A comparative analysis reveals ARMS as a preferable option for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) due to shorter procedure times and reduced complications, specifically dysphagia and bleeding. While TIF shows higher rates of recurrence and reoperation, it offers better long-term efficacy in medication reduction and quality-of-life improvements, particularly in previously untreated patients. Individual treatment choices […]
Author: STITCHES Newsletter
Postsurgical endoscopy is essential for optimal GI surgery outcomes
Postsurgical endoscopy emerges as a vital diagnostic tool in gastrointestinal surgery. It significantly aids in early complication detection, healing assessment, symptom management, and monitoring for cancer recurrence. As endoscopic techniques advance, their integration into clinical practice and surgical training is crucial for improving postoperative care. This review not only highlights the advancements in endoscopic technologies […]
Future liver remnant optimization improves surgical outcomes.
Enhancing the future liver remnant (FLR) before major hepatectomy significantly boosts patient outcomes, addressing post-operative liver failure risks. Various techniques such as portal vein embolization, ligation, and liver venous deprivation show distinct advantages and limitations for FLR hypertrophy. While comparative studies exist, controlled trials are scarce. The review highlights current methodologies and underscores the critical […]
ICU readmission notably raises mortality risk in surgical patients
A systematic review of 23 studies highlights a significant correlation between ICU readmission and increased mortality risk in surgical patients, with an odds ratio of 8.44. The overall readmission rate stood at 6%, notably higher in gastrointestinal (9%) and thoracic (8%) surgeries. Respiratory complications emerged as the leading cause, accounting for 40% of readmissions. This […]
Chen’s pancreaticojejunostomy shows low complication rates in surgery
A recent study evaluated the efficacy of Chen’s pancreaticojejunostomy in laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy among 112 patients with soft pancreatic texture and small main pancreatic ducts. The procedure yielded a low postoperative pancreatic fistula rate of 7.1%, all classified as grade B, with no grade C occurrences. The median operation time was 300 minutes, and the perioperative […]
Surgical site infections in sub-Saharan Africa require urgent intervention
Surgical site infections (SSIs) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) reach alarming rates, with occurrences as high as 41.9% in Tanzania, compared to 2.5% in Europe. Lack of resources and inadequate adherence to sterilization protocols contribute significantly to this disparity. Effective prevention strategies, such as antimicrobial-coated sutures and proper wound irrigation, are recommended. Securing external funding from […]
New surgical framework enhances management of small bowel Crohn’s disease
A novel four-tier surgical strategy (R0-R3) for small bowel Crohn’s disease has been proposed, emphasizing individualized treatment based on lesion severity and bowel function preservation. R0 involves complete resection for mild lesions, while R1 and R2 focus on preserving certain lesions during resection. R3 indicates temporary stoma creation for complex cases. This tailored approach promotes […]
Vas guide improves safety and efficiency in robot-assisted surgery
A novel device, the vas guide, significantly enhances blood vessel handling in robot-assisted surgeries. In a study of 83 patients, the vas guide group demonstrated faster looping times (31 seconds vs. 90 seconds), fewer complications (0% vs. 30%), and no additional instrument usage, contrasting sharply with the conventional technique. The device also scored higher on […]
Total neoadjuvant therapy shows promising results for rectal cancer
Comprehensive analysis of 311 patients with locally advanced rectal cancer revealed a 26.4% pathological complete response rate and significant downstaging in 75.2% of cases. At a median follow-up of 36 months, local and distant recurrence rates were 5.7% and 12.5%, respectively. The five-year cancer-specific survival and disease-free survival rates reached 88.8% and 80.5%, with downstaged […]
Bariatric surgery significantly lowers healthcare costs within two years
Bariatric surgery yields substantial economic benefits, with total healthcare costs for surgical patients decreasing by an average of $5,677 compared to nonsurgical counterparts within two years. The study examined 18,864 adults, revealing a 22.6% reduction in costs, particularly among those with type 2 diabetes, steatohepatitis, or aged 50-65, who experienced the highest savings. Findings underscore […]