Research on surgical treatment and outcomes. Covers fat-disorder surgery, survival after hip fracture, prostate-cancer care, and bariatric surgery.
Researchers found significant variation in surgical outcomes within each hospital star rating group, despite CMS star ratings being associated with mortality, complications, and readmissions. This study emphasizes the need for continued improvement of publicly reported hospital grade measures to accurately reflect surgical quality.
A new study found that nearly five percent of pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients achieve a pathological complete response (pCR) after treatment, leading to a 63% 5-year survival rate. The research highlights the importance of tailoring treatment based on factors such as chemotherapy regimens and radiation therapy.
Families with germline CDH1 P/LP variants show a cumulative risk of gastric cancer between 7-10% and breast cancer in female carriers at 37%
A recent survey of over 170 surgeons reveals that most are resistant to using video for pre-operative appointments, despite being open to converting some post-operative visits to telehealth. Urologists are more likely to adopt virtual care, with 88% already using it for at least some patients.
A glowing marker dye attached to a special marker molecule enables surgeons to visualize prostate cancer cells in real-time, allowing for more precise removal of cancerous tissues and preservation of healthy tissue. This technology has the potential to reduce the chances of cancer recurrence and minimize life-changing side effects.
In individuals with a diabetes duration of 10 years or less, bariatric metabolic surgery was associated with greater weight loss and reduced mortality compared to first-generation GLP-1RAs. No differences were observed between treatment modalities in patients with longer diabetes duration.
A study found that mass incarceration contributes to social disorganization and increased firearm homicides among Black communities in Chicago. Targeted policies addressing mass incarceration may help reduce urban firearm violence.
A meta-analysis of 15 randomized studies found that patients taking GLP-1 medications experienced only mild differences in gastric emptying, delaying solid food by about 36 minutes. The findings suggest it may be safe to continue these medications before surgery without a high risk of aspiration.
A study of 370 patients undergoing elective surgery found that those with higher levels of awareness about anesthesia had better understanding of general and local anesthesia. Patients who underwent surgeries related to eyes, nose, and throat scored higher on the knowledge test due to limited sources of information.
A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that patients with dementia who underwent surgery for hip fractures experienced lower odds of death compared to those treated non-surgically. The benefit was seen in patients with head and neck of the femur fractures, but not in other locations.
A recent study by Dr. Zhaohua Jiang successfully demonstrated VLNT's effectiveness in reconnecting the lymphatic system and improving patient outcomes. The procedure involves transplanting healthy lymph nodes into the affected area, promoting regeneration and reconnection of lymphatic vessels.
A breakthrough in trauma care has nearly quadrupled the 'golden hour' for treating large animals with internal bleeding during emergency ground and air transport. Researchers used a closed-loop, autonomous intervention system to resuscitate pigs with traumatic injuries, extending their survival time by several hours.
A new study reveals that poor access to simple elective surgery in developing countries is storing up future health problems for patients. Inguinal hernia repair was used as a tracer condition, showing that untreated hernias can lead to delayed recovery and higher healthcare costs due to the need for more complex emergency surgery.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have discovered that plasma irradiation can accelerate tendon repair, showing faster regeneration and increased strength in lab rats. This breakthrough could lead to shorter treatment times and more reliable tendon healing for athletes and individuals with sports-related injuries.
Researchers review cell-based therapies for comprehensive sepsis management, highlighting the potential of mesenchymal stem cells and innate immune cells like macrophages. The review also emphasizes the need for further studies on optimal dosage, administration routes, and storage methods to maximize efficacy and safety.
A study published in JAMA Surgery found that bariatric surgery significantly reduces the risk of breast cancer in women with obesity, particularly those with high blood insulin levels. The results show a 32% lower risk overall and a 52% lower risk for women with high insulin levels at the start of the study.
A recent study published in the British Journal of Surgery found that hospitals with a higher proportion of female surgeons and anesthesiologists had better post-operative outcomes for patients. The study suggests that a team diversity threshold of 35% female members is crucial for optimal performance.
Scientists have developed a functional model of thoracic aortic aneurysm using human cells in laboratory rats, offering new avenues for drug development and effective screening. The model successfully mimics dilation of the human aorta and has potential applications for treating this potentially fatal condition.
Researchers studied cardiothoracic surgeons and found that accumulating failures triggers forces both increasing the opportunity to learn and decreasing motivation. This effect is higher for surgeons with lower perceived abilities to learn.
Severe hip OA linked to worse functional impairment and increased ASD severity even after surgery, according to a study published in The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery. Patients with severe bilateral hip OA had poorer physical functioning, disability scores, and correction of spinal alignment.
Cyclosporine and its nonimmunosuppressive analog NIM-811 reduce liver damage and inflammation after ischemia-reperfusion injury. The study suggests these compounds may mitigate IRI during liver transplantation and resection.
Researchers have developed a novel rigid endoscope system for visible-to-OTN hyperspectral imaging, enabling non-destructive imaging and visualization of lesions in normal tissues. The system demonstrated high accuracy in classifying molecular vibration information of various targets with an OTN wavelength range.
Researchers developed a device with AI algorithms to analyze suckling strength and pattern in newborns. The system showed improved accuracy over subjective clinician assessments, identifying abnormal patterns that may indicate the need for surgical intervention or improved feeding practices.
A recent study found that preoperative GLP-1 receptor agonist use is not associated with an increased risk of postoperative respiratory complications. The results suggest liberalizing withholding guidelines for these medications may be beneficial.
A study by the University of Gothenburg found that women with triple-negative breast cancer and high immune cell levels have a lower relapse risk after surgery. This suggests that these patients may not need chemotherapy, despite having faster-growing tumors and higher relapse rates than other breast cancers.
A new online curriculum and simulation training program, developed by Penn State researchers, significantly reduced complications in central line placement. The program, launched in 2022, has been shown to decrease error rates for mechanical issues, infections, and blood clots.
A new study from Israel found that nearly 1 in 5 adults with congenital heart disease developed an abnormal heart rhythm during a five-year study. Those who developed arrhythmias had twice the risk of early death and increased hospitalization rates compared to those without irregular heart rhythms.
A phase 3 trial shows that pembrolizumab significantly prolongs overall survival in high-risk kidney cancer patients. The treatment delays recurrences and helps patients live longer, with a 38% reduction in risk of death compared to placebo.
Researchers developed a new treatment method using plasma irradiation to speed up bone healing. The study found that displaced fractures exhibited stronger unions than nonirradiated ones, with strength increased by 3.5 times.
Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty is a cost-saving option compared to semaglutide for treating class II obesity. A study found that achieving price parity with semaglutide requires a significant discount of at least 3-fold.
A pilot study by UCLA Health investigators suggests that treating patients with immunotherapy and chemotherapy before surgery may improve long-term outcomes for those with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer. The study found a higher rate of successful tumor removal and increased overall survival when compared to historical controls.
A digital health platform with one-on-one telehealth coaches significantly improves patient adherence to pre-surgical preparation and post-surgical recovery guidance. Patients who used the platform had shorter hospital stays and lower risk of readmission compared to those who didn't use it.
Researchers found a link between Fontan circulation and accelerated epigenetic aging, which can cause complications like osteoporosis and renal impairment. The study suggests this acceleration starts in childhood and continues into adulthood, with potential new treatment opportunities to delay progression.
A new study from Washington University School of Medicine found that nerve-stimulation treatment for obstructive sleep apnea is less effective for people with higher BMIs. The study analyzed data from 76 patients with BMIs of less than 35 and showed that the likelihood of successful treatment drops significantly as weight increases.
A survey study found that one-third of surgical residents reported lacking meaningful mentorship, with non-white or Hispanic trainees disproportionately affected. The study emphasizes the need for efforts to facilitate mentorship and improve education and wellness outcomes for all residents.
A long-term study found that coronary heart patients who live in greener areas have a significantly lower risk of mortality after undergoing bypass surgery. The study, which followed over 3,000 patients for 14 years, found that living in a green environment was associated with better chances of survival.
Researchers assessed the feasibility of dual PD-L1/CTLA-4 checkpoint inhibition in Stage II or III hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer. Eight patients received upfront durvalumab and tremelimumab prior to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, showing mixed responses and limited benefit.
Researchers have developed an implantable battery that runs on the body's own oxygen, providing stable power and compatibility with biological systems. The device shows promise for powering medical devices, monitoring wound healing, and even starving cancer cells.
A large retrospective cohort study found no increased risk of cauda equina syndrome in adults with low back pain who received chiropractic spinal manipulation. The study analyzed over 130,000 patients and suggested that underlying disc degeneration may be a risk factor for CES regardless of treatment approach.
A randomized clinical trial has shown that delaying surgical repair of inguinal hernias in preterm infants until after discharge from the NICU reduces serious adverse events. The study found a high likelihood of hernia resolution with late repair, allowing for quicker hospital discharge.
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant decrease in colorectal cancer surgeries, with patients undergoing procedures having more advanced stages of cancer compared to those treated in 2019. The study found that approximately 10,000 fewer patients did not have surgery for colorectal cancer in 2020.
New studies find over half of new doctors experience some form of sexual harassment in their first year, with women and men experiencing varying rates of recognition and types of harassment. The #MeToo movement has led to increased recognition of what constitutes harassment, but more work is needed for medical schools and hospitals.
A new AI tool can predict which breast cancer patients are at risk of chronic arm swelling after surgery and radiotherapy. The tool, developed by international researchers, uses machine learning algorithms to analyze patient data and provides easily understandable explanations for doctors and patients.
A multi-institutional team is creating innovative technologies to reduce complications associated with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), including infection, thrombosis, stroke, and bleeding. The new LVAD will deliver a physiological response to changes in the recipient's activity levels using a 'smart' Maglev drive technology.
A new study from Johns Hopkins Medicine found that circulating tumor DNA levels can accurately assess how gastroesophageal cancers respond to treatment and predict future prognosis. The study tracked minimal residual disease by analyzing ctDNA, showing a correlation between ctDNA clearance and cancer-free survival.
A Northwestern University team developed a wireless, implantable temperature sensor to monitor inflammatory flareups in patients with Crohn's disease. This allows clinicians to act earlier to prevent permanent damage caused by inflammatory episodes.
Research highlights new findings on social vulnerability and survivorship after colorectal cancer resection, as well as disparities in kidney recovery among Black donors. Additionally, studies reveal cost savings from implementing quality interventions and explore eligibility for transplants in obese patients with end-stage renal disease.
A study published in Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology found that not placing a drain during distal pancreatectomy surgery improves patient outcomes. The study, involving 282 patients across ten Dutch and two Italian hospitals, demonstrated a significant reduction in postoperative pancreatic leaks and overall morbidity.
The study found a significant decrease in newly diagnosed breast cancer cases, with the largest declines seen among women aged 50-69 and Hispanic women. The results have implications for how physicians and policymakers address issues related to diagnostic delays during the pandemic.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles found significant variation in opioid treatment for critically ill infants across different institutions and geographic regions. The study reports wide variability in opioid prescribing practices, which can impact hospitalization length of stay, healthcare costs, and long-term outcomes.
A collaborative study found that patients with end-stage renal disease who undergo weight loss surgery can experience significant improvements in BMI, hypertension, and diabetes management. This enhancement of overall health and transplant viability offers hope for previously ineligible patients.
Researchers found that patients recovering from robotic lung surgery do not fully recover even after 90 days, despite common expectations. The study suggests a more thoughtful approach to pre-surgery communication with patients is needed to better understand their recovery experiences.
A multicenter randomized trial showed a paclitaxel-coated balloon to be superior to an uncoated balloon in preventing target lesion failure in patients with coronary in-stent restenosis. The study included 600 patients and demonstrated the effectiveness of paclitaxel-coated balloons as a treatment option.
Patients living in areas with severe primary care shortages have a higher risk of emergency surgery, complications after surgery, and readmission. The study highlights the need for efforts to increase training and geographic distribution of primary care providers.
A new study quantifies a dramatic rise in school shootings and related fatalities over the past 53 years. The study found that the likelihood of children being a school shooting victim quadrupled between 1970 and 2022, highlighting the need for preventative measures.
Patients with behavioral health disorders (BHDs) are less likely to undergo surgical resection and face a higher probability of complications, extended hospital stays, and readmission. BHDs increase healthcare costs by 7.76% and worsen prognosis in cancer patients.
Seven high-impact studies will be showcased, exploring novel therapies and improving treatment outcomes for patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. These findings highlight advancements in immunotherapy, risk-directed adjuvant therapy, and FDG-PET-based selective de-escalation of radiotherapy.
Researchers found that synthetic PIC gel can stimulate cell growth and increase collagen production, potentially improving wound healing after pelvic organ prolapse surgery. The study also showed a mild immune response to the gel when tested on laboratory animals.
A new Yale study found that older Americans have a high risk of hospital readmission within 180 days of undergoing major surgery. The risk is particularly acute for individuals with geriatric-specific conditions such as frailty and dementia, with rates of readmission ranging from 27.6% to 39%.
A new review at ECCMID 2024 will examine improving preventive measures to stop surgical infections. It highlights the need for evidence-based recommendations, citing examples such as pre-surgery showering and instrument handling, while acknowledging inconsistent practices.