Research on surgical treatment and outcomes. Covers fat-disorder surgery, survival after hip fracture, prostate-cancer care, and bariatric surgery.
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.
Spasmodic dysphonia is a neurological condition that disrupts nervous signals to the vocal cords. The surgery provided long-lasting resolution of symptoms and improved physical, social, and emotional well-being in most patients, offering a permanent solution for treating the disorder.
A Mayo Clinic study establishes a threshold for valve repair surgery in patients with severe mitral regurgitation, indicating that those with large regurgitant orifice areas are at high risk of death if treated medically. The study suggests that valve surgery can restore normal life expectancy and reduce mortality by up to five times.
A study of 34,133 patients found that only 55.7% received antimicrobials within an hour before incision, while 9.6% started treatment more than four hours post-incision. The results highlight opportunities to improve the use of antimicrobial prophylaxis to prevent surgical site infections.
Researchers at Stanford have developed a computer model that incorporates imaging data and can predict patient outcomes with increased accuracy. The model, which factors in the flexibility of veins and arteries, has shown promising results in large-animal studies, predicting flow after an aortic graft within 10%.
A new study challenges the traditional understanding of sex assignment, suggesting that genetics and brain development may influence gender identity. Researchers highlight the need for more nuanced laws and policies to protect individuals with ambiguous genitalia.
A survey of over 1600 Norwegian doctors found that male surgeons were most likely to make mistakes, while many struggled to criticize their colleagues. The study highlights the need for open discussion among medical professionals to improve quality and safety in healthcare.
The Forward Resuscitative Surgery System (FRSS) improved treatment times for critically injured Marines, with median arrival times of one hour. The system also reduced casualty rates compared to previous conflicts, thanks to its rapid access to surgical care.
A recent study published in Archives of Surgery found that patients with abdominal trauma are at high risk of developing intra-abdominal infections following surgery. The likelihood of infection increased with more severe wounds, contamination of the abdominal cavity, and admission to the intensive care unit.
A survey of Austrian women surgeons found that 57% were satisfied or very satisfied with their professional situation. Factors such as subspecialty, certification, age, and work location influenced job satisfaction. Optimal departmental organization was seen as crucial to reconciling professional and personal lives.
A recent study supports the use of mechanical assistance as a standard of care for treating acute and chronic heart failure, particularly in high-risk patients. The findings have implications for funding artificial heart programs, increasing access to this life-saving treatment.
A new non-invasive imaging technique using magnetic resonance imaging and a novel MRI agent can help surgeons determine the extent of cancer in breast patients. The technology has the potential to reduce surgical trauma and improve patient outcomes.
Fewer than 20% of US surgeons have high enough volume to optimize breast cancer outcomes, with median surgeon performing only 6 operations in two years. High-volume surgeons provide more consistent standard care, such as hormone receptor testing and breast conserving surgery.
The study identifies a heterozygous genotype for the prion protein, suggesting that individuals with this genetic subgroup may be at higher risk of vCJD transmission. The findings highlight the need for continued surveillance and leucoreduction policies to reduce the risk of blood-borne transmission.
Researchers in Japan used PET to differentiate between infected and non-infected vascular grafts, confirming its accuracy in diagnosing graft infections. The study's findings suggest that PET studies can safely and specifically identify patients who need treatment for graft infection.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that nearly half of ovarian cancer surgeries in Maryland were performed by low-volume surgeons, those with four or fewer cases per year. High-volume surgeons, who perform more than 10 cases per year, are more likely to accurately assess disease stage and increase survival rates.
A Johns Hopkins-led study found that most physicians reported positive attitudes towards caring for patients with chronic conditions, but felt they had received less training than needed. Chronic problems like diabetes and heart disease account for over 75% of healthcare spending in the US.
A recent study suggests that surgery provides a favorable outcome for long-term multidrug-resistant tuberculosis patients. The surgeons at the National Jewish Medical and Research Center have extensive experience in treating mycobacterial lung disease, making them uniquely qualified to assess individual patient risk/benefit balances.
The study found that 4-MDCT results correlated accurately with surgical findings in 88 of the cases (93%), and specifically with renal vein anatomy in 91 of the 94 cases (96%). This technique offers several advantages over conventional imaging methods, including speed, non-invasiveness, comfort for patients, and greater volume coverage.
A study found that off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) had similar graft patency and clinical outcomes as conventional CABG with cardiopulmonary bypass. OPCAB also resulted in lower hospitalization costs, with a mean savings of $2,272 at discharge and $1,955 at 1 year.
A study of 501 patients with recurrent prostate cancer found that salvage radiotherapy can be effective for patients with high-grade disease and rapid PSA doubling time, suggesting it may prevent metastatic disease progression. The study's findings support early treatment for these patients, who are at the highest risk of disease spread.
A recent study found that hospital procedural volume is only modestly associated with risk-adjusted CABG mortality rates, suggesting that other measures are needed to assess quality. Low-volume hospitals often achieve excellent outcomes despite operating on higher-risk patients.
Cataract surgery is expected to increase due to its major cause of blindness globally. New technologies like implantable miniature telescopes, multifocal IOLs, and accommodating IOLs are being developed to enhance vision, especially for patients with defective irises or macular degeneration.
The study evaluated 27 surgeons in 23 centers and found that quality of surgery is independent of caseload. The parameters used included length of surgery, blood loss, postoperative continence, and PSA levels after surgery.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology has awarded Special Recognition Awards to Mr. McManus for his dedication to vision research, and Dr. Jones and Dr. Brown for their innovative research and humanitarian efforts. The awards recognize their contributions to the field of ophthalmology.
A breast cancer program for low-income women found a significant rate of 12.3 cancers per 1,000 women, exceeding results from other screening programs. Excellent compliance with surgical recommendations was also observed, attributed to the program's translation and transportation services.
A recent study evaluated eZ-Scope's performance in identifying radioactive nodes during sentinel node biopsy. The results showed that eZ-Scope allowed for more accurate identification of nodes in less time.
A new organ preservation solution, Histidine-Tryptophan-Ketogluterate (HTK), has been shown to be more practical and easier to use than the University of Wisconsin (UW) solution for preserving livers before transplantation. The study found similar outcomes between HTK and UW in terms of initial organ function and clinical measures.
A new study by NYU Langone Health's cardiac surgeons found that off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) reduces hospital mortality, stroke risk, and complication rates in high-risk patients with severe aortic atherosclerosis. OPCAB results in lower mortality rates (6.5% vs 11.4%) and shorter hospital stays compared to conventi...
Researchers found that wearing surgical masks significantly reduces the risk of SARS transmission for healthcare workers. In contrast, staff members who did not wear masks were more likely to contract the disease despite following other safety protocols.
A recent study found that patients over 40 years old have a higher risk of needing LASIK retreatments, while those with high refractive error and astigmatism also require more frequent corrections. The study's results suggest that lifting flaps using manual technique can reduce the need for recut flaps during retreatments.
Researchers at RIT have developed MRE heating technology, enabling hot meals and drinks for soldiers. The device uses magnesium to produce heat and has been part of every MRE used by US troops since the Persian Gulf War.
Researchers found that using a mesh patch for large hiatal hernias results in no recurrence of the condition, marking a significant improvement over traditional surgical methods. This breakthrough study provides new hope for patients with large hiatal hernias, offering an effective and lower-risk treatment option.
The development of a 3D animated heart took one and a half years to complete, using multiple ovine data sets from a Stanford University study. Medical animation software integrated into robotic systems will create a new modality in visualization for cardiac surgery.
The Norwegian Cancer Society's project has made significant strides in improving rectal cancer treatment, resulting in a 30% increase in five-year post-operative survival rates since 1999. The project aims to raise quality at hospitals whose results are still not good enough by improving surgery techniques and patient examination prior...
Researchers discover that metals like iron are essential for the synthesis of a biological matrix in ocean mussels. This finding could lead to the development of powerful adhesives and antifouling coatings.
Dr. Rita Charon, a Columbia University professor, has been awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship to complete her book on narrative medicine. Her research focuses on the literary and narrative techniques that enable physicians to achieve empathy with patients.
A new study suggests that liver transplant matching based on histocompatibility could reduce disease recurrence in patients with hepatitis C and primary biliary cirrhosis. The University of Pittsburgh study analyzed data from over 3,000 liver transplants and found that a match significantly decreases the incidence of acute and chronic ...
The study found that patients given beta-blockers before bypass surgery had a 30-day mortality rate of 2.8%, compared to 3.4% for those not receiving the drug. The researchers also observed fewer instances of kidney problems and mechanical ventilation time in patients taking beta-blockers.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that bladder exstrophy causes more extensive pelvic girdle bone defects than previously known. The study reveals an outward flare of the hip bone and rotation of the entire pelvic girdle, impacting surgeons' understanding of these defects.
A study of 13,958 Canadian women found that the median time from screening to first assessment was 2.6 weeks and to diagnosis was 3.7 weeks. Women with breast cancer waited shorter times than those with benign findings. However, even with expedited investigations, 10% of women with breast cancer still waited over 12 weeks for a diagnosis.
A new study found that women treated in teaching hospitals for initial breast cancer surgery had a five-year survival rate of 93%, compared to 89% for those treated in community hospitals. Comprehensive care approaches and multidisciplinary services may contribute to these differences.
William Cohn, a cardiothoracic surgeon at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, has invented the Cohn Cardiac Stabilizer, allowing coronary artery bypass surgery to be performed on a beating heart. The device has advanced the state of the art and will speed patient recovery and save lives.
Researchers found that long-term anticoagulant use doesn't reduce venous thromboembolism or death after knee or hip surgery. A new study shows promise in treating scleroderma with recombinant human relaxin, reducing skin thickening and improving mobility.
Researchers at UCSD School of Medicine have discovered a defensive molecular mechanism launched by the body to protect against oxygen deprivation on the heart. HIF and VEGF, two angiogenesis genes, are activated in response to ischemia or infarction, attempting to increase decreasing blood flow.
Researchers at Queen's University have made a groundbreaking discovery about the cause of sudden heart failure after open-heart surgery. They found that a specific protein called troponin I is damaged, leading to cardiac stunning. This new understanding could lead to new ways of preventing and treating this specific heart problem.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that routine preoperative tests do not improve outcomes or reduce complications from cataract surgery. The researchers analyzed data from over 19,000 patients and found no benefit to the testing, which adds an estimated $150 million to Medicare costs each year.
A new study led by UCSF scientists found that giving patients more oxygen during and after anesthesia can cut the rate of surgical wound infections in half. The increased oxygen improves immune cells' ability to fight infections, reducing hospitalization time and costs.
A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that videotaping surgeries can improve outcomes in radical prostatectomy. The study, which involved 62 patients, showed that minor differences in surgical techniques can have a major impact on results. Surgeons who perform successful procedures should review the footage to identify key factors.
Research suggests that men with high HDL cholesterol levels after coronary bypass surgery live longer and experience fewer cardiac events. High levels of HDL cholesterol may be more significant than LDL in predicting long-term outcomes for patients undergoing heart surgery.
Researchers found that men with low HDL levels had nearly twice the mortality rate as those with higher levels after coronary bypass surgery. High HDL levels also helped clear bad cholesterol from the blood and protected against heart disease.
Lung cancer treatment disparities between blacks and whites are attributed to racial attitudes and biases, affecting surgical resection rates and survival outcomes. UCSF specialists emphasize the importance of addressing these inequities through improved communication, screening tests, and clinical trials.
Researchers will compare surgical and nonsurgical treatments for herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and degenerative spondylolisthesis in a 5-year study. The study aims to determine the relative effectiveness of these treatment approaches in improving health-related quality of life and reducing resource use.
Researchers at University of Florida report a 92% survival rate for newborns with diaphragmatic hernia using a new treatment strategy that reduces overventilation and delays corrective surgery, significantly improving lung function and development.
A study by Daniel I. Sessler and colleagues found that surgical pain increases the risk of infection by reducing tissue oxygenation, which is crucial for fighting infection. The study showed that patients with minimal pain had higher tissue oxygenation concentrations and a lower risk of infection.
A new study by the NIH/NINDS found that lower doses of aspirin (81-325mg) taken before and after carotid endarterectomy surgery are more effective in preventing strokes than higher doses. The results suggest that lower doses may be better tolerated and easier to take, making them a promising option for stroke prevention.
A new study by Case Western Reserve University researchers found that relaxation and music can significantly reduce post-operative pain in surgery patients. The study, which tested 500 patients over a 29-month period, showed that these self-care methods reduced pain more than medication alone.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine confirms that intravenous neostigmine is an effective and safe treatment for acute colonic pseudo-obstruction. The study involved 21 patients with severe abdominal distention and dilated colon who had failed to improve after 24 hours of conservative treatment.
Research found that relaxation and music reduce pain more than pain medication alone, providing complete relief without side effects. These self-care methods can hasten recovery and improve hospital stays for millions of Americans who undergo surgery annually.
Patients with atrial septal defects can benefit from surgical closure earlier in life to prevent future symptoms, according to researchers. The study found that surgery between ages 16 and 80 can restore normal blood circulation and prevent arrhythmia.