A randomized controlled trial found that training with a 3D-printed model for laparoscopic biliary-enteric anastomosis led to significantly shorter operation times, higher performance scores, and greater goal achievement compared to traditional training methods. This suggests improved skill acquisition and transferability to a clinical setting with the novel simulation model. Randomized Controlled Trial by Shen J, […]
Author: STITCHES Newsletter
Machine Learning Models to Predict Laparoscopic Surgery Difficulty in Rectal Cancer
Researchers developed and validated machine learning (ML) models to predict the difficulty of laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (LaTME) in rectal cancer. In a study with 186 patients, four ML models—logistic regression (LR), support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), and decision tree (DT)—were developed using preoperative and intraoperative factors. All models showed strong performance in […]
Improved Outcomes With Prioritization of Circulation Over Intubation in Exsanguinating Injuries
Comparing outcomes in patients with exsanguinating injuries, a study found prioritizing circulation over intubation led to significantly lower 24-hour mortality (11.1% vs. 69.2%), reduced odds of mortality within 24h (91%), and at 30 days (89%), along with lower rates of renal failure and higher ARDS incidence. These results highlight the potential benefits of prioritizing circulation […]
Safety and efficacy of a PD-1 inhibitor combined with oxaliplatin plus S-1 in patients with Borrmann large type III and IV gastric cancers
Clinicians evaluated the safety and efficacy of combining a programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) inhibitor with oxaliplatin plus S-1 (SOX) for treating Borrmann large type III and IV gastric cancers. In this retrospective analysis involving 89 patients, those who received PD-1 combined with SOX (P-SOX) had a significantly higher pathological response rate (42.86% with tumor […]
Preoperative Checklist for Clinical Risk Assessment in Ileoanal Pouch Surgery
Clinicians developed a preoperative checklist to support clinical risk assessment and patient selection for patients with ulcerative colitis considering ileoanal pouch surgery (IPAA). The checklist includes risk factors such as gender, advanced age, obesity, comorbidities, sphincteric impairment, Crohn’s disease, and pelvic radiation therapy. It also incorporates crucial steps in the decision-making process, like pouch nurse […]
Effective Maintenance Therapies for Crohn’s Disease Post-Surgery
Effective maintenance therapies for Crohn’s disease post-surgery include 5-aminosalicylic acid, adalimumab, and thiopurine analogues. Cochrane reviews show these agents have varying levels of efficacy in preventing recurrence after surgery, with 5-ASA being probably more effective than placebo and adalimumab showing promise in network meta-analysis. Clinicians should consider these findings when discussing treatment options with patients, […]
Machine Learning for Predicting Future Surgery in Ileal Crohn’s Disease Using CT-Enterography
Researchers used machine learning (ML) to quantify cumulative ileal injury on CT-enterography (CTE) scans for patients with ileal Crohn’s disease (CD) to predict future bowel surgery. Analysis of 229 CTE scans with 8,424 mini-segments revealed strong agreement between ML and radiologists in grading bowel injury (κ=0.80), similar to inter-radiologist agreement (κ=0.87). Cumulative injury scores were […]
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Surgery Clerkship Education
This study explored how the COVID-19 pandemic affected medical student education in surgery clerkships. Most directors shifted to virtual platforms and then back to in-person learning. Student preparation and progression were impacted, but interest in surgical careers remained stable. Despite initial challenges, the pandemic led to positive changes in virtual patient encounters, didactics, and student […]
Bariatric Surgery Linked to Reduced Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Patients with MASLD
Researchers examined the impact of metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS) on cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). An analysis of the National Inpatient Sample from 2016 to 2020 revealed that MBS was significantly associated with a lower risk of hospitalization for various CVDs, including coronary artery disease, acute myocardial infarction, […]
Effects of Mindfulness-Based Interventions on Perioperative Pain Management and Opioid Use
Mindfulness interventions show promise in reducing perioperative pain and opioid use, offering a non-pharmacological approach to improve outcomes following surgery. Evidence suggests that brief mindfulness sessions preoperatively can alleviate pain and anxiety, while more extensive interventions postoperatively may help patients with persistent pain or prolonged opioid use. Understanding the psychophysiological mechanisms behind mindfulness is essential […]