Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) significantly accelerates gastrointestinal recovery after abdominal surgery, according to a meta-analysis of 16 randomized controlled trials involving 2,300 patients. TEAS decreases time to first flatus and defecation, expedites oral intake, and reduces postoperative nausea and vomiting. It also lessens pain intensity and lowers hospital stays and costs. These findings underscore […]
Author: STITCHES Newsletter
Anti-PD-1 Therapy Boosts Survival in High-Risk HCC Patients
Postoperative anti-PD-1 therapy significantly enhances overall survival and recurrence-free survival in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients, particularly those with vessels encapsulating tumor clusters (VETC), a marker of aggressive disease. Among 388 patients studied, those receiving the therapy showed improved outcomes compared to untreated counterparts, while VETC status emerged as a crucial prognostic biomarker. This study underscores […]
Innovative strategies needed to combat surgical site infections
Surgical site infections (SSIs) pose a critical threat in low- and middle-income countries, affecting up to 25% of surgical patients. Limited resources and rising multidrug-resistant pathogens worsen the challenge. Tailored interventions, including active surveillance, revised surgical practices, and enhanced patient education, offer promising solutions. By emphasizing infection prevention and fostering collaboration among healthcare providers and […]
Elderly, ASA Status Influence ERAS Adherence in Surgery
Advanced age, inflammatory bowel disease, and higher ASA scores significantly reduce adherence to Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols in elective colorectal surgeries. Involving 656 patients, the study reveals that weakly non-adherent patients had fewer complications and shorter hospital stays compared to non-adherent peers. Specifically, older patients and those with higher ASA classifications experienced longer […]
Endoscopic Suturing Mitigates Surgery Needs for Large Zenker’s Diverticula
Endoscopic suturing proves a game-changer for large Zenker’s diverticula, leading to enhanced outcomes. A study of 75 patients revealed that those undergoing z-poem with endoscopic suturing faced no postoperative interventions, compared to a significant portion of patients with the clip closure option. The technical and clinical success rates were 100% and 89.5%, respectively. Notably, dysphagia […]
Prehospital GCS Scores Predict Trauma Mortality Effectively
Early assessment using the Glasgow Coma Scale motor score proves crucial for predicting mortality outcomes after trauma. A machine-learning model analyzing factors within three hours, 24 hours, and 30 days highlights the initial GCS motor score and worst GCS as consistent mortality predictors. Their efficacy spans the leading causes of death, including traumatic brain injury […]
Sarcopenia Significantly Harms Outcomes in GI Cancer Patients
Sarcopenia markedly increases the risk of major complications and lowers overall survival in patients with gastrointestinal cancer. An umbrella review of 63 studies reveals that 65% identify sarcopenia as a risk factor for severe postoperative issues, while 93% correlate it with diminished survival rates. With strong evidence backing these findings, addressing sarcopenia could be crucial […]
Robot-Assisted Hemihepatectomy Reduces Blood Loss, Conversion Rates
Robot-assisted hemihepatectomy outperforms laparoscopic techniques by significantly lowering intraoperative blood loss and reducing conversion to open surgery. An analysis of 1,113 patients revealed that while both approaches yielded similar operation times and complication rates, the robotic method exhibited distinct advantages. This comprehensive review consolidates findings from eight studies, bolstering the case for the robotic approach […]
ctDNA Monitoring Enhances Prognosis in Stage I-III Colon Cancer
ctDNA analysis predicts cancer recurrence and treatment efficacy in patients with resected stages I-III colon cancer. This large-scale, real-world study shows ctDNA positivity during the molecular residual disease (MRD) window correlates with significantly poorer disease-free survival (DFS). Patients who were ctDNA-positive at MRD and received adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) demonstrated improved DFS compared to those monitored […]
New Amylase Metric Predicts Pancreatic Fistulas Better
The “real amylase value” (RAV) significantly outperforms traditional drain amylase concentration in predicting postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) risk. An analysis of 198 patients revealed RAV’s area under the ROC curve reached 0.85 on postoperative day 1 and 0.89 on day 3, compared to 0.79 for classic measurement. Enhanced prediction lets surgeons optimize clinical management, refine […]