A study highlighted significant gaps in robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) training among Dutch residents, despite 69.6% having some RAS experience. Only 14.2% operated as console surgeons, revealing limited hands-on training in 75.7% of hospitals. Most participants, 77.7%, expressed a desire for a national RAS curriculum. Qualitative analysis identified key themes, including training needs and the importance […]
Author: STITCHES Newsletter
Nanorobotics may revolutionize gastrointestinal surgery and therapy.
Recent advancements in nanorobotics are set to transform gastrointestinal (GI) surgery by integrating nanoscale engineering, synthetic biology, and AI. This review highlights significant breakthroughs in the development of surgical nanorobots, including autonomous tumor ablation and closed-loop therapeutic feedback. Challenges such as autonomy, off-target effects, and ethical considerations are discussed, alongside the need for an integrated […]
Dexmedetomidine enhances postoperative pain relief after appendectomy
Combining dexmedetomidine with hyperbaric bupivacaine significantly delayed postoperative pain onset for patients undergoing appendectomy under spinal anesthesia, achieving mean times of 259.43 and 454.65 minutes for the two dexmedetomidine groups, compared to 154.04 minutes in the control group. The study maintained overall hemodynamic stability, although group 3 experienced lower heart rates and blood pressure, with […]
Cryopreserved fibroblast sheets reduce esophageal leakage risk
Cryopreserved allogeneic multilayered fibroblast sheets demonstrated efficacy in preventing esophageal anastomotic leakage in a rat model. The incidence of leakage was significantly lower in the fibroblast sheets group (28%) compared to controls (61%; p = .02). Additionally, the burst pressure was notably higher in the sheet group (124 ± 30 mm Hg) versus controls (78 […]
Gastrografin use shortens surgery time and hospital stay
Use of gastrografin for adhesive small bowel obstruction has significantly improved clinical outcomes. A study analyzed over 20,000 patients, revealing a reduction in time to the operating room, from an average of 2.63 days pre-gastrografin to 2.33 days post-gastrografin. Additionally, hospital length of stay decreased from 10.51 days to 6.09 days. Notably, the number of […]
Robotic approach reduces surgical challenges in obese patients.
Obese patients undergoing robotic cholecystectomy demonstrated significant improvements over laparoscopic procedures, with a conversion rate to open surgery of 0.0% compared to 3.2% in laparoscopic cases. Additionally, robotic-assisted patients experienced shorter hospital stays, averaging 1 day, versus 1 day for those undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The findings indicate that robotic cholecystectomy may provide superior postoperative outcomes […]
Effective Management Strategies for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) poses challenges with its typical and atypical presentations requiring careful diagnosis. Key diagnostic tools like endoscopy, manometry, and reflux monitoring are essential for confirming GERD and tailoring treatment. Management varies from lifestyle modifications to pharmacologic therapies, with surgical options available for persistent cases. Effective treatment can significantly improve prognosis and quality […]
Minor surgery program in primary care reduces hospital wait times
Implementation of a minor surgery program in primary care significantly increased procedures, from 95 in 2022 to 945 in 2024. This change led to a 43.8% reduction in hospital-based minor surgeries, decreasing average waiting times, total delay, and the number of patients awaiting surgery. The initiative improved overall healthcare delivery by enhancing problem-solving capabilities in […]
Suboptimal CT imaging leads to increased mortality in older trauma patients
A secondary analysis of 5,496 older blunt trauma patients revealed that 8.6% experienced suboptimal computed tomography (CT) imaging. Most missed injuries were identified in the thoracic and lumbar spine regions. Patients with suboptimal imaging had a significantly higher mortality rate and longer hospital stays. Factors contributing to these missed injuries included imaging conducted before transfer […]
Social support may counteract socioeconomic barriers in trauma recovery
Strong social support significantly influences recovery outcomes for trauma patients, particularly those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Analysis of 1,243 participants revealed that adverse outcomes were more prevalent among individuals with low socioeconomic status and weaker support networks. Notably, higher rates of PTSD, chronic pain, and functional dependence were observed, but those with high social support […]