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