Articles tagged with Surgical Procedures
A new study found that nearly two-thirds of patients admitted to Ontario hospitals with hip fractures did not receive surgery within the recommended 24-hour window. Hospital-level improvements are necessary to address these delays, with factors such as patient transfer and preoperative consultations contributing to wait times.
A Johns Hopkins study found that patients undergoing colonoscopies and upper-GI endoscopies at US outpatient specialty centers face a higher risk of bacterial infections than previously believed. The research revealed that infection rates vary widely among facilities, with some ASCs experiencing rates up to 100 times higher than expected.
A new study has demonstrated that video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) under local anesthesia can be safely performed on patients with lung cancer who previously would have been deemed inoperable. The procedure showed better patient satisfaction and reduced length of stay compared to traditional surgical methods.
A new study found that patients with low risk of local recurrence can safely undergo surgery alone without receiving chemoradiotherapy. This strategy could reduce the number of patients who receive chemoradiotherapy by half, with minimal risk of undertreatment.
A simple walking test, known as the 6-minute walk distance, can predict a patient's risk of developing postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) after heart surgery. The study found that patients with lower 6MWD distances were more likely to experience POCD.
A study of 704 day surgery patients in Sweden found that those with inadequate health literacy had poorer postoperative recovery and reduced health-related quality of life two weeks after surgery. Identifying patients with low health literacy is crucial to optimize their care and improve outcomes.
A study of nearly 300 women found that while most pelvic prolapse surgeries regress over time, symptoms remain significantly improved five years post-surgery. The study suggests that neither procedure might work as well in the long-term as surgeons once thought.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that Medicaid expansion in Michigan did not negatively impact patient outcomes for coronary artery disease procedures. The research used data from 7,558 CABG procedures and 45,183 PCI procedures performed at various hospitals across the state.
A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital reveals substantial problems and risks associated with medical tourism for plastic surgery. The most common complications included infections, pain, and wound-healing issues, with many patients relying on US medical insurance to cover follow-up care.
A survey of 502 individuals found that patients are more willing to undergo non-invasive dental procedures such as teeth cleaning and whitening performed by a robot. The promise of half-price dentistry increased participants' willingness to accept robotic dentistry, with only 32% opposed at full price.
A study of trained surgeons found that repeating similar procedures on an operating list results in shorter operating times. This natural 'warm-up' effect allows surgeons to optimize their performance and reduce operating times.
Researchers found that surgeons complete operations more quickly when repeating a procedure, reducing operating theatre time by an average of 6% across 35 procedures. This 'warm-up' effect was consistent across different procedures and could lead to improved patient outcomes.
A new study reveals that elderly Medicare patients underwent fewer minimally invasive surgeries compared to the general population, missing out on potential benefits of lower complication rates and readmissions. The study highlights the underuse of minimally invasive surgery in eligible candidates as an example of low-value care.
Patients who underwent gastric bypass surgery experienced significant weight loss, improved glycemic control, and reduced cardiovascular risk compared to those on intensive lifestyle management. After three years, surgical patients saw an average of 55 pounds lost and lower hemoglobin A1c levels.
A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that a common knee operation in elderly patients provides little benefit and may be considered low-value care. The procedure, called arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM), accounted for an estimated two-thirds of all orthopaedic knee arthroscopy procedures in older patients.
A national medical records analysis suggests an increase in gender affirming surgeries performed for transgender individuals, with improved access to Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance coverage. The study found no observed mortality associated with gender affirming surgery throughout the entire study period.
A study found that genital surgery increased among transgender patients between 2000 and 2014, with 46.4% paying out of pocket for procedures during this period. The number of patients covered by Medicare or Medicaid also increased, indicating growing demand for gender-affirming surgeries.
A study at a safety-net hospital in northeast Florida found that it could perform complex operations like esophagectomy with fewer complications and shorter hospital stays than the national average. The institution's use of a written, standardized protocol was credited for its superior outcomes.
A recent study found that patients who lost at least 8 percent of their excess weight just one month before undergoing bariatric surgery had a 7.5 percent greater weight loss at the 12-month post-surgery mark compared to those who did not achieve this goal.
Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programs reduce hospital stays and opioid use for colorectal and bariatric surgery patients. The ERAS program includes preoperative education, carb loading, and pain management strategies to improve patient outcomes and lower costs.
A retrospective cohort study found that bariatric surgery is associated with a lower risk of death from any cause compared to nonsurgical obesity management. The study analyzed data from over 8,000 patients who underwent weight-loss surgery and 25,000 who received nonsurgical care.
A study published in Pediatrics found that black children are more than twice as likely to die after surgery, with increased risks of ventilator use, oxygen support, and wound infections. The authors developed race-specific models to predict surgical outcomes and suggest interventions to reduce mortality rates
A survey of 1,728 participants found that most preferred surgical treatment over antibiotics for appendicitis. This contradicts the idea that antibiotics alone can be a suitable alternative to surgery for many patients.
Experts say children aged 8-10 are best placed to explain surgical facts to patients due to their everyday language usage. Research shows that clear information reduces anxiety and improves patient satisfaction.
A new study by NYU Langone Health finds that a healthcare center in India has developed a sustainable cataract surgery model, emitting 96% less carbon than the UK while producing comparable health outcomes. The model's key practices include shorter surgery durations, better re-use of surgical materials, and more efficient sterilization.
A population-based study of patients with hip fracture surgery and elective total hip replacement found that overlapping surgery was associated with an increased risk for complications, especially in nonelective procedures. The duration of the surgical overlap appeared to increase the risk.
Researchers at The Dartmouth Institute found that physicians with more experience and certain specialties tend to slow the use of carotid revascularization procedures. Despite evidence showing these procedures don't benefit older or symptom-free patients, decline rates remained inconsistent across specialties.
A Massachusetts panel has identified factors contributing to cataract surgery adverse events and strategies for preventing patient harm. The team recommends standardized safety protocols, proper training, and the use of least invasive anesthesia forms to reduce errors.
A study found that lavender aromatherapy reduced preoperative anxiety in ambulatory surgery patients. The effect was modest but showed promise as a potential tool for managing anxiety in the operating room setting.
Researchers identified 71 low-value general surgical procedures, with the highest impact interventions including inguinal hernia repair and routine endoscopy in asymptomatic patients. Experts emphasize the importance of maximizing patient care value through precise treatments and challenging existing dogma that 'more is better'.
A team from Michigan Medicine proposes a data-driven, insurer-funded approach to make surgery safer and less expensive for all; the Value Partnership model has saved lives and dollars at 72 Michigan hospitals, with potential for federal help to accelerate nationwide adoption.
Researchers found that robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery for kidney removal had comparable patient outcomes but higher costs, with a 46.3% chance of prolonged operative time compared to traditional procedures.
Performing cholecystectomy before gastric bypass surgery may lower risks for patients with obesity and symptomatic gallstone disease. The analysis, based on 79,386 and 36,098 patient data from 2007 to 2013, suggests that the best strategy is to perform cholecystectomy prior to gastric bypass surgery.
Patients treated by female surgeons have slightly lower death rates in the first few weeks after operation, but results do not support preferential selection of a surgeon based on sex. Researchers found no significant difference in readmissions or complications.
Plastic surgeons at Maastricht University Medical Center used the Microsure robotic device to perform a super-microsurgical intervention on a patient's lymphedema, the world's first of its kind.
A study led by Duke University Medical Center found that biologic valves used in trans-catheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and open-heart surgery continue to perform well up to five years after implantation. The results provide reassurance for the long-term benefits of minimally invasive valve replacement.
The Pelvic Floor Society issues a consensus statement on the use of mesh surgeries for treating constipation and rectal prolapse. The statement emphasizes proper training, accreditation, and tracking of complications to ensure patient safety.
A new study reveals that post-surgical painkiller prescriptions can become a pathway to continued, nonmedical opioid use in teens and young adults. The research found that nearly 5% of patients who underwent common surgeries had persistent opioid use after 90 days.
A randomized clinical trial compared laparoscopic and open surgeries for pancreatic cancer patients. Laparoscopy showed reduced blood loss, decreased transfusions and shorter hospital stays without differing complications or pathological outcomes.
Most events leading to sustained prescription opioid use were nonspecific diagnoses, such as lumbago, rather than hospital procedures. Spine and orthopedic disorders were common conditions associated with the initial opioid prescription.
A James Cook University scientist has discovered an alcohol-free antiseptic solution that is safe and effective for minor surgical procedures. The study found a slightly lower infection rate with the new solution compared to traditional water-based antiseptics.
Nearly 60% of mechanical thrombectomies occur during non-work hours, with peak periods between 8-11 p.m. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding procedure timing to optimize patient outcomes and optimize physician staffing at stroke centers.
A new American College of Surgeons quality improvement program linked to a two-thirds decrease in smoking rates in patients undergoing cervical and lumbar spine procedures. The program, Strong for Surgery, helps patients prepare for surgery by identifying and evaluating evidence-based practices to optimize their health.
A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that laser treatment, YAG vitreolysis, significantly improved symptoms of eye floaters in 54% of patients, with 53% reporting complete improvement. The procedure also showed improvements in quality of life, including general vision and independence.
A study published in Obesity Surgery found that only 2,112 out of 37,806 patients (5.58%) underwent subsequent body contouring procedures after bariatric surgery. The majority of these patients had higher incomes or health insurance, and the procedures usually occurred within two years after the initial bariatric procedure.
A recent study at the University of Missouri School of Medicine found that electrodermal activity, measured through skin perspiration, can provide an objective evaluation of resident physicians' surgical skills. As training progressed, resident responses to stress during surgery decreased in relation to their experience level.
A large study of adults who underwent weight-loss surgery found that nearly one in five developed problems with alcohol. The most common procedure, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, was associated with a higher risk of alcohol use disorder than other procedures.
A single-center study of over 15,000 patients found that mandatory headwear changes did not lower infection rates, contradicting previous hospital policy. Researchers concluded that the traditional surgeon's cap does not pose a significant risk for surgical site infections.
Researchers developed an automated drill that can make complex cranial surgeries 50 times faster than standard procedures, reducing time and increasing safety. The drill uses software to set safe cutting paths and has an automatic emergency shut-off switch.
A new study published in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases shows endoscopic needle knife therapy to be safe and effective for treating intestinal strictures in IBD patients. The procedure, pioneered by Cleveland Clinic doctors, offers advantages over traditional treatments like surgery and balloon dilation.
A new training simulation model using 3D printing and special effects has been developed to teach minimally invasive neurosurgical procedures. The model closely mimics the head and brain structures of an adolescent human patient, providing realistic visual and tactile feedback during simulated surgery.
Empyema is a potentially deadly accumulation of pus around the lungs, with a high mortality rate. New AATS guidelines provide evidence-based clinical recommendations for diagnosis, treatment, and management of empyema in adults and children.
A study published in JAMA Surgery found that approximately 6% of patients continued to use opioids more than three months after surgery. Risk factors for persistent opioid use included preoperative tobacco use, alcohol and substance abuse disorders, mood disorders, anxiety, and preoperative pain disorders.
In 2016, Americans spent over $16 billion on cosmetic plastic surgery, with a national average cost of $3,719 for breast augmentation. The report also highlights the increasing popularity of minimally-invasive procedures like botulinum toxin type-A injections and hyaluronic acid fillers.
A new study published in the British Journal of Surgery found that day of the week did not affect survival chances of people undergoing emergency surgery. Researchers analyzed over 50,000 emergency surgery cases in Scotland and found no evidence to link day of the week to an increased risk of death.
A new study found that closing the left atrial appendage during cardiac surgery significantly reduces thromboembolism risk, a leading cause of stroke, by 40%. The procedure also shows promise for patients who cannot take anticoagulant medications.
A team of researchers is developing a wearable robotic system for minimally invasive surgery, which will offer surgeons natural movement and the ability to sense, see, control, and safely navigate through the surgical environment. The system will be equipped with exoskeletons that fit over the surgeon's hands, smart glasses with real-t...
A recent study published in Health Economics Review found that opting out of requiring physician supervision for anesthesia does not increase access to surgery or reduce costs. In fact, the study suggests that working without physician supervision may lead to higher costs related to inpatient surgical care.
A study by Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that patient complaints can identify surgeons with higher rates of surgical site infections and other avoidable adverse outcomes. These physicians not only make patients unhappy but also impact the ability of other team members to do their work, leading to more complications.
A study found that patients whose surgeons had a history of higher numbers of patient complaints were at increased risk of surgical and medical complications. The study analyzed over 32,000 patients and found that prior patient complaints significantly associated with the risk of complications, including readmission.