Research on surgical treatment and outcomes. Covers fat-disorder surgery, survival after hip fracture, prostate-cancer care, and bariatric surgery.
CT angiography (CTA) has been found to accurately detect ruptured cerebral aneurysms in patients with acute subarachnoid hemorrhage, with a sensitivity of 99.4%. The study, conducted at the Health Sciences Center in Winnipeg, Canada, involved 171 patients who underwent preoperative 3D CTA.
Patients who received cataract surgery within 6 weeks experienced better visual outcomes and fewer adverse events compared to those who waited longer. The optimal wait time for cataract surgery remains unclear due to mixed results between 6 weeks and 6 months.
Research published in the journal Heart found a significant link between performance league tables and lower death rates after coronary artery bypass surgery. The study analyzed data from almost 26,000 patients and showed that public disclosure of cardiac surgery outcome data led to improved patient outcomes.
Raven, a mobile surgical robot developed by the University of Washington, will operate in an underwater capsule off the coast of Florida, guided by surgeons in Seattle. The 12-day mission tests current technology for sending remote-controlled surgical robotic systems into space.
Researchers successfully transplanted a single donor cornea into three patients with different eye conditions, demonstrating the feasibility of customized component corneal transplantation. The procedure allows for optimal use of available donor tissue, particularly in countries with limited quality and quantity of donor corneas.
Research on silent myocardial ischemia shows that anti-anginal therapy, combined with risk factor control, improves outcomes and preserves left ventricular function. Additionally, faster door-to-balloon time for STEMI patients leads to reduced healthcare costs, heart attack rates, and hospital stays.
Researchers at MIT developed a new biopolymer suture made from material produced naturally by the human body, which is 30% stronger and more flexible than current sutures. The sutures have been cleared by the FDA for use in abdominal closures and tendon stitching, offering a potential solution to re-opening wounds.
A study of 17 studies from nine countries found that removing and examining more lymph nodes during colon cancer surgery improves patient outcomes. The research suggests that knowing how far a cancer has spread leads to tailored treatment, ultimately resulting in better survival rates for patients.
A population-based study found clinically significant variation in breast cancer treatment rates across Manitoba, suggesting the guidelines have not met their objective. The study's findings imply that guideline implementation is not a straightforward process and that other factors influence adoption.
A new medical technique using microsecond electrical pulses has been shown to create permanent nanoscale holes in target cell membranes without harming surrounding tissue. This technique, called irreversible electroporation (IRE), has the potential to revolutionize minimally invasive surgical treatments for tumors.
The Mayo Clinic team has proposed a system of lung surgery quality indicators to demonstrate best practices for positive patient outcomes. The proposed measures include patient-centered processes prior to, during, and after surgery, such as pulmonary function testing, electrocardiogram, smoking history documentation, and timely pain co...
A breast cancer treatment based on MIT research is documented in a new book, including promising results from the latest clinical trials of the therapy. The technique uses microwaves to heat-and-kill-cells containing high amounts of water and ions, showing minimal side effects.
Multidetector CT (MDCT) technology can accurately detect bowel perforations without the need for contrast media, making it a game-changer in emergency medicine. The study found that MDCT correctly identified bowel perforation in 73 of 85 patients.
A University of Michigan study found that women who took control of choosing their breast cancer surgeon were more likely to be treated by high-volume surgeons and at accredited cancer centers. Women with higher education and incomes were also more likely to select their surgeon based on reputation.
A recent study published in Archives of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery found that outcomes following surgically implanted bone-anchored hearing aids are comparable for children younger than 5 years and those older than 5 years. Early and consistent stimulation of the cochlea is critical to a child's development of speech and language.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University are developing robotic assistants to enhance surgeons' skills, including a snakelike robot for making incisions and tying sutures with greater dexterity, and a steady-hand system to curb tremors during microsurgery. These tools aim to improve surgical precision and effectiveness.
Researchers identified 142 candidate indicators of quality care for colorectal cancer surgery, including surgical credentials, preoperative evaluation, and postoperative management. The expert panel rated 92 indicators as valid, suggesting these can be used to measure care quality and create improvement programs.
A recent study published in the Canadian Journal of Surgery found that many medical school graduates in Canada lack proficiency in basic surgical skills such as suturing and tube placements. The researchers surveyed 123 recent graduates and 55 surgeons, revealing a significant gap between expected and actual skill levels.
A consensus statement published in Annals of Surgical Oncology calls for heated chemotherapy after colon cancer surgery to optimize patient survival. The treatment, known as HIPEC, has shown promising results with a median survival of greater than 20 months compared to six-month survival with traditional intravenous chemotherapy.
A web-based survey found that a substantial proportion of surgeons, residents, and medical students are interested in part-time training options with flexible schedules. The study aims to attract and retain female surgeons, who face lifestyle concerns and limited work-life balance.
A study published in the Journal of Surgical Research found that reducing surgical resident work hours did not significantly improve perceived quality of patient care. Residents reported fewer fatigue-related errors but more continuity and communication issues.
A survey of US and Canadian physicians reveals they generally support disclosing medical errors that would be apparent to patients, but differ in when and how to do so. Most patients want detailed information following a medical error, including an explicit statement of the error and explanations for what will be done to prevent future...
A recent study using APPROACH data compares survival outcomes between medically treated and surgically treated patients with heart failure. The findings suggest that revascularization may not offer significant benefits in terms of risks versus benefits.
Surgeons at UT Southwestern Medical Center have recorded some of the most successful patient outcomes nationally for patients with rare and complex type of kidney tumors. The five-year survival rate was among the highest, while one-year survival rate is 78 percent.
A recent study found that major pancreatic cancer surgery can be successfully performed on patients in their 80s, 90s, and older with comparable five-year survival rates to the general population. This challenges common misconceptions about the suitability of elderly patients for such surgery.
Infertility risk in women with ulcerative colitis increases significantly after ileal pouch anal anastomosis surgery, according to a meta-analysis. The study found that the risk of infertility tripled to 48% after the procedure, with no obvious factors contributing to this increased risk.
A team of students from Johns Hopkins University has developed a prototype that improves chest closure after heart surgery, replacing traditional metal wires with polymer cable ties. The device, which resembles a stapler, is designed to be safer and less invasive, reducing potential injuries to patients and surgeons.
Two surgical interventions, primary peritoneal drainage and laparotomy, were compared in a clinical trial involving 117 preterm infants with perforated NEC. The study found that the type of operation performed did not influence survival or other clinically important outcomes.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a surgery to plug the superior canal in the inner ear, stopping severe symptoms of superior canal dehiscence. The procedure has been successful in treating patients with severe dizziness, loss of balance, and hearing loss.
Persistent post-operative pain affects 10-15% of individuals after common operations. Surgical techniques like careful dissection and minimally invasive methods can reduce nerve damage and associated pain. Surgeons must be aware of these techniques to improve patient outcomes.
A survey of operating room personnel found that general surgical nurses and certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) consistently rated high for teamwork, while surgeons received the lowest scores. The study used the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire to assess safety attitudes in the OR.
A survey of 141 physicians and medical students found that female respondents were more likely to perceive sex discrimination in surgery, citing workload considerations and lifestyle concerns as deterrents. The results suggest addressing these concerns to attract both men and women to surgery, but also highlight the need to confront a ...
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati found that delaying aortic trauma repair can lead to better survival outcomes for patients with certain injuries. Dr. Amy Reed's study analyzed 51 cases and found that 54% of patients who underwent delayed endovascular repair survived, compared to 38% of those who received immediate open repair.
A case report identified a serious oral post-surgical complication in a patient receiving IV bisphosphonates for breast carcinoma-related osteopenia. The patient developed osteonecrosis following periodontal surgical therapy, emphasizing the importance of dental evaluations before initiating IV bisphosphonate therapy.
Researchers have developed a novel technique using standard surgical stents and synthetic endografts to effectively treat patients with severe blunt thoracic aortic trauma, reducing the risk of death from blood loss. The method provides a reliable way for emergency surgeons to repair difficult injuries using readily accessible materials.
Patients undergoing more extensive (D3) lymph node dissection had higher 5-year overall survival rates compared to those with less extensive (D1) surgery. D3 nodal dissection offers a survival benefit when performed by experienced surgeons.
Researchers found that hospitalized patients with schizophrenia are more likely to experience serious infections, respiratory failure, and sepsis compared to those without the condition. The study suggests that improved quality of care could help mitigate this increased risk.
A study suggests that delayed surgical intervention can be a safe alternative to immediate treatment for men diagnosed with early-stage, low-grade prostate cancer. The research found equivalent risks of noncurable prostate cancer in both groups, depending on factors like age and PSA levels.
Patients who chewed sugarless gum three times a day experienced shorter hospital stays (4.3 days vs. 6.8 days) and earlier gas passage and first bowel movements compared to control groups. Chewing gum may stimulate the gastrointestinal tract, promoting hormones that activate bowel motility.
A new screening method, qMRSA, was tested on 1,053 patients in Geneva University Hospital. The study found that qMRSA significantly reduced the time to get MRSA test results from 87 hours to 21 hours, and isolated infected patients immediately after detection, which substantially decreased MRSA infections in the medical ICU.
Researchers found that delaying surgery for men with hernias that don't cause discomfort can be a safe option. Patients who underwent surgical repair showed significant improvement in performing everyday activities compared to those who waited.
A study found that delaying surgery for men with asymptomatic inguinal hernias has similar outcomes to surgical repair, with lower risk of post-operative complications. Watchful waiting can be a viable alternative for these patients.
A new study confirms the survival benefit of intra-abdominal chemotherapy, also known as intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy, for most women with advanced ovarian cancer. The treatment has shown an overall survival period of approximately one year after optimal debulking surgery.
The FDA has approved the first medical device using a Rutgers-developed biomaterial for hernia repairs. The device features a partially degradable polymer that facilitates precise placement and reduces implant material following resorption. This approval represents a major breakthrough for regenerative medicine.
Researchers found that patients with partial small-bowel obstruction who received oral therapy had a higher success rate of treatment without surgery (91% vs. 76%) and shorter hospital stays compared to those receiving standard care alone. The study suggests a new management strategy for similar patients, leading to reduced surgical in...
Researchers propose using probiotics to saturate skin with 'good' bacteria, preventing pathogenic bacteria from settling. This approach could potentially reduce the spread of antibiotic-resistant MRSA in hospitals.
A randomized controlled trial found that 80% supplemental oxygen reduced the risk of surgical site infections by nearly 54%. Patients with infections had significantly longer hospital stays and delays to ambulation. The study suggests that higher oxygen tensions may be a simple and effective way to reduce wound infections.
The Lancet warns that the UK government's NHS privatisation plans are untested and potentially dangerous, risking patient welfare. The journal criticizes Patricia Hewitt's approach to reforming the healthcare system based on ideology rather than evidence.
A USC study of over 12,250 patients found that those treated at level I trauma centers had nearly a 20% lower mortality rate than those at level II centers. Patients also had better functional outcomes and were less likely to be severely disabled after discharge.
A significant proportion of young adult patients examined had well-established periodontal disease despite no signs or symptoms. Women affected by this disease faced a higher risk of preterm birth and other pregnancy complications, corresponding to systemic inflammation indicators.
A study found significant deficiencies in education on palliative surgical care among surgeons, with 84% not receiving any training during residency and 44% lacking continuing medical education. The lack of standardization in treatment recommendations may be due to diverse sources of training and experience.
Endovascular stent grafting successfully treats abdominal and thoracic aneurysms and type B aortic dissections. The procedure has been shown to reduce mortality rates compared to surgery in certain cases.
The Cribier-Edwards Percutaneous valve offers a less invasive solution for patients with fibro-calcific native aortic valves, reducing mortality rates associated with untreated disease. Recent developments include custom retrograde delivery systems and larger valve sizes, improving procedure success rates.
Researchers are investigating a drug that may block the deadliest form of inflammation in heart bypass patients, including those who have had previous strokes or heart attacks. The study focuses on high-risk patients and pediatric cases, aiming to improve outcomes and reduce morbidity related to heart surgery.
Researchers analyzed data from 12,461 patients who underwent cardiac surgery between 1996 and 2003. The study found that elderly patients were more likely to undergo emergency surgery, but their chances of survival were 50% better after the first year of surgery compared to their younger peers.
A recent study found that patients with complete revascularization have significantly better long-term outcomes and a 70% lower chance of death within five years. The study also suggests using arterial grafts instead of veins for improved patient survival.
High-volume surgeons and hospitals are associated with significantly better cancer outcomes, particularly for complex surgeries. While the reasons behind this correlation remain unclear, it supports the centralization of oncology services to improve patient care.
A study by Dartmouth Medical School found a higher mortality rate among American Indians and Alaska Natives after surgery, with 3.1% of Americans Indian dying compared to 2.2% of Caucasians. The research highlights existing disparities in healthcare and suggests further investigation into factors contributing to these differences.
Research found a strong association between depression severity and poor glycemic control among Hispanics with diabetes, particularly those with moderate-severe depression. This underlines the importance of identifying and treating depression to improve diabetic outcomes in this high-risk population.
The Mayo Clinic study found that DNA from group A beta-hemolytic streptococci is concentrated in the tonsil tissue and cannot be detected towards the front of the mouth. The researchers hope to develop a more child- and adult-friendly test for diagnosing strep throat.