whether to surgically remove or monitor asymptomatic pancreatic cysts. The tool considers overall health, age, cyst size, surgical risk, and patients' quality of life preferences.
Research by Dr. Atul Gawande and collaborators developed a core set of safety standards for surgery, resulting in over 1,600 hospital implementations globally and widespread adoption across 16 countries.
Researchers found that hospital volume accounts for as much as 79% of observed differences in hospital quality, making high-volume hospitals a better choice for patients. Despite being marketed as superior, top-rated hospitals do not consistently deliver better outcomes than lower-rated but higher-volume facilities.
A study found that preoperative computed tomography (CT) use among women of reproductive age coincided with a significant decrease in negative appendectomies. The increased utilization of CT and advances in technology led to improved diagnosis and reduced false-positive diagnoses, resulting in lower unnecessary surgeries.
Researchers Yoed Rabin and Kenji Shimada are developing an interactive simulator for cryosurgical procedures, combined with a computerized tutor to evaluate quality. This project aims to enhance surgical training by practicing virtual cryosurgical procedures, motivating surgeons to learn and improve their skills.
Complicated skin and soft tissue infections (cSSTIs) require prompt treatment to prevent tissue destruction and minimize mortality. The new guidelines emphasize the importance of rapid diagnosis and initiation of antibiotic therapy, including surgical debridement for necrotizing infections.
A study found that using smartphones with special software to view CT scans allowed radiologists to accurately diagnose acute appendicitis. The technique, which uses encrypted wireless networks and OsiriX Mobile software, showed promising results in a small sample of patients.
A Mayo Clinic-led study found that nearly 9% of US surgeons reported making a major error in the past three months, with burnout and depression being key factors. The researchers suggest that reducing work hours may not be enough to limit errors unless addressing burnout is also prioritized.
A recent study by Johns Hopkins Medicine suggests that burned-out and depressed surgeons are more likely to report major medical errors. The research found a significant association between burnout, depression, and self-reported medical errors, highlighting the need for better support for surgeons struggling with mental health.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons shows that younger women with breast cancer can safely delay treatment for up to 71 days after undergoing fertility preservation. The study found no significant delay in cancer treatment when fertility preservation is coordinated in a timely fashion.