Research on surgical treatment and outcomes. Covers fat-disorder surgery, survival after hip fracture, prostate-cancer care, and bariatric surgery.
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.
Researchers found left side grafting has lower risk to donors compared to right lobe grafts, and recipients can achieve comparable survival rates with smaller graft sizes. The study suggests using left side grafts more frequently in adult-to-adult liver transplantation to reduce donor risk.
A new scale, the Duke Abdominal Assessment Scale (DAAS), helps clinicians determine disease severity and need for surgery in infants with NEC. The DAAS provides a standardized 10-point radiographic scale that increases with disease severity, enabling earlier detection of patients at risk for developing severe NEC.
A new study found that patients who underwent less-invasive endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms had a lower risk of death in the first 30 days after surgery compared to those who received open repair. The procedure also resulted in reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and fewer complications.
A study found that minimally invasive radical prostatectomy with robotic assistance may shorten hospital stays and decrease surgical complications, but increase genitourinary complications. Men of higher socioeconomic status opted for this high-technology alternative despite limited data demonstrating superiority.
A study published in JAMA found that attending physicians working nighttime hours did not have a significantly increased rate of complications for procedures performed the next day. However, having less than six hours of sleep opportunity between procedures was associated with an increased rate of surgical complications.
Researchers at the Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute found that survival rates for intestinal and multivisceral transplants increased with innovative surgical techniques, novel immunosuppressive protocols, and better post-operative management. The five-year survival rate rose to 68 percent, similar to other abdominal and thora...
A recent study published in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology found that iodine-based skin preparation solutions, such as 3M's DuraPrep Surgical Solution, may be superior to chlorhexidine in preventing surgical-site infections. The study of over 3,200 general surgery patients suggests a significant reduction in morbidity and ...
A McMaster University study found that surgical masks are as effective as N95 respirators in protecting healthcare workers against influenza. The research showed an estimated effectiveness within one percent of the respirator, with no increased rate of infection.
A randomized controlled trial found that surgical masks are non-inferior to N95 respirators in preventing laboratory-confirmed influenza among nurses. The study suggests that surgical masks may be a suitable alternative when N95 respirators are not available, particularly in routine healthcare settings.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that high-quality hospitals have medical teams proficient at rescuing patients once complications arise. Low-mortality hospitals have lower death rates from post-surgical complications compared to high-mortality hospitals.
Arizona State University has received over $32 million in federal stimulus funding for various research projects. The grants focus on developing new sources of renewable energy, improving the diagnosis of pediatric tuberculosis, and enhancing children's oral language skills.
A new study in Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that major disasters like Hurricane Katrina can significantly impact surgical services, leading to increased costs for routine operations. However, the same study revealed that hospitals can achieve cost efficiencies by having staff cover and share more duties.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found no evidence of a 'July Phenomenon', where more medical errors occur due to new residents, despite widespread belief. The study analyzed data from a trauma registry and showed no differences in patient outcomes between July and other months.
A survey of nearly 4,500 general surgery residents found that most are satisfied with their training and relationships with faculty and peers. However, they also reported concerns about their clinical skills, family life strain due to work stress, and need for additional specialty training to be competitive in the job market.
A minimally invasive procedure called CT-guided tube pericardiostomy has been found to be just as effective as surgical drainage in treating pericardial effusion, with a significant cost savings of 89%. This treatment method spares patients from recovery time and reduces the risk associated with invasive surgery.
A study of hospital relocation provides insights into aid disaster planning by restricting elective surgeries and limiting incoming transfers. This approach helped one major hospital reduce its census by 36% without interrupting emergency or trauma services, a strategy that can be applied during disasters to improve surge capacity.
The US has reached a critical point on obesity, with 72 million adults affected. Health reform that directly addresses obesity is crucial to saving lives and reducing healthcare costs.
A study found that daily chlorhexidine bathing can dramatically reduce the risk of deadly bloodstream infections in ICU patients. Chlorhexidine glutonate is a cheap and effective antibacterial agent available for just $6 per bottle or $0.33 per packet.
A study by Elliott R. Haut and colleagues found no significant differences in death rates among patients treated by novice vs. experienced trauma surgeons in a structured trauma program. Patients managed by novice surgeons showed improvement in mortality rates after structural changes were implemented.
Dr. Michael E. O'Brien has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to dental education, receiving the Daniel M. Laskin Award for Outstanding Predoctoral Educator in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. He is a respected educator, mentor, and clinician with over 25 years of experience at LSUHSC.
A report in Archives of Surgery found that most women surgeons (82.5%) would choose their career again, citing lifestyle implications such as high patient acuity and irregular work hours. Women were also more likely to value part-time work options and child care benefits.
Researchers found no clear benefit of repairing patent foramen ovale in patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery, but rather an increased risk of postoperative stroke. Patients with newly discovered PFO were more likely to be women and have a history of stroke or atrial fibrillation.
A survey of surgical residents found that nearly half consider duty hour regulations a significant barrier to their education. Senior residents are more likely to desire longer work hours than restrictions allow.
A Swedish study found improved long-term survival rates among patients with intact abdominal aortic aneurysms who underwent surgical repair between 1987 and 2005. Patients in their 80s and males experienced higher relative five-year survival rates, likely due to atherosclerosis, whereas advances in postoperative care and endovascular a...
A study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology found that preoperative biliary drainage significantly reduced wound infection rates in patients undergoing resectional surgery for ampullary carcinoma. The findings suggest that PBD may have a positive impact on surgical outcomes, particularly in terms of infectious morbidity.
A new study finds that an air traffic control tracking method significantly reduces errors in trauma management, with improved accuracy in recording critical patient data. The system also enhances hospital capacity management and real-time resource allocation.
A study published in Journal of the American College of Surgeons reveals that segregation is associated with decreased access to surgical services and increased emergency room visits among minority populations. The research highlights the need to address racial disparities in healthcare, particularly in the most segregated areas.
A new study identified 43 valid quality indicators for pancreatic cancer care, with significant variation in patient and hospital adherence. The findings suggest that there is considerable room for improvement in the quality of care delivered to patients with pancreatic cancer.
A new surgical technique, total mesometrial resection (TMMR), has been shown to reduce complications and improve survival rates in patients with early-stage cervical cancer. The study found a 94% recurrence-free survival rate and a 96% 5-year survival rate, significantly better than traditional radical hysterectomy methods.
The article highlights the importance of sharing surgical knowledge between military and civilian surgeons to prepare for disasters. Canadian physician Dr. Vivian McAlister shares his experience working at a field hospital in Afghanistan and emphasizes the benefits of 'damage control resuscitation' techniques in saving lives.
A new brain-scanning process developed by University of Minnesota researcher Bin He holds promise for epilepsy treatment advancements. The technique uses functional neuroimaging to identify seizure foci and aid surgeons in pinpointing the brain network affected by seizures.
A new study found that electronic prescribing systems can significantly reduce order implementation and entry times, leading to lower personnel requirements and costs. While medication errors were not statistically significantly reduced, the system's efficiency gains translate to long-term cost savings.
New research highlights large disparities in breast cancer care and treatment for African-American women, with a significantly lower five-year survival rate compared to Caucasian women. Socioeconomic barriers also hinder access to advanced treatments.
Researchers present new techniques for early diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer, improving 5-year survival rates from 10% to 70%. A new factor that correlates with clinical parameters may also help indicate patient prognosis.
A study at UCLA used preoperative MRI to evaluate neurovascular bundles in patients undergoing robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP). The results showed that preoperative MR assisted surgeons in making more informed decisions about nerve sparing techniques, with less likelihood of causing impotence.
A Web-based reporting system helped identify four event patterns from morbidity reports and three from near-miss reports, addressing issues like chest tube placements and nurse-to-physician communications. However, under-reporting was disappointing, with only 27.2% of readmissions and 41.6% of inpatient deaths reported.
18F-FDG PET/CT is highly sensitive and accurate for whole-body staging of recurrent esophageal cancer, suggesting potential improvements in patient survival. The imaging modality also shows promise in guiding salvage treatment to early recurrence lesions.
New research published in The FASEB Journal suggests that slight dips in brain temperature can cause an increase in abnormal tau protein, which is associated with Alzheimer's disease. This finding highlights the need for caution when anesthetizing patients with Alzheimer's or at risk of developing the disease.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons suggests that lung transplantation can be a viable option for patients older than 60, as long as they are younger than 70. The research found that mortality rates after one year were significantly higher for patients over 70 compared to those under 70.
A new surgical implant called Retisert has been successfully tested at the University of Iowa to treat sympathetic ophthalmia, a rare eye condition that can lead to complete vision loss. The implant provides slow-release immunosuppression to the affected eye, reducing or eliminating the need for systemic medications.
A study of eight cities globally demonstrates that using a simple surgical checklist during major operations can significantly lower the incidence of deaths and complications. The rate of major complications fell from 11% to 7%, while inpatient deaths following major operations decreased by over 40%.
A pilot study involving 11 operating rooms found that using a Surgical Patient Safety Checklist significantly reduced major complications and inpatient deaths. The checklist improved communication among team members during surgery and increased the consistency of proven standards of surgical care.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that morbidly obese patients are at higher risk for complications after colectomy. These complications include surgical site infections, wound openings, pulmonary embolisms and kidney failures.