Author: STITCHES Newsletter

A dynamic nomogram for predicting intraoperative blood transfusion needs

A dynamic nomogram model has been developed to aid in intraoperative blood transfusion decision-making, demonstrating strong predictive capabilities. Utilizing data from 1,410 surgical patients, the model identifies key independent risk factors such as surgical grading, estimated blood loss, and preoperative hemoglobin levels. With a remarkable area under the curve (AUC) of 0.983, it provides timely […]

Nomogram predicts survival benefit from chemotherapy in liver cancer patients

A nomogram developed from a retrospective study of 11,721 early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients reveals significant survival benefits from neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) for those classified as high-risk. The model predicts 3-, 5-, and 10-year cancer-specific survival rates based on clinical and demographic factors. Risk stratification effectively identifies patients who may benefit from NAC, supporting personalized […]

Low preoperative serum protein concentration increases staple-line leak risk.

In a study involving 1,669 patients undergoing sleeve gastrectomy, staple-line leaks were significantly associated with low preoperative serum protein concentrations (spc). Patients with leaks had a median spc of 6.8 g/L compared to 7.1 g/L in those without leaks. Higher spc values reduced leak risk (odds ratio of 0.20). Additionally, major intraoperative bleeding and blood […]

Robotic surgery shows advantages in mid-low rectal cancer treatment

A predictive model developed for anastomotic complications in mid-low rectal cancer highlights robotic surgery’s advantages over laparoscopic methods. Although robotic surgery entails longer operative times, patients experience earlier recovery milestones such as first flatus and liquid diets without ileostomy. Oncological outcomes and overall complication rates remain comparable between both techniques. The model, incorporating seven clinical […]

Dementia linked to worse surgical outcomes in older patients

In emergent hernia repair, patients with dementia, constituting 8.2% of 137,755 analyzed, face significantly higher risks. Older individuals with dementia experience increased in-hospital mortality (odds ratio 1.29), greater perioperative complications (1.41), and are more likely to be discharged non-home (2.98) compared to those without dementia. Additionally, readmission rates rise (1.11) for this vulnerable population. The […]

Harmonic scalpel’s impact on liver surgery to be assessed

A forthcoming randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the harmonic scalpel (hs) and cavitron ultrasonic surgical aspirator (cusa) for liver parenchymal transection during laparoscopic liver resections. The study will assess intraoperative blood loss, transection speed, operative time, and postoperative outcomes among patients at West China Hospital. By comparing these two techniques, the trial seeks to […]

Lidocaine outperforming nifedipine in hemorrhoid pain relief

A retrospective cohort study of 123 acute hemorrhoidal disease patients revealed that a treatment regimen including oral diosmin/hesperidin, bromelain, and topical lidocaine resulted in faster pain relief and improved symptom scores compared to a nifedipine-based regimen. Significant differences were noted by day 7 in pain scores (0.17 vs. 2.20, p < 0.001) and the hemorrhoidal […]

Midline extraction sites significantly increase hernia risk in surgery

A study involving 191 patients undergoing minimally invasive colorectal resection found a stark contrast in incisional hernia rates based on extraction site. Incisional hernias occurred in 30.9% of midline extractions compared to 0% in off-midline procedures. Multivariate analysis identified midline extraction as a major risk factor, with a relative risk of 29.1. These findings underscore […]

Boot camp significantly boosts surgical residents’ preparedness and confidence

A nationwide boot camp, the “First Touch course,” has proven effective in enhancing surgical residents’ preparedness and confidence as they transition into residency. Conducted over two editions in 2023 and 2024 with 84 participants, over 71% rated the course as excellent, with 100% stating it exceeded expectations. More than 75% felt better equipped for residency, […]

High fib-4 index and microvascular invasion predict late recurrence.

In a cohort of 769 hepatocellular carcinoma survivors, 21.6% experienced late recurrence post-treatment. Key findings showed that patients with late recurrence exhibited a higher fib-4 index (median 2.31) and a tendency toward microvascular invasion. Both factors were independently associated with worse recurrence-free survival (RFS). Patients identified as high-risk had a two-fold increase in recurrence hazard […]