Articles tagged with Surgical Procedures
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For patients who need non-cardiac surgery a short time after an interventional heart procedure, bare metal stents provide a safer choice. Drug-eluting stents can lead to life-threatening cardiac complications in these patients, according to a study by Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.
Researchers found comparable risks of major cardiac events within 30 days and similar outcomes three years after treatment. Drug-eluting stents were shown to be as effective as bypass surgery in restoring blood flow, with improved survival rates in lower-risk patients.
A survey of 500 Medicare patients found that physicians served as the main decision-makers one-third of the time, with men and those in worse health more likely to report this. The study highlights the need for further research on patient involvement in surgical decision-making.
Wernicke encephalopathy, a serious neurological condition, is increasingly reported after obesity surgery due to vitamin deficiency and vomiting. Patients should be alert for symptoms such as confusion, lack of coordination, and visual changes.
The rate of bariatric surgeries among adolescents more than tripled between 2000 and 2003, with only 771 teens undergoing the procedure in 2003. Most obese teens are still treated through diet and behavioral methods, but health problems related to weight make surgery an increasingly considered option.
A new study by Dr. Vivian Ho found that Certificate of Need regulations have minor benefits for open heart surgery but no benefits for angioplasty. The regulations may inadvertently increase the number of procedures performed to meet minimum volume quotas.
A study published in JAMA found that off-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery had no effect on cognitive decline and cardiac outcomes at 5 years in low-risk patients. Cognitive decline ranged from under 5% to over 30% in the first year after CABG surgery.
Atrial fibrillation affects over 2.2 million US citizens, causing fatigue, shortness of breath, and stroke risk; the new Cox-maze IV procedure offers a simpler alternative to traditional surgery with fewer complications
The HealthGrades study reveals top hospitals have a significantly lower risk of mortality and complications compared to other hospitals. With an average 28% lower risk of mortality for certain procedures, these high-performing hospitals are setting a new standard for clinical excellence.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine suggests that brief preoperation team meetings can increase awareness of OR safety and perceptions of operating room personnel. The surveys showed a 13.2% increase in those who believed the policy would be effective and over 90% agreed that team discussions are important for patient safety.
A new study conducted at NYU Medical Center found that lap band surgery is an effective procedure for combating obesity in adolescents. Patients who underwent the surgery lost approximately 50% of their excess weight within a year, with no significant complications.
A study of over 15,000 coronary artery bypass grafting patients in New York State reveals that less experienced surgeons are more likely to perform off-pump CABG surgery on black patients. This disparity is attributed to the fact that black patients have limited access to the latest medical technologies.
A study of 332 HIV-infected patients found that those with high viral loads were at increased risk of surgical complications, including pneumonia. The researchers also found that patients with low CD4 cell counts had more complications than those with higher counts.
A large-scale review of bariatric procedures in older adults found significant increases in complications and mortality rates compared to younger patients. The study, which analyzed over 25,000 procedures, suggests that weight-loss surgery should be limited to those under 65 years old.
A study by HealthGrades found that bariatric surgery complication rates are high in some hospitals, with a mortality rate of 2 per 1,000. Five-star rated hospitals have significantly lower complication rates, and patients can find quality and cost information at HealthGrades.com
Researchers found that non-white patients, Medicaid recipients, and uninsured individuals were less likely to receive care at high-volume hospitals for certain procedures. The study highlights the need to address disparities in patient access to improve surgical quality of care.
A study found that black, Asian, and Hispanic patients, as well as uninsured individuals, are less likely to undergo complex surgery at high-volume hospitals. High-volume hospitals have been associated with better outcomes for certain procedures.
A study of 3,130 adults found that patients with more severe sleep apnea, a high body mass index, or other medical conditions were at a higher risk for serious complications after surgery. Concurrent retrolingual procedures also increased the risk of complications.
The HealthGrades 2007 hospital-quality study found a significant gap in patient outcomes between top-rated and poorly performing hospitals. The study analyzed 40.6 million Medicare records and revealed that mortality rates declined by nearly 8% across the nation, while the quality chasm between best and worst-performing hospitals grew ...
Postoperative nausea and vomiting affects one out of three patients after surgery, leading to patient dissatisfaction, longer hospital stays, and prolonged recovery. New guidelines incorporate antiemetics and a simple four-point scoring system for identifying high-risk patients.
The number of vCJD cases continues to decline due to BSE-infected beef consumption, but researchers explore the potential for transmission via blood transfusions and surgical operations. Key factors determining epidemic scale include instrument reuse frequency and cleaning effectiveness.
New training programs teach effective pain relief techniques, increasing to 97% of doctors now equipped, up from 71% 10 years ago. The American Academy of Family Physicians and others recommend universal use of local or topical anesthetics.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have developed a system using RFID tags to track surgical sponges during procedures. This technology has shown promise in accurately locating inserted sponges in under three seconds, reducing the risk of foreign objects being left in patients' bodies.
A handheld radio wand scanning device was tested on eight surgery patients and detected all tagged sponges with 100% accuracy. The device improved patient safety by reducing the risk of retained foreign objects, but human error remains a concern.
Two surgical procedures, laparotomy and bowel resection, and peritoneal drainage, were compared in a multi-center randomized controlled trial. The study found that patient survival rates and major outcomes were virtually identical between the two procedures.
A multicenter randomized controlled trial involving 117 premature infants found that laparotomy and bowel resection and peritoneal drainage surgical approaches have essentially the same major outcomes in terms of patient survival. The study ends three decades of speculation and debate over which approach is more effective.
Researchers found that bariatric surgery significantly reduced health complications and improved symptoms for adolescents (83% reduction) and older adults (51% reduction) with obesity-related conditions. This study suggests that surgical intervention may be a safer alternative to medication for treating GI disorders.
A new procedure-based consent form developed by surgeons at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center significantly improves patient recall of diagnoses, procedures, and treatment alternatives. The study found that 98% of patients recalled treatment alternatives and 97% recalled risks after using the specialized form.
In Mississippi, physicians fought back against malpractice insurance crisis by educating patients on the benefits of tort reform, leading to a cap on noneconomic damages. In Alameda County Medical Center, advocacy focused on patient education helped pass a local tax measure to address financial crisis and protect services.
A recent study published in Archives of Surgery found that tightly controlled blood sugar levels before surgery can significantly reduce the risk of postoperative infections in diabetic patients. The research involved 490 diabetic patients who underwent major noncardiac surgery between 2000 and 2003, with 197 having good glycemic control.
A study of 452 patients found that older age and duodenal switch procedure were associated with increased complications after bariatric surgery. The findings suggest that surgeons should warn older adults about the risks involved.
A study of 347 patients who underwent bariatric surgery between 1992 and 2001 found a significant reduction in blood pressure 18 months post-surgery. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures decreased, with those without hypertension or taking antihypertensive medications experiencing smaller drops.
The study found that endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) significantly reduced mortality rates and recovery time for patients undergoing AAA repair, even among older and less-fit patients. The procedure's success has influenced overall AAA repair outcomes.
A recent study found that women are more likely to develop infections after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, leading to a higher risk of death. The researchers discovered that urinary, digestive, respiratory and skin and subcutaneous tissue infections were more common in women than men.
The study found that top 5 percent hospitals have significantly lower mortality and complication rates compared to the rest. These hospitals can avoid 21,896 complications and save 152,966 lives if they match the quality of care of top-performing hospitals.
The Specialty Excellence Awards recognize hospitals with the lowest risk-adjusted mortality and complication rates in eight specialty areas. HealthGrades analyzed star ratings for procedures and diagnoses to determine the top 10% of hospitals nationwide, highlighting exceptional patient outcomes across various specialties.
The study found MDCT angiography to be a reliable tool for evaluating the coronary veins prior to pacemaker lead placement and other procedures. It improves diagnosis quality by providing better planning before surgery, making it a valuable alternative to conventional angiography.
A study found that cataract extraction rates and costs decreased by half under contact capitation reimbursement. Professional reimbursement increased, while facility fees decreased significantly, in comparison to the fee-for-service system.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found a significant decline in emergency bypass surgeries performed after angioplasty procedures. The rate dropped from nearly 3% to 0.3% over two decades, with factors such as stent technology and improved drug therapy contributing to the reduction.
A retrospective survey of 2,353 patients with acute cholecystitis found that laparoscopic procedure use varied widely between hospitals and years. Younger female patients in selected hospitals were more likely to receive LC for acute cholecystitis.
A new robotic surgery-stenting combo has shown promising results in opening blocked coronary arteries and speeding up patient recovery. The procedure involves using the left internal mammary artery to bypass blocked areas and reduce scarring and disability, with patients returning to work within a week.
The number of bariatric surgical procedures in the US has increased substantially, with gastric bypass accounting for over 80% of all procedures. Length of stay decreased, but sociodemographic disparities persist, highlighting the need for equal access to bariatric surgery regardless of sex and socioeconomic status.
A study of Medicare patients found a significant increase in bariatric surgery death rates among those aged 65 and older. The risk was highest among men and those with lower surgeon volume, highlighting the need for balanced care in high-risk populations.
A study of laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery found that it is an effective long-term procedure for treating severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), with patients reporting high satisfaction rates and minimal complications. The results also suggest that the surgery can be well-tolerated and is a viable option for GERD treatment.
The HealthGrades Hospital Quality in America Study found a significant 'quality chasm' between the nation's best-performing hospitals and worst-performing hospitals, with better outcomes associated with higher hospital volumes and intensivists staffing intensive care units. Overall mortality rates improved by 12% across the nation, but...
Beta-glucan, a soluble fiber found in oat kernels, has been shown to penetrate the skin naturally, promoting wound healing and reducing scarring. The compound works through the inter-cellular lipid matrix to enter lower levels of the skin, making it a potential alternative to Botox for non-invasive treatments.
Researchers found that patients with high levels of somatization are more likely to use healthcare services after being evaluated by doctors, suggesting that physicians may be driving the need for excessive tests. The study suggests educating doctors on recognizing somatization and treating it appropriately.
A new robotic technique in weight-loss surgery, developed by Stanford Medicine, offers several advantages over traditional methods. The da Vinci robotic surgical system provides improved visualization and precise maneuvers, reducing surgical time by approximately 30 minutes compared to conventional laparoscopic procedures.
Researchers developed a nomogram for women's exercise capacity based on age and stress test results, providing an accurate assessment of mortality risk. The study found that using the men's nomogram in women resulted in false positives, highlighting the need for personalized fitness assessments.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University found that taking ibuprofen before gum surgery can lead to nearly double the amount of blood loss compared to those who don't take the medication. The study suggests patients should avoid NSAIDs before oral surgeries to minimize bleeding risk.
A study of 89 cardiac patients found that those with longer intensive care unit (ICU) stays had a significantly lower survival rate, with a 33% mortality rate among those staying 16 days or more. The quality of life for surviving patients was also affected by the duration of their ICU stay.
The Lancet editorial highlights UK politicians' failure to address low morale among doctors, resulting in compromised patient care and a massively over-managed health service. Doctors seek a stronger political voice focused on augmenting professional standards, but no such voice exists currently.
A study suggests that CABG surgery may cause mild and transient cognitive changes in some patients, but these effects do not persist beyond three months. The authors argue that the procedure is improving and that the population undergoing surgery is becoming older and sicker, which may contribute to the observed cognitive deficits.
A study of 237 children who underwent ear tube placement surgery at ages 5-16 months found that their hearing levels remained comparable to age-matched normal ears. The number of abnormal outcomes decreased over time, and repeated surgeries were more common in those with more serious conditions.
Researchers found a surprising decrease in surgical infection risk after age 65, peaking at 65-74 years. The study analyzed 144,485 patients and found the highest rates of infections for gastrointestinal, cardiothoracic, and vascular procedures.
New LASIK research suggests that the choice of laser or blade for corneal flap creation significantly impacts visual outcomes. Using the IntraLase laser results in higher rates of achieving 20/20 vision and better-than-20/20 vision, even up to 20/12.5. Custom treatments also show improved results with the IntraLase laser.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports that Hispanic Americans performed over half a million cosmetic plastic surgery procedures in 2004, up 49% from 2000. The most commonly requested procedures were nose reshaping, breast augmentation, and liposuction.
A new study found that drug therapy can be as effective as invasive cardiac procedures for elderly patients with heart attacks. The research analyzed data from over 158,000 Medicare patients and showed that a more intensive medical management style was associated with improved survival, regardless of the level of invasive treatment.
A new study confirms that patients who stop taking aspirin after a stroke are at increased risk of another ischemic stroke. Researchers found that 77% of strokes related to aspirin discontinuation occurred within the first eight days of stopping the medication.
A new study suggests that MDCT angiography can determine which patients with narrowed carotid arteries are at greater risk of having a stroke. Patients with calcified plaques were found to be 21 times less likely to have had symptoms than those with noncalcified plaques.