Articles tagged with Surgical Procedures
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.
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...
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.
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.
Patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) without cardiac surgery backup are at a higher risk of death, with a 29% increased mortality rate compared to those with surgical backup. PCIs performed for reasons other than acute myocardial infarction treatment also carry a higher risk of adverse outcomes.
Researchers developed a new, less invasive approach to treat atrial fibrillation, a condition affecting over 2 million Americans. The procedure uses bipolar radiofrequency ablation and achieved similar success rates as traditional surgery, but with significantly shorter operative times.
Patients' travel distances for angioplasty care remain largely unchanged even if they're directed to high-volume hospitals meeting minimum procedure standards. Most patients with longer travel distances only face minimal increases, typically up to 25 miles.
The 'beating heart' method eliminates damaging effects of heart bypass machines during re-do surgeries, reducing predicted deaths by 74.5%. The study's results show that off-pump surgery is a safer alternative to traditional procedures, with improved outcomes for patients.
A new study suggests that endovascular surgery (EVAR) reduces mortality rates by around two-thirds compared to conventional open surgery for large abdominal aortic aneurysms. The study involved over 1000 patients and found that EVAR was associated with lower 30-day mortality rates, but also led to more secondary procedures.
A U-M study found that hospitals meeting Leapfrog quality standards for high-risk surgeries can save thousands of lives. Implementing these standards would reduce mortality rates for procedures like open heart surgery and angioplasty.
A study of over 200 patients with hernia found that post-surgical pain was inversely related to age, with younger patients experiencing less pain. Laparoscopic repair was also associated with lower first-day pain scores and faster return to normal activities compared to open surgery.
A recent study has challenged the widely practiced surgical procedure of cervical cerclage to reduce premature birth. The research found that only a small decrease in premature births occurred among women who received the surgery, highlighting the limitations of this method in reducing the risk of early preterm delivery.
A landmark study estimates that 7.5% of hospital patients experience adverse events in Canada, resulting in 185,000 preventable incidents in 2000. The study found that surgical care accounted for the largest number of adverse events and that 37% were potentially preventable.
A study of 2,097 patients found that those who felt economically burdened had a higher mortality rate (5.9%) compared to non-burdened patients (3.5%). The burdened group was also more likely to have received angioplasty and other comorbidities.
A study found that NICE guidelines on surgical procedures had no significant impact on the adoption of recommended practices. In contrast, an increase in non-cement prostheses for hip replacements was reported after the guidelines were issued. The researchers suggest using more active dissemination methods to promote effective uptake.
BioTime develops products for hypothermic surgery, aiming to increase surgical time and treat cardiovascular conditions. The company received an NIH grant to further research Hetacool, which could benefit patients undergoing complex surgeries and resuscitative procedures.
High-volume hospitals demonstrate lower mortality rates for complex surgeries, suggesting optimal resource allocation and human resources. Regionalization of procedures and services can be reconsidered to preserve quality care at smaller facilities.
The amount of time required to perform common surgical procedures increases with the addition of a surgical resident in the operating room, according to researchers. The study found that each procedure took significantly longer with a resident present, with increases ranging from eight minutes for hernia surgery to 60 minutes for parti...
A modified surgical procedure, EUPF surgery, has shown an 82% success rate in treating obstructive sleep apnea by reducing snoring and improving oxygen levels. Patients who underwent the procedure reported significant improvements in quality of life.
A study found that teaching hospitals have lower operative mortality rates for pancreatic, hepatic, and esophageal resections. Higher volume at teaching hospitals is a contributing factor to these differences in outcomes. The findings suggest that hospital structure and process variables play a role in variation in surgical outcomes.
A study of 335 patients found that gastric bypass surgery is associated with complications such as suture tears, pulmonary embolism, and pneumonia. The procedure should only be considered for patients who have tried other weight loss methods and are at risk of life-threatening complications due to their obesity.
A study of patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass found significant complications and increased risk of obesity-related health issues. The procedure requires major lifestyle changes and can be fraught with complications, highlighting the importance of weighing risks and benefits before surgery.
A study found that regionalizing certain surgical procedures would not significantly increase travel time for patients, with most needing less than 30-minute additional trips. The study suggested implementing volume standards without imposing unreasonable burdens on rural area residents.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed a new treatment for degenerative eye disease, macular translocation surgery with 360 degree peripheral retinectomy (MT360), which has shown promising results in recovering reading vision in patients. The procedure involves rotating the retina to shift the degenerating macula ...
The study found that mortality rates are significantly lower for patients with a vascular surgeon performing the operation. High-volume surgeons and hospitals resulted in better outcomes, suggesting that experience counts when it comes to treating aortic aneurysms.
A Florida study found that ambulatory surgery centers have a significantly lower rate of death and injury compared to physician offices. The researchers analyzed data from 182 incident reports and found a 10-fold increase in adverse incidents in office settings, with higher rates of death and injuries.
A UCLA study reveals a significant shortage of surgeons is looming due to an aging population. The study finds that surgeries performed on older adults will have the highest increase in demand by 2020, with ophthalmology leading the way.
A new study found that laparoscopic surgery for gynaecological procedures does not reduce adhesion-related readmissions, with risks comparable to traditional open surgery. The research tracked over 23,000 patients in Scotland and found significant risks of adhesions for many types of laparoscopic procedures.
A large Canadian study found no significant difference in postoperative mortality between high- and low-volume hospitals for complex surgical procedures. The authors suggest that volume-based regionalization may have good reasons, but the main benefit of reduced mortality rates may be overstated.
A new study suggests that lung-volume-reduction surgery may be a cost-effective treatment for severe emphysema, particularly for patients who respond well to the procedure. The surgery costs around $35,000 per person, but its long-term cost-effectiveness is uncertain due to limited follow-up data.
A six-year study found that lung volume reduction surgery improves quality of life and survival rates for patients with upper lobe emphysema who are unable to exercise. The procedure did not show overall survival benefits, but identifying non-beneficial candidates is crucial.
Researchers found that interventional procedures can effectively relieve symptoms and allow time for optimization before repeat surgery. The procedures are less invasive and better tolerated than repeat surgery, with shorter hospital stays.
Several studies present encouraging results for wavefront-guided LASIK, leading to sharper vision and fewer nighttime difficulties. The technology tailors laser beam settings to individual patients' visual imperfections, enhancing sharpness and patient satisfaction.
Researchers found that nearly seven percent of stroke patients with a-fib experienced strokes after discontinuing warfarin for medical procedures. The study highlights the risk of stroke in a-fib patients and suggests a more conservative approach to anti-clotting medication management prior to surgery.
A study published in the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery found that lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) improves breathing capacity by over 50% in select emphysema patients. After five years, patients showed significant improvements in lung function and quality-of-life scores, with an estimated 60% survival rate.
A UCLA study found substantial evidence that surgeon experience is associated with lower complication rates in radical prostatectomy. Low-volume surgeons had twice the in-hospital complication rate of high-volume surgeons, and their patients were hospitalized one day longer on average.