Articles tagged with Surgical Procedures
Researchers found that combining procedural checklists with error-tracking systems enhances resident performance. Evaluating residents on cadavers helps them identify areas for improvement, while an objective evaluation system provides unambiguous feedback.
Researchers found that administering a small dose of the anti-inflammatory drug dexamethasone before surgery and avoiding profound anesthesia can help reduce the incidence of POCD. After six months, pre-operative cognitive status was restored in all patients in the study.
A new study estimates that the world's 60 million refugees need at least 2.78 million surgeries annually, with many types of care, including C-sections and burn care, being essential but often neglected in crisis situations. The researchers call for increased attention to surgical needs in refugee populations.
Studies found that patients undergoing surgery at critical access hospitals had lower heart failure, diabetes, obesity, and co-existing disease rates. Adjusted Medicare expenditures were also lower at these hospitals, with no significant difference in 30-day mortality rates or complication risks compared to non-critical access hospitals.
A team of surgeons from the Bakoulev Center for Cardiovascular Surgery successfully implanted bioabsorbable vascular grafts into five children born with single-ventricle congenital malformations. The grafts are designed to biodegrade, allowing the patient's own cells and proteins to reconstitute natural functioning tissue.
A study published in Journal of Laparoendoscopic & Advanced Surgical Techniques found that sleeve gastrectomy is effective for individuals classified as moderate or severe sweet eaters before the surgery. The procedure has shown promising weight loss results, even among those with high pre-surgery sweets consumption.
A study published in JAMA Cardiology found that slow gait speed before surgery is associated with an increased risk of mortality and morbidity following cardiac surgery. For each 0.1 meter/second decrease in gait speed, there was an 11% relative increase in operative mortality.
A new staging system aims to explain revision rhinoplasty complexity and manage patient expectations. The PGS Staging System assesses three components: problem, graft, and previous surgical procedures, as well as a 'patient expectations' component.
A Johns Hopkins University computer scientist has successfully programmed a robot to adjust to the subtle movement of soft tissues during surgery, promising improved safety and efficiency. The robotic system, called STAR, was compared with human surgeons and showed comparable performance in terms of suture spacing and seam leakage.
A study published in JAMA Surgery identifies the top 7 emergency general surgery (EGS) procedures that account for most complications, deaths, and costs. These procedures include partial colectomy, small-bowel resection, and laparotomy, which collectively accounted for 80% of EGS frequency, mortality, and hospital costs nationwide.
A study published in JAMA Surgery found that certain weight control practices and eating behaviors after bariatric surgery are associated with significant weight loss differences. Developing positive changes in behavior, such as ceasing negative habits or increasing positive ones, can lead to greater weight loss.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki found that the modified Rankin Scale is poorly suited to evaluating neurosurgical treatment results. A one-year follow-up study revealed that 24% of patients with no complications showed decreased function on the scale, while 28% with complications received identical or better scores.
A study found that the number of open cholecystectomies performed by general surgery residents has decreased significantly since laparoscopic cholecystectomy was introduced 30 years ago. This decline is raising concerns about whether surgeons will have enough technical experience to perform traditional open cholecystectomy procedures.
A study of 2,221 patients found that most experienced improvements in pain and walking ability after bariatric surgery, particularly in those with significant weight loss. Patients with pre-existing medical conditions or depressive symptoms were less likely to see improvements in pain and mobility.
A study by Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago found that many pediatric surgeons perform rare and complex procedures infrequently, risking skill loss and patient outcomes. The research suggests that high-fidelity simulation-based training can improve surgical skills and reduce error risk.
A new study from Duke Health reveals that patients undergoing thyroidectomy should seek surgeons who perform at least 25 operations annually to minimize risks. The study analyzed data from over 16,000 patients and found an association between surgeon case volume and complication rates.
A study published in JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery found that septorhinoplasty revision rates were low at 3.3%, but certain patient characteristics, such as younger age and history of anxiety or autoimmune disease, were associated with increased revision rates. The authors analyzed data from over 175,000 patients undergoing septorhinopla...
Two studies at Hospital for Special Surgery found that cartilage restoration procedures relieve pain and improve function in patients with articular cartilage damage. The procedures using different types of cartilage plugs showed a high degree of satisfaction among patients.
The study found a significant decrease in breast conservation surgery (BCS) use overall, with the highest decline observed in younger women. Reoperation rates after BCS were also higher in certain surgeon groups, highlighting the importance of volume and expertise.
A new study published in Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that a sustainable surgical follow-up program can be cost-effective in ensuring acceptable outcomes for patients treated during short-term mission trips. The study showed that 97% of fractures were successfully repaired, and 101 patients experienced successful wound healing.
The implementation of surgical safety checklists at a tertiary care hospital was associated with a reduced risk of death within 90 days after surgery, but not within 30 days. Hospital length of stay was also reduced after the implementation of SSCs.
Patients undergoing major vascular surgery experienced high rates of acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease, increasing long-term cardiovascular-specific death. Preoperative risk stratification through estimated glomerular filtration rate and albuminuria can help prevent or mitigate further decline in kidney function.
Researchers at Newcastle University developed a computer model that identifies brain regions responsible for epileptic seizures, leading to improved surgical outcomes. The study successfully simulated brain activity and identified the most seizure-prone areas in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy.
A new Henry Ford Hospital research study has found significant racial disparities in surgical outcomes for black and Hispanic patients undergoing major cancer and non-cancer surgeries. Despite improvements seen in other areas of healthcare, these disparities persist even at quality-improvement institutions.
A study found that postoperative Clostridium difficile infection rates were 0.4% per year among over 468,000 surgical procedures at the Veterans Health Administration. Patients with CDI had higher rates of postoperative illness, death, and longer hospital stays.
A study found hospital readmission rates to be common after emergency general surgery procedures, with varying rates depending on patient factors and diagnosis. The most common reasons for readmission were surgical site infections, gastrointestinal complications, and pulmonary complications.
A recent study found that patients with better insulin-producing cells before weight loss surgery are more likely to eliminate diabetes. The research suggests that measuring insulin cells' performance can help doctors predict which patients will benefit from the procedure, emphasizing the importance of early procedures.
A new surgical training program has been developed using techniques from sports and music to improve surgical performance. The model employs a coaching team with well-rehearsed communication to provide immediate correction when needed.
A study of nearly 60,000 women who received synthetic vaginal mesh slings for stress urinary incontinence found a low risk of needing second surgery for mesh removal or revision. High-volume surgeons performed fewer complications, and multiple mesh-based procedures increased the risk of complications.
A study found no significant difference in complication rates for women undergoing combined hysterectomy and panniculectomy, but longer hospital stays were observed. The research suggests that patient selection is crucial for avoiding complications in combined procedures.
A new study from Northwestern Medicine finds that seniors are more likely to be readmitted to the hospital within 30 days of ambulatory surgery, with age being an independent risk factor. The likely cause is difficulty understanding medication dosing and discharge instructions, as well as cognitive impairment among older patients.
The FDA has approved two new endoscopic bariatric therapies for treating obesity, providing patients with a minimally invasive alternative to surgery. Endoscopic bariatric therapies offer a viable option for patients who have been unsuccessful at weight loss with diet and exercise.
A study published in JAMA Surgery found that women who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery had a faster increase in blood alcohol concentration and reported greater feelings of drunkenness. This alteration in alcohol metabolism increases the risk of developing alcohol use disorders, highlighting the need for public awareness.
The new guidelines offer evidence-based recommendations for optimal temperature management during cardiopulmonary bypass, including cooling and rewarming rates. The guidelines aim to improve understanding of the relationship between temperature management and clinical outcomes, particularly its impact on brain function.
A recent report by the King's Fund shows that increasing day surgery has led to improved patient outcomes and reduced NHS expenditure. By 2013, day case activity had increased from 7% in 1974 to nearly 35%, saving an estimated £2bn for the NHS.
A new study at Northwestern Memorial Hospital reduces UTI rates by decreasing catheter utilization and implementing process improvement guidelines. The initiative targets catheter-related UTIs in the operating room, aiming to change clinical culture among surgeons and healthcare teams.
A new study found that use of a ring-reinforced shunt improved surgical outcomes in children born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, reducing the need for repeat surgeries and improving survival rates. The study showed significant progress in a small but noteworthy advance.
Atrial fibrillation is a serious medical condition characterized by an irregular heart rate, which can lead to poor blood flow and increase the risk of strokes. The BRIDGE trial, sponsored by the NIH, found that forgoing bridging anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation who need temporary interruption of warfarin for electi...
A national study involving over 9 million Medicare patients found that patients rehospitalized with complications after major surgery are 26% more likely to survive if they return to the hospital where they had their operation. The researchers suggest maintaining continuity of care when readmissions occur is a key predictor of survival.
A study published in The Lancet found that readmission to the same hospital after surgery is associated with improved survival rates. Patients who underwent a range of common operations fared better when treated by the same surgical team and returned to their original hospital for post-operative management.
A study of 2 million women found that D&C performed for miscarriage or termination increases the risk of preterm birth by 29%, with a higher risk of 7.6% in subsequent pregnancies
A new study by NYU Langone Medical Center finds that guidelines aimed at reducing routine testing before surgery had little effect on physician practice. Despite recommendations from professional associations, rates of certain tests remained unchanged over a 14-year period.
Bariatric surgery not only benefits patients' health but also strengthens their relationships with partners, according to a new study. Couples reported improved intimacy, better conflict resolution, and enhanced sexual relationships after one partner underwent weight loss surgery.
A study found that many medical tests are performed before low-risk surgeries despite guidelines, leading to surgical delays and patient anxiety. The Choosing Wisely campaign aims to raise awareness of unnecessary tests among physicians and patients.
Patients aged 80 and above are significantly less likely to be investigated or aggressively treated after surgery than their younger counterparts. This is despite the fact that the oldest old have higher rates of trauma and multiple underlying conditions on admission.
A recent study published in JAMA Surgery found that pregnant women who undergo general surgical procedures do not have a higher risk of postoperative complications. The research analyzed data from over 2,700 pregnant women and 516,000 non-pregnant women, revealing no significant differences in mortality rates, overall morbidity, or pos...
Researchers found high incidence of death and urgent cardiac surgery following off-label use of Lariat device, calling for FDA reassessment. The study highlights regulatory loophole allowing devices cleared for one purpose to be used in higher-risk applications.
A study of over 8000 patients found that surgeons with higher volumes are less likely to perform high-risk pneumonectomies, leading to better long-term survival. The researchers suggest that surgeon experience is an important factor in determining surgical outcomes for non-small cell lung cancer patients.
A study by UCSF researchers found that lower extremity revascularization procedures had little impact on patients' function in nursing homes. Despite the procedure's operative risk, only a few U.S. nursing home residents gained any walking ability after surgery.
A study by University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center found that laparoscopic colectomy procedures resulted in $6,689 lower costs compared to open surgery, with patients experiencing fewer days of health care utilization. The study also showed a significant difference in healthcare expenditures and patient workdays after the procedure.
The study found that increased use of minimally invasive surgery for common procedures can reduce post-operative complications and save $280-$340 million a year in healthcare costs. By adopting more minimally invasive procedures, hospitals can prevent thousands of complications and reduce hospital stays.
Expert consensus paper provides guidance on transcatheter pulmonic valve replacement for patients with congenital heart disease. The recommendations stress the importance of a heart team collaborating on treatment decisions, and institutions must meet specific requirements to perform these procedures.
A five-year follow-up study of patients with extreme obesity found that duodenal switch was more effective in reducing body weight than gastric bypass, but it came with a higher risk of complications. The study suggests that duodenal switch should be used with caution due to its adverse effects.
Patients undergoing duodenal switch experienced greater weight loss and improvements in blood lipids, but also faced higher rates of nutritional complications. In contrast, gastric bypass resulted in better health-related quality of life for patients with severe obesity.
A study of nearly 350 hospitals found that hospital readmissions after surgery are often related to complications from the surgery itself, rather than a worsening of pre-existing medical conditions. The most common reasons for readmission included surgical site infections and intestinal blockages.
Most surgical readmissions are caused by expected complications like wound infections, occurring after discharge. Hospitals should focus on reducing surgical site infections and addressing issues like dehydration through better communication and patient education.
A study published in JAMA Surgery found that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use is associated with a higher risk of anastomotic leaks after nonelective colorectal procedures. The study included over 13,000 patients and showed a 24% increased risk for anastomotic leak among those who received NSAIDs.
A study published in JAMA found that US episiotomy rates decreased significantly between 2006 and 2012, from 17.3% to 11.6%, with notable variations based on insurance coverage and hospital characteristics. The decline was attributed to the restrictive use of episiotomy due to its risks and unclear benefits.
A Penn Medicine study analyzed hospital websites to assess the accuracy of TAVR marketing, finding that nearly all hospitals overstate benefits but underreport risks. The study highlights the need for hospitals to present a balanced view of both the known risks and benefits of the procedure.
A study found that bariatric surgery significantly reduced all-cause mortality rates among obese patients, with improved survival at 5 and 10 years post-surgery. The research involved 2,500 surgical patients and 7,462 control patients, and suggests a beneficial relationship between surgery and survival for severely obese adults.