In a multicenter study, significant differences in long-term survival were observed between patients with Epstein-Barr virus-associated gastric cancer (EBVAGC) and those with Epstein-Barr virus-negative gastric cancer (EBVNGC) after radical gastrectomy. The 3-year overall and disease-free survival rates were notably higher in the EBVAGC group. Additionally, positivity for Epstein-Barr virus-encoded small RNA served as an independent […]
Author: STITCHES Newsletter
Triclosan-Containing Sutures Reduce Surgical Site Infections
A recent systematic review and meta-analysis of 31 studies involving 17,968 participants demonstrated that triclosan-containing sutures substantially lower the incidence of surgical site infections compared to non-triclosan sutures, achieving a relative risk of 0.75 (95% CI, 0.65-0.86). Despite moderate certainty due to heterogeneity, the trial sequential analysis indicated that additional studies are unlikely to alter […]
Preoperative smoking cessation reduces postoperative complications in cancer surgery
This systematic review and meta-analysis involving 39,499 participants reveals that smokers who stopped smoking at least four weeks prior to cancer surgery experience significantly fewer complications. Those who smoked within four weeks before surgery faced 31% higher odds of complications, while those who never smoked had even greater risks, showing an odds ratio of 2.83. […]
Supraumbilical port reduces postoperative pain in gallbladder surgery
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy via the supraumbilical port significantly decreased postoperative pain compared to the subxiphoid port. In a study of 253 patients, the supraumbilical group reported lower worst pain ratings (4.24 vs. 4.91) and milder pain on the third day (3.35 vs. 3.75). Pain affected general activity, mood, walking ability, and enjoyment of life more severely […]
MUST emerges as the most valid nutritional screening tool
A multicentre study involving 1,649 patients assessed malnutrition risk in major abdominal surgeries. The Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) identified 34.1% as malnourished, while various tools showed significant variability in assessments. The Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) and Mini Nutrition Assessment Short Form (MNA-SF) exhibited the best diagnostic capabilities. MUST demonstrated strong construct and prognostic validity, […]
Endoscopic techniques may enhance palliative care for pancreatic cancer
Significant advancements in endoscopic techniques for managing malignant biliary and gastric outlet obstruction in pancreatic cancer patients provide promising alternatives to traditional surgical bypass. Emerging evidence suggests that endoscopic ultrasound-guided methods, including biliary drainage and gastroenterostomy, may outperform conventional approaches, addressing symptom relief more effectively. These developments highlight the necessity for improved palliative strategies as […]
Hepatectomy outcomes vary significantly by resectability criteria
The study analyzed treatment outcomes for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) related to newly established oncological resectability criteria. Results showed median survival times were 107.2 months for resectable (R) patients, 44.4 months for BR1, and only 18.4 months for BR2 patients. The data indicate that these criteria effectively stratify prognosis post-hepatectomy, with poor outcomes for BR2 patients […]
Stapling anastomosis is increasingly preferred for colectomy.
Analysis of 232,155 colectomy cases revealed that stapling anastomosis (SA) is favored over hand-sewn anastomosis (HA), with usage rising from 80% in 2015 to 85% in 2021. The study, using propensity score matching, indicated a higher reoperation risk in the HA group (1.27%) compared to the SA group (0.93%; risk ratio 1.36). Conversely, SA was […]
Older patients face higher risks in minimally invasive surgeries
A multicenter study of 7,303 patients revealed that octogenarians undergoing laparoscopic or robot-assisted colorectal surgeries exhibit significantly higher postoperative complication rates compared to younger counterparts. Specifically, patients aged 80 and above had increased comorbidities and elevated ASA and ECOG-PS scores, indicating greater surgical risks. Findings suggest that minimizing operation time and controlling blood loss are […]
Food insecurity is linked to worse surgical outcomes.
Food insecurity in surgical trauma patients correlates with significantly higher complication rates (41.4% vs. 12.5%) and longer hospital stays (median of 13 days vs. 5 days). Among 848 patients, 21% reported food insecurity prior to surgery, with those becoming food insecure postoperatively also facing greater risks of complications at three months. These findings underscore the […]