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Gastric bypass improves long-term diabetes remission, even after weight recurrence

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that gastric bypass surgery results in high rates of Type-2 diabetes remission five years after the operation, even after patients regain a significant amount of weight. In contrast, patients who underwent sleeve gastrectomy and regained their weight were five t...

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateFeb 13, 2024

Korea University researchers unveil benefits of perioperative radiotherapy for treating liver cancer with high recurrence risk

Korea University researchers found that perioperative radiotherapy significantly improves survival rates among HCC patients at high risk of recurrence. The study suggests that radiotherapy can reduce recurrence and improve survival in these patients, providing a significant adjuvant treatment option.

SourceKorea University College of Medicine·JournalInternational Journal of Surgery·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 6, 2024

A tie between the most common obesity surgeries

A study of over 1,700 adult patients found that gastric bypass and sleeve surgeries have few short-term complications and are equivalent in terms of risk. The results suggest that patients and doctors can choose between the two procedures without worrying about short-term surgical risks.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateJan 30, 2024

Researchers suggest changing gold standard of spine surgery from operative microscope to 3D exoscope

A recent study published in World Neurosurgery found that the use of a 3D exoscope in spinal surgery resulted in more favorable outcomes for patients, including shorter hospital stays and operating room times. The device allows for increased visualization during procedures, leading to fewer errors and better patient outcomes.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalWorld Neurosurgery·DateJan 24, 2024

Study identifies new findings on implant positioning and stability during robotic-assisted knee revision surgery

A study published in Arthroplasty Today found that robotic-assisted knee revision surgery significantly influences the function of the knee replacement. The computer system can help predict implant size and balance the knee for stability, leading to improved patient outcomes.

SourceMarshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine·JournalArthroplasty Today·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 17, 2024

Researchers find that using patients’ own blood, rather than saline, helps preserve veins in coronary bypass grafts

Researchers at Fralin Biomedical Research Institute and Carilion Clinic found that preserving leg vein grafts in heparinized arterial blood, rather than saline, improves their health and viability. This discovery could lead to better outcomes for patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft procedures.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalJournal of Vascular Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2024

A beating biorobotic heart aims to better simulate valves

A biorobotic heart with a silicone robotic pump system can mimic the structure and function of a healthy or diseased heart. The device allows surgeons and researchers to demonstrate various interventions while collecting real-time data, bridging gaps between current simulators and animal studies.

SourceCell Press·JournalDevice·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 10, 2024

Common heart medication digoxin shows promise in enhancing survival after surgery for infants with certain heart defects

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that digoxin treatment significantly reduced mortality and the need for a transplant among infants undergoing a hybrid procedure for single-ventricle physiology. The researchers analyzed data from 259 infants who received digoxin during their interstage per...

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 26, 2023

New tool to analyze blood platelets holds major medical potential

A novel technique to test platelet function within a person's blood sample is faster, easier and more precise than methods currently in use. The technology has the potential to assess the effects of antiplatelet drugs on individuals and gain a clearer picture of bleeding risks for patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass surgery.

SourceEmory University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 11, 2023

Replacing bone saws with smart lasers

Researchers at the University of Basel have developed a system that combines three functions: cutting bone, controlling depth, and differentiating tissue types. This autonomous system uses three lasers to make precise incisions with minimal human interference.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalLasers in Surgery and Medicine·DateDec 5, 2023

Does patient-surgeon gender concordance lead to lower patient mortality? Mostly no, UCLA-led research suggests

A study of over 2.9 million patients found that gender concordance was associated with lower mortality for female patients, but higher mortality for male patients. The quality of surgical care provided by female surgeons is equivalent to or slightly better than that provided by male surgeons.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalThe BMJ·TypeObservational study·DateNov 22, 2023

Pain scores, age can help identify patients more likely to use few or no opioids after surgery

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that younger patients and those with no prior experience with opioids are more likely to use few or no opioids after surgery. The researchers used data collected through automated text messages sent to 3,600 patients who underwent common surgical procedures.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAnnals of Surgery Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 15, 2023

AGA does not endorse all patients stopping popular diabetes and weight loss drugs prior to endoscopy

The American Gastroenterological Association suggests a balanced approach when treating patients on GLP-1 RAs undergoing endoscopic procedures. AGA recommends proceeding with the procedure as planned for patients who followed standard pre-procedure fasting instructions and do not have symptoms suggesting retained gastric contents.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 7, 2023

Women with atrial fibrillation significantly benefit from pulsed field ablation procedures

A new study reveals that women with atrial fibrillation (AF) have comparable outcomes to men when undergoing pulsed field ablation (PFA), a safer and more precise procedure. The results show improved AF recurrence rates in women after PFA, making them an eligible candidate for this life-enhancing treatment.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Cardiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 1, 2023

Surgery more effective than nasal sprays for symptoms of a crooked septum

Researchers from the BMJ Group conducted a UK trial comparing septoplasty to medical management in adults with at least moderate symptoms of a crooked septum. Septoplasty was found to be more effective in improving SNOT-22 scores and quality of life outcomes, suggesting it should be offered to adults with at least moderate symptoms.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 18, 2023

Largest US cardiac database shows excellent long-term survival after surgical aortic valve replacement

A study of 42,586 low-risk patients who underwent surgical aortic valve replacement reveals a 5-year survival rate of 93%. The study used the STS National Database and found that eight-year survival was close to 90%. The results provide a benchmark for outcomes in managing aortic valve stenosis.

SourceThe Society of Thoracic Surgeons·JournalThe Annals of Thoracic Surgery·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 17, 2023

Opioid limits didn’t change surgery patients’ experience, study shows

A new study published in JAMA Health Forum shows that implementing a five-day limit on opioid prescriptions for surgery patients did not lead to increased pain levels or decreased satisfaction. However, the amount of opioid pills patients received dropped significantly after the limit went into effect.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 13, 2023

Are opioid prescription rates changing for US adolescents?

Rates of opioid prescribing to US adolescents have decreased in recent years, mainly for non-surgical procedures. Opioid prescribing for surgical indications has remained relatively stable during the same period. This analysis of Medical Expenditure Panel Surveys data from 2015-2020 reveals a significant shift in prescribing patterns.

SourceWiley·JournalPediatric Anesthesia·DateOct 4, 2023

Finding the balance: Opioids and pain control after surgery

Researchers surveyed patients undergoing elective surgeries and found that reducing opioid prescriptions led to higher patient satisfaction with pain management. The study's results were used to develop evidence-based guidelines for prescribing opioids after surgery, aiming to balance managing pain and opioid use.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalAnnals of Surgery·DateSep 25, 2023

HKUMed finds higher risks of hospital readmission and mortality among surgical patients who were discharged with opioids

A retrospective cohort study found that surgical patients discharged with opioids had a significantly higher risk of persistent opioid use, unplanned health service utilisation, and mortality. The study highlights the importance of discussing pain management options with clinicians to mitigate these risks.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalBritish Journal of Anaesthesia·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 19, 2023

Sylvester study shows how thoracic surgeons who treat lung cancer are helping to reduce patients’ risk of opioid dependence

A study by researchers at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine found that thoracic surgeons who treat lung cancer are helping to reduce patients' risk of opioid dependence. The ERATS protocol, which includes intercostal nerve blocks and safe pain relievers, enables earlier hospital discharge with nearly opioid-free recovery.