Increased visceral adipose tissue density and decreased skeletal muscle area are predictors of post-esophagectomy pulmonary complications. Decreased skeletal muscle density is associated with poorer overall survival. Routine morphomic analysis can help identify patients at risk and tailor perioperative care.
A cohort study found that patients with obesity undergoing joint replacement who experienced significant weight loss after initiating anti-obesity medications had a lower risk of 5-year and 10-year revision. This suggests that safe and sustainable weight loss may improve implant survivorship in obese patients.
A study at Michigan Medicine found that using less polluting inhaled anesthetic agents reduced CO2 equivalents by over 14 kg per case. This resulted in a 50% decrease in harmful emissions without impacting patient safety or outcomes.
A rare case of adenomyosis in an 81-year-old postmenopausal woman closely resembles invasive endometrial cancer, emphasizing the challenges of diagnosing this condition. Further studies are needed to refine diagnostic protocols and determine risk factors for postmenopausal patients.
A long-term study found that Roux-en-Y gastric bypass outperforms sleeve gastrectomy in treating obesity, with patients losing more excess body mass index. The Swiss Multicenter Bypass or Sleeve Study demonstrated the superiority of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass over sleeve gastrectomy for patient weight loss.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute are developing a lightweight, flexible robotic arm that enables wheelchair users to safely grasp and carry objects out of reach. The project builds on origami-inspired designs and novel fabrication methods for modules made of lightweight plastics, 3D printed components, and sensors.
A University of Cincinnati researcher has been awarded a $2.1 million grant to investigate postoperative pain at the molecular and cellular levels. The goal is to develop new, safer non-addictive treatments for chronic pain conditions, including lower back pain and pain associated with diabetes or chemotherapy treatments.
The percentage of rural patients traveling over 60 minutes to obtain surgical care significantly increased between 2010 and 2020. This disparity persists due to factors like rural hospital closures and workforce shortages, contributing to growing healthcare access issues for these patients.
A new study published in the European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery found that mechanical heart valve replacements have better long-term survival rates compared to biological valves. Patients who received mechanical valves had improved survival up to 13 years after surgery, with smaller valves showing greater benefits.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University assessed target genes in canine hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to develop molecular targeted therapies. The study identified potential gene targets, including PDGFB, which may improve treatment options for unresectable HCC.
A new study at U-M Health shows that hospitals can focus the use of preoperative tests on high-risk patients, while safely reducing unnecessary testing in others. The result is less wasted money and resources, as well as less time wasted for patients and clinical staff.
Dr. Hartzell Schaff is recognized for his transformative contributions to cardiovascular medicine, with over 1,200 peer-reviewed papers and nine textbooks to his name. The award celebrates his impact on surgical techniques and patient care worldwide.
Researchers successfully reversed existing inguinal hernias in male mice using an anti-estrogen drug, restoring their anatomy without surgery. Human tissue samples also showed identical molecular markers as in the mouse model, suggesting a promising treatment target for inguinal hernia repair.
Sucosky's research aims to build a device replicating the bicuspid aortic valve to investigate how unusual stress leads to its hardening. The goal is to uncover molecular pathways that could be targeted with pharmaceutical treatments.
A mathematical modeling study suggests that removing fallopian tubes during other abdominal surgeries can lower ovarian cancer incidence by five percent. The approach could also reduce total healthcare costs in Germany, with estimated annual savings of over €10 million.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 30, 2025
Researchers tracked cfDNA levels before, during, and after colorectal cancer surgery, revealing significant increases associated with age, comorbidities, and surgical manipulation. The study suggests that cfDNA could serve as a non-invasive biomarker to monitor patient outcomes and evaluate surgical effectiveness.
A new study found a significant increase in firearm-related hospitalizations during the COVID-19 pandemic, with rates 34% higher than predicted pre-pandemic trends. The gap was largest for Black patients, children, and those covered by Medicaid, who experienced rates 44%, 46%, and 41% higher, respectively.
Researchers developed a method to detect H3K27M-mutant droplets from circulating tumor DNA in cerebrospinal fluid, enabling early diagnosis and treatment of leptomeningeal disease. This approach improved survival rates for patients with diffuse midline gliomas.
A new analysis reveals that surgery for sleep apnea may lower the risk of motor vehicle accidents compared to using a CPAP device or receiving no treatment. Patients with untreated sleep apnea had a 21% higher odds of accidents, while those undergoing surgery had 45% lower odds.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of over 15,000 patients found that exercise and nutritional enhancement were the most promising components of prehabilitation, reducing complications and length of hospitalization. The study's lead author notes that prehabilitation is promising but still unclear how to implement it across hospitals.
The phase 3 KATHERINE clinical trial found trastuzumab emtansine to be an effective adjuvant treatment for high-risk HER2-positive breast cancer patients, reducing the risk of death or invasive disease by 46% and improving survival. The study showed consistent benefits across patient subgroups, supporting T-DM1 as a new standard of care.
A new study by Mass General Brigham investigators found that Black people were less likely than non-Black people to undergo metabolic and bariatric surgery, even though both groups were equally likely to discuss it with health care providers. Men were also less likely to discuss and receive MBS than women.
Research led by University of Pittsburgh scientists found that exposure to long-wavelength red light reduces blood clots in humans and mice. The study's findings have the potential to reduce deaths and disabilities caused by blood clots worldwide.
A recent study has explored a new imaging approach that uses swept-source optical coherence tomography to visualize the upper airway with high precision. By integrating computational fluid dynamics, researchers were able to identify areas of turbulence and pinpoint obstruction sites, leading to more accurate diagnoses and treatment pla...
The Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine is part of a major undertaking to bring together experts from around the country to develop vision-restoring whole eye transplants. The project, valued at up to $56 million, aims to overcome technical, biological, and immunological hurdles in whole eye transplant.
A systematic review of 384 studies found that only about one in five health care integrations leads to improved value of care delivery, primarily due to better care management processes. Hospital charges increased with integration, and quality of care showed reduced quality or no change in nearly 77% of the studies.
A cohort study found a decrease in localized invasive breast cancer and regional invasive breast cancer since the 2009 guideline changes, but no decrease in advanced cancer stages. Further research is needed to understand these trends.
A study found that surgeons are quicker and more successful at completing a buzz wire game than other hospital staff, with an average completion time of 89 seconds. However, they also exhibited the highest rate of swearing during the task. Nurses showed the highest rates of audible frustration noises.
A quality improvement project using Lean methodology at UC San Diego Health reduced unnecessary work hours for surgical residents by 10.2%, improving resident well-being and faculty perception of preparedness. The study's framework can be replicated to support other residency programs in optimizing resident and institutional outcomes.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University developed a new technique for head and neck reconstruction that achieves 100% success rate in high-risk patients. The pedicled latissimus dorsi flap technique provides a reliable, fast, and minimally invasive option for complex tissue defects.
The PROSPECT-Lung trial evaluates the role of immunotherapy before and after surgery in resectable non-small cell lung cancer patients. The trial aims to determine whether adding immune checkpoint inhibitors to standard chemotherapy improves survival outcomes.
UCSF Medical Center has received the highest possible rating for maternity care, reflecting its commitment to clinical excellence and interdisciplinary collaboration. The hospital's maternal care teams include a broad array of expertise, including nurse practitioners, midwives, and obstetrician anesthesiologists.
A Brazilian researcher at Harvard identified serotonin as the central role in postprandial hypoglycemia, a common complication of bariatric surgery. The study found that serotonin levels increase significantly after meals in affected individuals, unlike those without symptoms.
Early-life surgical removal of tonsils or adenoids associated with increased risk of future stress-related psychiatric disorders. Adenotonsillar diseases may play a role in development of these conditions.
A phase 3 study demonstrated nearly 75% complete cancer remission in patients with high-risk bladder cancer unresponsive to BCG therapy. The novel treatment, cretostimogene grenadenorepvec, was well-tolerated and did not require bladder removal surgery.
JMIR Perioperative Medicine is launching a new theme issue exploring burnout among perioperative clinicians, including anesthesiologists and advanced practice providers. The call for papers aims to examine the critical issue of burnout within perioperative medicine.
The American College of Surgeons' annual cancer report reveals that breast, bladder, and pancreatic cancers are increasingly treated with personalized therapies before surgery. Cancer stage at diagnosis remains a significant factor in determining patient survival rates.
Researchers developing standardized approach for ACJ reconstruction, evaluating three surgical techniques to restore stability and minimize complications. The study aims to identify most effective technique for long-term shoulder health in young athletes.
The updated ASTRO guideline recommends personalized treatment approaches for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer, including non-surgical alternatives and intensified treatment regimens. The guideline aims to improve outcomes while preserving quality of life.
A new study reveals that patients attending first referral hospitals in low- and middle-income countries receive safe and effective surgical care comparable to higher level referral centers. District hospitals manage to deliver safe surgical care despite having fewer full-time surgeons and medically trained anaesthetists.
Research highlights edoxaban's effectiveness in reducing stroke and blood clots for patients after bioprosthetic heart valve replacement. Edoxaban was found to be equally or more effective than warfarin, with a predictable pharmacokinetic profile and reduced burden on patients.
A Chinese Medical Journal study reveals that patients with prostate cancer can undergo surgical removal without a pre-operative biopsy, using a combination of mpMRI and PSMA PET/CT imaging. This approach reduces costs and complications associated with traditional biopsy methods.
A recent study published in the Journal of Vascular Surgery found that non-white patients have twice the risk of dying within 30 days of carotid endarterectomy compared to white patients. The study analyzed data from over half a million patients and highlights persistent racial disparities in medical outcomes.
A new plastic device has been developed to secure the surgical field during robot-assisted heart surgery, allowing surgeons to operate with greater independence. The device, made from a type of plastic used in medical implants and aerospace industry, expands to a certain size and retains its shape.
Researchers developed a new imaging technique using fluorescence-guided surgery to enhance visibility of tumors and nerves during head and neck cancer surgery. The technique uses two near-infrared fluorophores, one for tumors and another for facial nerves, allowing for clear differentiation between cancerous tissues and nerves.
A joint research team at Korea University College of Medicine announced the world's first comparative results of single-port robotic thymectomy, showing a lower conversion rate to multi-port surgery and shorter hospital stays. The study demonstrated that single-port robotic thymectomy is a safer alternative to traditional VATS thymectomy.
Researchers from Kyushu University found that precisely replicating a patient's native alignment during knee replacement surgery is crucial for optimal recovery and a higher quality of life. Patients who underwent changes in knee alignment after surgery had significantly worse long-term outcomes.
A study led by Dr. Clint Cary found that traditional open surgery is the most effective approach for removing lymph nodes behind the intestines in patients with testicular cancer. The study showed excellent cancer cure rates and low blood loss, short hospital stay, and rare major postoperative complications.
Doctors at Mayo Clinic used a new catheter-based approach to draw out resistant pockets of infection in the heart without surgery. Over 90% of participants had their infection cleared, with lower in-hospital mortality compared to those whose infections remained.
A cross-sectional study found a significant increase in GLP-1 receptor agonist (RA) use as anti-obesity medications from 2022 to 2023. Meanwhile, the rate of metabolic bariatric surgery decreased by 25.6% during the same period. These findings suggest a potential shift in treatment strategies for obesity management
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have found that plasma irradiation can enhance tendon-to-bone junction repair, leading to faster healing rates and stronger repairs. The study used rabbit models to test the effects of plasma on rotator cuff injuries, showing promising results.
A new study suggests that MRI can predict patient outcomes and the risk of tumor reccurrence or spread for patients with rectal cancer who have undergone chemotherapy and radiation. This information could help doctors determine the best course of treatment, including whether to spare patients from invasive surgery.
Younger adults diagnosed with colorectal cancer have later-stage disease with more aggressive types of tumors. Obesity, family history, inflammatory bowel disease, and symptoms are strongly associated factors. These findings highlight disparities in colon cancer incidence among younger adults, particularly non-Hispanic Black patients.
Research suggests that listening to music after surgery can significantly reduce pain levels, anxiety, and heart rate, with patients experiencing a lower need for opioid medication. Music's calming effect may also contribute to faster recovery by easing the transition from waking up after surgery.
Researchers on the International Space Station have developed human liver tissues with enhanced functionality in microgravity, paving the way for novel stem cell-derived liver tissues and alternative to traditional liver transplants. The team also created a bioreactor system for stable supercooling preservation of tissues.
The American College of Surgeons Geriatric Surgery Verification program reduces surgical death rates by nearly half and increases the percentage of patients with documented care preferences. Implementing the program also enables hospitals to improve patient-centered care and reduce costs.
A study analyzing Reddit posts reveals that breast cancer patients struggle with unmet emotional and financial concerns during treatment and long after. The research highlights the importance of providing adequate support and education to address these concerns.
Two studies found that bariatric surgery is more cost-effective in the long term compared to GLP-1 RA weight loss drugs alone. Combining both treatments is even more cost-effective. The use of GLP-1 RA before surgery appears safe and may be a novel approach to treating obesity.
A study found that HLA-DRB1*01:03 is associated with severe ulcerative colitis, requiring major operations and systemic corticosteroid use. The allele has previously been linked to ulcerative colitis incidence, supporting earlier genetic studies.
A nonselective extracorporeal blood purification device reduced cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury in nonemergent patients. The study showed a significant reduction of AKI in the first 7 days after surgery.