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Is sleeve gastrectomy a good choice for people with a sweet tooth?

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.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Laparoendoscopic & Advanced Surgical Techniques·DateMay 12, 2016

'Wrong' scale used to evaluate results of brain surgery

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.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalWorld Neurosurgery·DateApr 15, 2016

Open operations for gallbladder removal drop 90 percent at 1 institution over 30 years

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.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateApr 7, 2016

Ensuring ongoing care for patients treated during short-term surgical mission trips

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.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateFeb 17, 2016

Kidney injury common following vascular surgery

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateDec 23, 2015

Computer model could hold key to personalized epilepsy treatment

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateDec 10, 2015

Insulin cells determine weight-loss surgery success rate

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.

Seniors at high risk for readmission after ambulatory surgery

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.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateAug 10, 2015

Bariatric surgery procedure lowers tolerance for alcohol

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateAug 5, 2015

NIH study on atrial fibrillation published in New England Journal of Medicine

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...

SourceNorthwell Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 22, 2015

The Lancet: Patients with complications after major surgery more likely to survive if readmitted to the same hospital

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.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 17, 2015

Weight-loss surgery puts spark back into relationships

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.

SourceSpringer·JournalObesity Surgery·DateJun 2, 2015