Articles tagged with Surgical Procedures
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 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.
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.
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.
A study by Dr. David Cumming found significant variation in dilation and curretage (D&C) procedures across Alberta, with some regions experiencing a fivefold increase in rates. Less invasive therapies can accomplish the same goals as D&C, making it an unnecessary procedure for many women, according to the study's findings.
A team of surgeons successfully repaired the hearts of patients with atrial septal defect or patent foramen ovale using robotic arms, resulting in faster recovery times and less scarring compared to traditional open-heart surgery. The new procedure uses minimally invasive technology, allowing for a three-inch incision instead of a foot...
Researchers have developed a new surgical procedure for Parkinson's disease, bilateral subthalamotomy, which has shown promising results in improving motor symptoms and activities of daily living. After two years of follow-up, patients exhibited approximately 50% improvement in motor symptoms and significant reduction in medication doses.
A recent study found that patients undergoing arthroscopic lavage or debridement for osteoarthritis of the knee did not experience greater pain relief or improved function compared to those receiving placebo surgery. The researchers suggest that the same therapeutic benefits may be achieved through non-invasive treatment methods.
A study by Dr. Tong J. Gan suggests that better communication and a tailored plan can significantly reduce postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) after surgery. The analysis identifies key patient characteristics, surgical procedures, and anesthetic methods that increase the risk of PONV.
A new UCLA study finds that 'sweaty palms' syndrome is caused by a dominant gene, affecting up to 5% of the population. The disorder can significantly impact daily life and career, with symptoms including excessive sweating in hands and feet.
Researchers found that surgeons with higher visual-spatial scores performed better in complex procedures and achieved similar competency after practice and feedback. The study aimed to understand the role of perceptual and cognitive abilities in learning surgical procedures.
A study found that cardiac stress tests can identify patients at risk of restenosis after stent implantation, with those showing defects experiencing a higher rate of recurrence. The tests also confirmed the efficacy of angioplasty with stent implantation compared to balloon angioplasty.
A new study found that eliminating gatekeepers in health maintenance organizations (HMOs) does not necessarily increase costs. In contrast to traditional HMOs, point-of-service plans with open physician panels showed comparable spending on medical care expenditures, including physician services, hospital services, and prescription drugs.
Researchers at Dartmouth/VA reveal that operative mortality for major surgery varies significantly by procedure and patient age. Elderly patients face two- to four-fold higher mortality risks than younger patients, highlighting the need for more realistic estimates in decision-making.
A recent study suggests that surgical teams with better teamwork learn new procedures significantly faster than those without. The research found that hospitals with more cumulative experience and better team communication had faster learning curves, while those with less experienced teams took longer to master new procedures.
The study found that the cost of trichiasis surgery is a significant barrier for patients in The Gambia. Offering surgery at local health centers instead of regional clinics can significantly increase patient willingness to undergo treatment.
Researchers at the University of Florida have found a new heat-based therapy that kills inoperable liver tumors without initiating an onslaught of harmful hormones. The technique, known as radiofrequency ablation, is less risky and cheaper than surgery or cold-based therapies.
Researchers found a 2% survival benefit among patients undergoing colon cancer surgeries at high-volume hospitals compared to lower volume facilities. The study examined over 28,000 Medicare beneficiaries and controlled for age, sex, and cancer stage.
A new operation developed at Johns Hopkins improves vision for nearly half of the first 100 patients treated with early-stage macular degeneration. Six months after surgery, 48% of patients could read an additional two lines on a standard eye chart or had vision of 20/100 or better, enough to legally drive in Maryland.
A Yale physician has performed five endoscopic procedures using high-definition television (HDTV), increasing image sharpness by more than double. The miniaturized HDTV camera system provided the best image ever seen, enabling accurate and minimally invasive surgeries with reduced costs and rapid recovery times.
Researchers used contrast-enhanced MRI to assess heart damage in 50 patients. The technique distinguished between reversible and irreversible injury, allowing for more accurate prediction of surgery success.
A new study from the University of Pittsburgh found that balloon mitral valvotomy yields similar long-term results to commissurotomy, a traditional surgical method. The procedure uses an inflated balloon to break scar tissue and improve valve function.
A new study found that blacks have a higher mortality rate than whites after coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG), with hypertension being a significant factor. The study suggests that blacks may be more prone to severe and frequent ventricular hypertrophy, an enlargement of the heart's chambers.
University of Florida surgeons have improved a bladder removal technique, reducing complications and improving patient outcomes for those with severe bladder problems. The new method minimizes blood loss and is well-tolerated by patients, making it an ideal approach for those too ill to undergo standard surgery.
A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that African Americans who undergo carotid endarterectomy (CEA) have worse outcomes than whites due to the operation being performed in less experienced hands. The study suggests that socioeconomic factors are influential in determining surgical outcome, rather than genetic differences.
A new Cornell University study found that surgeons performing carotid endarterectomies who got their licenses 20 or more years ago had the highest mortality rate among their patients. The study also found a relation between the mortality of endarterectomy patients and the number of times surgeons performed the procedure.
A University of Pittsburgh study found laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery to be a safe and effective procedure for significant weight loss in morbidly obese individuals. The study showed a low rate of complications, short hospital stay, and rapid recovery.
A study of 300 former professional footballers found that almost two-thirds had experienced osteoarthritis, with knee problems being the most common. Anxiety and depression were also prevalent among those with this type of joint disease, which often led to early retirement.
Lymphoedema is a chronic condition resulting from breast cancer surgery and radiotherapy, characterized by swelling, pain, and disability. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can help alleviate symptoms, but increased awareness and education for healthcare professionals are crucial to prevent disastrous consequences.
Researchers are developing microscopic chips called bioMEMS to monitor and treat serious diseases like heart disease and diabetes. These chips could contain stem cells, medication, or sensors to detect mutated genes or cancerous tissues.
A UCSF study found that women who have had a hysterectomy are at a higher risk of developing urinary incontinence by age 60, with a 60% increased risk compared to those who have not undergone the surgery. Incontinence often develops several years after the procedure and can significantly impact quality of life.
A study by Duke University Medical Center researchers has found a possible genetic link determining which heart patients are more likely to suffer kidney damage after surgery. The research team found that the E-4 variant of the apolipoprotein APO gene, already implicated in Alzheimer's disease, appears to offer protection to the kidneys.
A new minimally invasive procedure called endoscopic pancreatic sphincterotomy (EPS) has shown promise in providing long-term pain relief for patients with chronic pancreatitis. According to a recent study by Johns Hopkins physicians, 62% of patients reported significant improvement in their pain levels after undergoing the procedure.
A new womb surgery technique uses an IntraUterine Shaver to remove uterine tissue mechanically, reducing the risk of complications associated with current methods. The procedure is expected to cut substantially the number of hysterectomies and make minimal access surgery more accessible.
A new minimally invasive radio-guided parathyroidectomy (MIRP) technique allows surgeons to remove parathyroid glands with fewer complications, reducing surgery time from several hours to just 30 minutes. This outpatient procedure also enables patients to go home within a few hours, compared to days of hospitalization.
Researchers found that watching the video reduced anxiety and stress in patients before surgery, while also decreasing cortisol levels and pain medication needs. The study suggests that preparing for an operation by watching a videotape may improve coping abilities.
A study by Emory University neurologists found that pallidotomy surgery significantly improves motor function in patients with Parkinson's disease, with persistent benefits extending to both sides of the body. The long-term effectiveness of this treatment has been confirmed through a 36-month follow-up.
Canadian Medical Association Journal article highlights lack of consensus among otolaryngologists on indications for ear tube insertion in children. Only 6 of 17 factors and 1 of 4 clinical vignettes were agreed upon, suggesting a need to revisit clinical practice guidelines.
A study found that surgeons in Ontario have differing opinions on when to perform surgery on children with ear infections, citing varying factors. The researchers surveyed 17 clinical and social factors, but only six were agreed upon, highlighting the need for a revised approach to addressing this common Canadian procedure.
A large randomized clinical trial shows that self-hypnotic relaxation techniques can decrease pain medication use, reduce operating room time, and improve vital signs during surgery. The study's findings suggest that hypnosis can be a safe and effective method for reducing anxiety and pain in patients undergoing invasive procedures.
A Mayo Clinic study finds surgery and anesthesia as independent risk factors for ischemic stroke within 30 days after surgery. The relative risk was elevated for both high-risk and lower-risk surgeries.
Researchers found that bypass surgery significantly reduces mortality rates for diabetic patients undergoing revascularization procedures. The study, BARI, compared coronary artery bypass graft surgery with percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease.