Meta-analysis of eight studies demonstrates that the incidence of surgical site infections (SSIs) was significantly lower in patients receiving cephalosporin antibiotics compared to non-cephalosporins after colorectal surgery (14.8% vs 25.1%). Cephalosporins may be more effective in the short term, but long-term efficacy is similar. Clinicians should consider antibiotic spectrum, pharmacokinetics, and bacterial resistance when selecting […]
Author: STITCHES Newsletter
Robotic Surgery Shows Superiority Over Laparoscopic Surgery in Gastric Cancer Treatment
Robotic gastrectomy (RG) demonstrated higher overall survival, lower postoperative complications, faster recovery, and other advantages compared to laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) in gastric cancer patients. While mortality and disease-free survival were similar between the two techniques, RG offered better outcomes in specific scenarios like intracorporeal reconstruction and certain stages of cancer. These findings support the use […]
Prognostic Value of Examined Lymph Node Count in CRC
Higher examined lymph node (ELN) counts (≥17) in stage III colorectal cancer (CRC) patients correlate with improved long-term survival outcomes. ELN count independently predicts overall survival, cancer-specific survival, and progression-free survival. Subgroup analysis highlights benefits in patients treated with adjuvant chemotherapy with medium to large ELN counts (≥12). Increased immune activation in the tumor microenvironment […]
Effects of grit on medical students’ clerkship wellbeing
Medical students’ perseverance, a subconstruct of grit, was found to be associated with lower burnout and higher compassion satisfaction during clerkships in both surgical and non-surgical specialty units. Older students experienced less burnout, and male students reported higher compassion satisfaction compared to their female counterparts. Cultivating perseverance in medical education could positively impact students’ well-being, […]
Endoscopic Resection Clinical Algorithm
Malignancies in the upper gastrointestinal tract can be effectively treated through endoscopic resection at an early stage. Key factors influencing successful resection include thorough pre-resection assessment, precise delineation of margins, and selection of appropriate resection techniques. This review outlines clinical algorithms for the endoscopic resection of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, Barrett’s neoplasia, and gastric neoplasia, […]
Management and Prevention of Postoperative Ileus
Preventive measures like coffee consumption, probiotics, and use of dikenchuto within enhanced recovery programs significantly reduce postoperative ileus frequency and duration. Minimally invasive surgical approaches show promise as additional preventive strategies. Treatment options like alvimopan, NSAIDs, and acupuncture are effective, but lidocaine use raises concerns. Ongoing exploration of novel therapeutic strategies such as targeting mast […]
Higher Adoption of Best Practices in Minimally Invasive Surgery with Surgical Intelligence
Surgical intelligence led to a significant increase in Critical View of Safety (CVS) adoption in laparoscopic cholecystectomy procedures, reaching 69.2% from 39.2% within six months. Visualization of the cystic duct and artery significantly improved adoption rates. Procedures with full CVS were shorter with fewer events, demonstrating improved efficiency. Surgical intelligence can uncover new insights, modify […]
Preoperative Biliary Stenting and Persistent Hyperbilirubinemia: Predicting Post-Hepatectomy Complications
Following preoperative biliary stenting, patients with persistent hyperbilirubinemia (>1.2 mg/dl) are at higher risk of serious complications post-anatomic hepatectomy. Persistent hyperbilirubinemia independently predicts increased rates of serious complications and mortality, highlighting its importance in preoperative risk assessment. Failed preoperative biliary drainage serves as a crucial predictive factor for adverse post-operative outcomes in patients undergoing hepatectomy. […]
Real-time organ hypoperfusion detection with Indocyanine Green
Real-time organ hypoperfusion detection using Indocyanine Green in a piglet model showed immediate decreases in oscillation signals in most organs when peripheral arterial supply was occluded. Complete disappearance of oscillation curves was observed when central arterial supply was blocked. Continuous monitoring using high-frequency, low-dose ICG bolus regimen successfully detected organ hypoperfusion in real-time, offering potential […]
Digitizing Surgical Data Delivery in Tanzanian Hospitals
Digitizing operating theater data at Tanzanian referral hospital showcased significant advancements in data management, with over 4449 procedures conducted, emphasizing orthopedics/trauma. Challenges included securing local support and technology integration, but lessons learned highlighted the importance of stakeholder communication and training. The success of the web-based platform suggests scalability potential, with recommendations for ongoing monitoring, local […]