Meta-analyses show that the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist is associated with lower complication and mortality rates. However, the studies in these analyses were mostly observational, with potential biases, leading to critically low overall confidence in the results. Using the AMSTAR 2 assessment tool, the systematic review highlighted the limitations in statistical methods and publication bias. […]
Author: STITCHES Newsletter
Prognostic Biomarkers in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer Patients
This study of 245 patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) found that post-treatment blood markers, such as platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), predicted pathological complete response. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) at two treatment timepoints significantly predicted overall survival, while the platelet-neutrophil (PN) index was associated with disease-free survival. In patients with pathological stage II, the PN […]
Liver Pucker Sign as a Predictor of Difficult Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
The liver pucker sign, a depression in the region of the gallbladder caused by chronic contractive inflammation, indicates a challenging laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A case series reports three instances where the pucker sign was discovered during surgery, suggesting it can be used to anticipate complications. This sign typically arises in cases of chronic cholecystitis with delayed […]
Guidelines for Maximising Tissue Value in Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma Management
Pathologists developed recommendations based on international consensus to enhance the clinical value of tissue samples in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma management. The guidance includes consensus statements on specimen handling, reporting content, and the need for molecular information to guide personalised therapies. These recommendations aim to standardize reporting practices and optimize tissue utilization for improved patient care. Journal […]
Transarterial Chemoembolization with Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy Improves Outcomes in Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with targeted therapy and immunotherapy (TACE-T-I) shows greater efficacy and safety compared to TACE with targeted therapy alone (TACE-T) in treating unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A meta-analysis of 14 studies with 2144 patients revealed that the TACE-T-I group had higher overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), as well as a […]
Validation of Indonesian Hemorrhoidal Disease Symptom Score and Short Health Scale
The Indonesian adaptations of the Hemorrhoidal Disease Symptom Score (HDSS) and the Short Health Scale Hemorrhoidal Disease (SHSHD) have been validated and confirmed as reliable tools for assessing health-related quality of life in Indonesian patients with hemorrhoidal disease. The study included 91 patients (55 males, 36 females). The correlations in the subscale interpretations and the […]
Safe Postoperative Outcomes Following Early Cholecystectomy for Acute Calculus Cholecystitis
Early cholecystectomy for acute calculus cholecystitis shows safe postoperative outcomes, regardless of symptom onset timing. Operative time was longest for patients with delayed surgery, but bile leaks and conversion rates were similar across groups. Hospital stay was slightly longer for those operated on within 72 hours of symptoms. Surgeons can confidently perform early cholecystectomy for […]
Reducing Invasive Evaluations in Patients with Incidental Common Bile Duct Dilation
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) for incidental common bile duct (CBD) dilation revealed that only 8.3% of cases had significant findings. Researchers identified predictors including age ≥70, non-biliary-type abdominal pain, CBD diameter ≥15 mm, and prior ERCP. A novel clinical prediction model was created, scoring age, pain type, prior ERCP, and CBD dilation. A score
Predictors of 1-year Mortality After Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer
A scoring system based on seven significant independent prognostic factors, including age, comorbidity, gastrectomy type, complications, cancer stage, and resection status, was developed and validated to predict 1-year mortality in patients with gastric cancer undergoing gastrectomy. This system demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity, aiding in selecting appropriate care planning strategies for these patients. Research Support, […]
Scoring Systems for Predicting Outcomes of Acute Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding
The oakland and Glasgow-Blatchford scores demonstrated excellent performance in predicting severe LGIB, need for blood transfusion, and mortality, outperforming the AIMS65 score. Hemostatic interventions and rebleeding prediction by all scores were suboptimal. These results suggest Glasgow-Blatchford score as an alternative for risk stratification in patients with acute lower GI bleeding. Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov’t by […]