Research on surgical treatment and outcomes. Covers fat-disorder surgery, survival after hip fracture, prostate-cancer care, and bariatric surgery.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.