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Groundbreaking minimally invasive surgical videojournal launched by Mary Ann Liebert Inc.

The new videojournal complements the peer-reviewed monthly publication Journal of Laparoendoscopic & Advanced Surgical Techniques, publishing fully peer-reviewed surgical and microinvasive demonstrations. The videos can be easily searched and shared to provide education and discussion among surgeons.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Laparoendoscopic & Advanced Surgical Techniques·DateApr 29, 2011

Do-not-resuscitate orders associated with poor surgical outcomes even for non-emergency procedures

A recent study published in Archives of Surgery found that patients with do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders have a higher risk of poor surgical outcomes, including increased mortality rates and complication rates. The study analyzed data from over 120 hospitals and found that nearly a quarter of DNR patients died within 30 days of surgery.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Surgery·DateApr 18, 2011

Men fuel rebound in plastic surgery

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports a significant increase in men undergoing cosmetic procedures, with over 1.1 million procedures performed in 2010. Facelifts and other surgical procedures saw substantial growth, bucking the trend of minimally-invasive treatments.

New research finds delaying surgical procedures increases infection risk and health care costs

A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that delaying elective surgical procedures after hospital admission significantly increases the risk of infectious complications. The study analyzed data from over 163,000 patients and found that infection rates increased with delays in procedures such as...

SourceWeber Shandwick Worldwide·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateDec 15, 2010

2 decades of Nuss procedure outcomes: Refinements in groundbreaking surgery for chest deformity

The Nuss procedure has achieved a high success rate of 95.8% in correcting pectus excavatum, with refinements in surgical techniques and instruments developed to increase effectiveness and safety. New tools include stronger bars, improved tunnel creation, and titanium options for patients with metal allergies.

SourceChildren's Hospital of The King's Daughters·JournalAnnals of Surgery·DateDec 9, 2010

Anesthetic gases heats climate as much as 1 million cars

A recent study by chemists from University of Copenhagen and NASA found that anesthetic gases have a significant impact on the climate. One kilo of anaesthetic gas affects the climate as much as 1620 kilos of CO2, with three commonly used gasses having global warming potentials ranging from 210 to 1620 times that of CO2.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalBritish Journal of Anaesthesia·DateDec 3, 2010

Diverse surgeons initiative effectively increases underrepresented minorities in academic surgery

A grant-funded program has helped increase the number of underrepresented minority surgeons in academia, with 86% of graduates acquiring fellowship training. The Diverse Surgeons Initiative addresses healthcare disparities by providing advanced minimally invasive surgery skills to qualified candidates.

SourceWeber Shandwick Worldwide·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateNov 1, 2010

No sponge left behind

A UNC study found that radio frequency tags on surgical sponges can aid in preventing sponges from being left behind in patients following surgery. The researchers used a radio-frequency detection device in 1,600 operations and detected one sponge in an operation where manual counting was correct.

Study finds patients benefit from thorough discussion of recommended operations

Researchers found that extending the time spent on informed consent discussions leads to greater patient comprehension, with a stronger impact seen in patients who had 'repeat back' discussions. Additionally, factors such as race, ethnicity, age, and type of surgical procedure were associated with improved comprehension.

SourceWeber Shandwick Worldwide·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJul 7, 2010

A safer alternative to laser eye surgery?

A new Cochrane Systematic Review suggests phakic intraocular lenses (IOLs) may be a safer alternative to excimer laser surgery for moderate to high levels of short-sightedness. Patients who underwent IOL treatment reported better spectacle-corrected vision and contrast sensitivity, as well as higher patient satisfaction.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateMay 11, 2010

Taped consultations help patients understand heart surgery

Patients who receive audiotapes of their pre-surgery consultations exhibit higher knowledge scores, greater sense of control, and lower levels of anxiety and depression. The audiotaped recordings facilitate patients' recall of information and satisfaction levels, particularly among elderly patients.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Surgery·DateApr 19, 2010

Medicare patients 5.5 times more likely to get cataract surgery than VA patients, study finds

A large eight-year study found that Medicare patients are 5.5 times more likely to undergo routine cataract surgery than those receiving care from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The disparity may be attributed to financial incentives, physician-driven decisions, or a lack of ophthalmologists within the VA system.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Medical Quality·DateMar 18, 2010

Study examines outcomes after bariatric surgery revisions

A study of 56 patients who underwent revisional bariatric surgery found a higher risk of complications compared to the initial procedure. Patients experienced significant weight loss and resolution of nutritional complications, but also faced serious issues like internal leakage and pneumonia.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Surgery·DateFeb 15, 2010

Volunteer program provides quality low-risk operative care to patients in need

A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons shows that a volunteer program providing low-risk outpatient surgical procedures can deliver safe and effective health care to patients in need. The program met six quality-of-care guidelines, including safety, efficiency, and patient-centered care.

SourceWeber Shandwick Worldwide·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateDec 22, 2009

Researchers find demand for cosmetic and surgical procedures in dermatologic surgery rising rapidly

Since 2000, there has been a dramatic increase in cosmetic and non-cosmetic surgical procedures performed by dermatologic surgeons, with a 120% growth rate between 2001 and 2007. The procedures with the greatest increases were soft tissue augmentation, botulinum toxin injections, and non-ablative skin rejuvenation.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalDermatologic Surgery·DateOct 5, 2009