This study reveals a novel algorithm that quantifies surgical competency during laparoscopic cholecystectomy using video analysis. Cumulative temporal dissimilarity scores significantly correlate with competency (r = -0.61; p < .001). The predictive model showed strong accuracy, with overall scores matching ground-truth assessments (r = 0.86; p < .001). Implementing this tool can enhance surgical training […]
Author: STITCHES Newsletter
For-Profit Hospitals Linked to Higher Risks in GI Surgery
For-profit hospital ownership is tied to worse outcomes in major gastrointestinal surgeries. Patients at for-profit hospitals had 12% higher odds of 30-day complications. Elective surgeries at these facilities saw a 26% increase in in-hospital mortality and a 34% higher chance of non-home discharge. Surgeons should consider these risks when evaluating surgical options for patients, despite […]
Diagnostic Biomarkers Improve Outcomes in Bowel Obstruction
Routine hematological biomarkers enhance diagnosis and surgical decision-making in bowel obstruction. C-reactive protein (CRP) at >26.91 mg/L shows 80% sensitivity and 92% specificity for bowel ischemia (AUC: 0.91). Procalcitonin (PCT) >0.12 ng/ml can help determine surgical need, with sensitivity 75% and specificity 74% (AUC: 0.79). Using these markers may refine patient selection and improve surgical […]
New scoring tool predicts pancreatic fistula risk in surgery
A new preoperative risk score based on CT measurements can help surgeons predict clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (cr-popf) after pancreatoduodenectomy. 6-point score achieved an AUC of 0.89; sensitivity 81.8%, specificity 91.7%. Incidence of cr-popf varies widely: 4.6% in low-risk vs. 82.5% in very high-risk patients. Use this scoring system for better surgical planning and […]
Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Boosts Survival in Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery significantly improves outcomes for potentially resectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma compared to upfront surgery. Median overall survival is 52.9 months with neoadjuvant therapy versus 37.0 months with upfront surgery. Recurrence is delayed (34.6 months vs. 24.4 months) and fewer patients are at risk of death (46.4% vs. 75.3%). Five-year survival rates are […]
AI Model Enhances Parathyroid Identification in Thyroid Surgery
A new AI tool improves identification of parathyroid glands during thyroid surgeries, making operations safer and more efficient. Smartthyroid achieved a mean dice score of 0.873, significantly reducing recognition time for all surgeons. Junior surgeons showed improved gland recognition rates, enhancing their performance in complex procedures. This AI technology could transform patient outcomes by minimizing […]
Tailored Prognostication with Deep Learning After HCC Resection
Using deep-learning models with CT imaging can significantly improve prognostication for patients after hepatocellular carcinoma surgery. Postoperative recurrence rates within 2 and 5 years are 52.6% vs. 18.5% and 78.9% vs. 46.7% in high-risk vs. low-risk groups (p < 0.001). 5-year mortality rates are 45.1% vs. 9.2% and 10-year rates are 87.1% vs. 43.2% (p […]
New insights on surgical management of rectus abdominis diastasis with hernias.
Analyzing 11,658 cases, 31.3% were women, 68.7% men; 94.9% involved surgery for diastasis with ventral hernias. Preferred techniques: mini-less-open and endoscopic sublay (48.9%), open techniques (30.7%), laparoscopic (11.0%). Postoperative complications were 5% with a 2.3% reoperation rate, indicating surgical challenges. Surgeons should consider patient selection carefully, as outcomes highlight the complexity of these procedures. Journal […]
Training Residents on Intraoperative DNR Improves Confidence
Surgeon education on intraoperative do not resuscitate (DNR) orders is crucial for enhancing patient care and respecting autonomy. 56.5% of surgery residents mistakenly thought DNR status must be revoked for elective surgeries; 52.1% believed this for emergencies. A simulation-based curriculum significantly boosted residents’ confidence (p < .001) and corrected misconceptions regarding DNR status preservation (p […]
New Machine Learning Tool Improves Social Risk Assessment for Surgery
A new machine learning-based index enhances social risk evaluation in surgical patients, crucial for better outcomes and health equity. Models using machine learning outperformed conventional indices, showing a median 8.15-fold increase in predictive power across 14 surgical outcomes. The study analyzed over 3.2 million patients from 688 hospitals, providing tailored social risk insights for different […]