Mental health significantly impacts cancer care. Researchers analyzed Medicare data on patients with gastrointestinal cancer and mental illness from 2004 to 2016. They found that those with limited access to psychiatric services faced higher risks of postoperative complications, extended hospital stays, 90-day readmissions, and poorer overall outcomes. Patients with mental illness and restricted access to […]
Author: STITCHES Newsletter
Clinical Calculator Accurately Predicts Freedom from Colon Cancer Recurrence
In a study validating the Memorial Sloan Kettering clinical calculator for predicting freedom from colon cancer recurrence, results demonstrated its accuracy. The calculator, based on clinical and molecular variables, was originally developed with selective microsatellite instability testing. However, when tested with data from patients thoroughly examined for instability, it remained reliable. The concordance index was […]
Low-Dose Haloperidol Effectively Reduces Postoperative Nausea/Vomiting in Bariatric Surgery
In the pursuit of countering postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) among bariatric surgery patients, researchers integrated low-dose haloperidol into enhanced recovery protocols. Analyzing data from 475 patients, they found that those who received haloperidol had lower rates of PONV, required fewer additional antiemetics, and experienced significantly shorter hospital stays. This innovative approach not only eases […]
Precise Tension Analysis Guides Hernia Repair Technique
In hernia repairs, the posterior components separation (PCS) technique plays a key role, but its precise impact on the abdominal wall remains unclear. Researchers at the Cleveland Clinic investigated this. They discovered that retrorectus dissection significantly reduced tension on the anterior fascia, ideal for cases requiring anterior fascial advancement. Meanwhile, incision of the posterior lamella […]
Improved Survival in Esophageal Cancer: Key Role of Upper Mediastinal Lymphadenectomy in Minimally Invasive Surgery
Minimally invasive esophagectomy, when combined with upper mediastinal lymphadenectomy, has shown enhanced prognosis for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. This study analyzed 339 patients and revealed higher efficacy indices around recurrent laryngeal nerves. Patients who underwent this procedure experienced significantly improved survival rates, highlighting the importance of upper mediastinal lymphadenectomy during minimally invasive esophagectomy, particularly in […]
Geographic Disparities in Esophageal Cancer Treatment in Michigan
This study delves into the uneven landscape of esophageal cancer treatment in Michigan. Analyzing data from over 8,600 patients, the researchers found that a mere 27.4% received esophageal surgery. Men, white individuals, the insured, and those in rural areas were more likely to get this surgery. Alarmingly, significant variations in care were discovered between urban […]
Early Cholecystectomy Benefits Frail Geriatric Patients with Acute Biliary Pancreatitis
When it comes to frail geriatric patients with acute biliary pancreatitis (ABP), opting for early cholecystectomy (CCY) during the index admission is a wise choice. A study comparing these patients to those managed nonoperatively (NOM) through endoscopic procedures found that CCY led to significantly lower 6-month rates of complications, readmissions, mortality, and fewer days spent […]
Preoperative Chemo Ups Survival in Nonmetastatic T4b Colon Cancer
A game-changer for colon cancer treatment! This study analyzed the impact of preoperative chemotherapy on nonmetastatic T4b colon cancer. Results showed that neoadjuvant chemotherapy significantly increased survival rates. Over the years, its use grew from 4% to 16%. Factors like younger age, male gender, recent diagnosis, academic centers, node-positive disease, and sigmoid colon tumors predicted […]
CT Scans Predict Feasibility of Intestinal Surgery in IBD Patients
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai have developed a groundbreaking technique using preoperative CT scans to predict whether a patient with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) will be a suitable candidate for ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA). By measuring critical lengths related to the small bowel’s mesentery, they identified that patients with a mesenteric length of less than 14.6 cm […]
Laparoscopic Sandwich Technique: A Promising Option for Parastomal Hernia Repair
A study from Catalonia, Spain, examined the effectiveness of the laparoscopic sandwich technique for parastomal hernia repair, which uses a double intraperitoneal mesh. Out of 38 patients, the recurrence rate was 7.9%, and the most common complication leading to recurrence was postoperative issues like seroma, hematoma, and surgical site infection. The sandwich technique demonstrated consistent […]