Enhanced recovery protocols are falling short for low socioeconomic and minority patients, highlighting critical gaps in care. Low socioeconomic status (SES) linked to a 4-day median length of stay vs. 3 days for high SES (p < 0.001). Low SES associated with 2.46 times higher odds of infection and 1.50 times higher odds of overall […]
Author: STITCHES Newsletter
Postoperative Exercise Training Reduces Complications in CRLM
Postoperative exercise can safely enhance recovery for patients with colorectal liver metastases, improving outcomes without increasing adverse events. Serious adverse events were similar in both exercise and control groups. Non-serious adverse events were significantly lower in the exercise group, with a reduction of nearly 5 events. Patients in the exercise group started chemotherapy earlier (25 […]
New Insights on Pancreatic Cancer Post-Surgery Outcomes
A study reveals that pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma morphology predicts survival after surgery, impacting patient selection and prognosis. 400 patients analyzed, identifying 10 morphologic subtypes; gland-forming was most common (41.8%). Heterogeneous tumors (38.3% of cases) are linked to worse outcomes, including higher nodal metastasis and lower survival rates (median 30.1 months). Consider integrating morphologic subtype and […]
Mutant KRAS Provides Prognostic Value in Pancreatic Cancer
Detecting circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) mutations in localized pancreatic cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy can guide surgical decisions and predict outcomes. 49.3% of patients had mutant KRAS ctDNA at diagnosis; this rose to 69.6% after chemotherapy. Patients who cleared ctDNA during treatment had improved overall survival (18.4 months vs. not reached, p < 0.05). Identifying […]
Patient-led Follow-Up Cuts Hospital Visits for CRC Survivors
Patient-led, home-based follow-up significantly reduces hospital visits for colorectal cancer survivors without compromising quality of life. In the as-treated analysis, patient-led follow-up decreased hospital contacts by 38%. No significant differences were found in quality of life or psychological distress between patient-led and standard follow-up groups. This approach can ease the burden on healthcare systems while […]
Radial Margin Distance Redefines Outcomes in Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma
Current study identifies radial margin distance cutoffs that significantly impact survival outcomes in perihilar cholangiocarcinoma. Radical margin distance (rmd) of 0 mm correlates with a 5-year overall survival rate of only 21.8%, while ≥1.0 mm shows 78.5% survival. Recurrence rates are starkly different: 83.5% for rmd of 0 mm versus just 23.9% for rmd ≥1.0 […]
Optimizing Thyroid Cancer Diagnoses with EU-TIRADS
Using the EU-TIRADS ultrasound system improves identification of thyroid nodules needing surgery, minimizing unnecessary biopsies. A higher percentage of nodules classified as Bethesda IV-VI were found in the selective group (26%) vs. non-selective (13%), p=0.039. The malignancy rate was similar: 8% for selective vs. 5% for non-selective. Less need for cytology: 71% of patients in […]
Sphincter-Sparing Closure Cuts Bleeding in Endoscopic Papillectomy
A new pre-closure technique for endoscopic papillectomy significantly lowers delayed bleeding risk in duodenal papilla adenoma patients. Delayed bleeding rate was 0% with pre-closure vs. 17.95% without (p = 0.017). Immediate bleeding rate decreased from 66.67% to 37.93% (p = 0.027). This approach also shortens hospital stays: 6 days vs. 7 days (p = 0.048). […]
Next-Gen Sequencing Transforms Management of BD-IPMN
Next-generation sequencing significantly alters surgical decision-making for branch-duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms, providing clarity when traditional guidelines fall short. Surgical plans shifted to surveillance in 43% of distal pancreatectomy and 61% of pancreatoduodenectomy scenarios when NGS was negative. Conversely, with positive NGS results, surveillance plans shifted to surgery 90% and 72% of the time, respectively. […]
Laparoscopic Total Gastrectomy Shows Promising Long-Term Outcomes
Laparoscopic-assisted total gastrectomy for resectable gastric cancer yields favorable long-term survival rates. Five-year overall survival is 62.5%, with a recurrence-free survival rate of 60.3%. Recurrence occurs in 40% of patients, primarily as distant metastases (61.4%). Understanding early and late recurrence, with a critical 12-month cutoff, can refine postoperative follow-up. An early recurrence prediction model outperforms […]