Ki-67 proliferation index was found to be associated with tumor grade in pleural epithelioid mesotheliomas, showing comparable predictability for overall survival to mitotic score. High Ki-67 index and mitoses were significantly linked to poor overall survival, suggesting that Ki-67 index by digital image analysis could serve as a reliable surrogate for tumor grade in assessing […]
Author: STITCHES Newsletter
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy improves survival in locally advanced colon cancer
Compared to upfront surgery, neoadjuvant chemotherapy for locally advanced colon cancer is associated with lower recurrence and mortality hazards, higher 5-year survival rates, and increased disease-free survival rates. Additionally, it reduces the risk of incomplete resection without significantly impacting perioperative complications or mortality. These findings emphasize the benefits of neoadjuvant chemotherapy as a treatment strategy […]
Antegrade stenting followed by EUS-guided hepaticogastrostomy extends time to recurrent biliary obstruction in patients with unresectable malignant distal biliary obstruction.
Endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HGS) is associated with higher rates of adverse events and recurrent biliary obstruction compared to antegrade stenting followed by EUS-HGS (EUS-HGAS) in patients with malignant distal biliary obstruction. However, EUS-HGAS significantly extends the time to recurrent biliary obstruction, potentially benefiting patients with longer life expectancy. Journal Article by Ishiwatari H, Ogura T […]
Recurrence-Free Survival Strongly Correlates with Overall Survival in Neoadjuvant-Treated Oesophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Recurrence-free survival is a valid surrogate endpoint for overall survival in surgically resectable advanced oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (oscc) patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy. A strong correlation (kendall’s τ 0.797) was found between the two endpoints, particularly in patients with a more favorable response to neoadjuvant treatment. This suggests that recurrence-free survival can be used as […]
Wound Irrigation in Laparotomy: No Significant Reduction in Surgical Site Infections
Wound irrigation with polyhexanide solution did not significantly decrease the incidence of surgical site infections compared to saline or no irrigation after laparotomies. The study, involving 689 patients, found an overall infection rate of 11.8%, with no statistically significant difference between the groups. Further research is needed to assess the potential benefits in contaminated and […]
Immunotherapy in High-Risk Rectal Cancer: Promising Results with Total Neoadjuvant Therapy
Researchers evaluated total neoadjuvant therapy with immunotherapy for high-risk rectal cancer with proficient mismatch repair status. The study showed a pathologic complete response rate of 33.3%, with 48% achieving clinical complete response. R0 resection was achieved in all patients. Adverse effects were manageable, with nausea being the most common. Patients with tumor shrinkage or clinical […]
Abdominal Wall Tension Does Not Impact Early Postoperative Outcomes in Posterior Component Separation with Transversus Abdominis Release
After analyzing 200 measurements from 100 patients undergoing posterior component separation with transversus abdominis release, researchers found that baseline and residual abdominal wall tensions did not affect early postoperative complications such as surgical site infection, readmission, ileus, and bleeding. Further investigation is required to determine if abdominal wall tension influences long-term outcomes like hernia recurrence. […]
Electric Bicycle Injuries on the Rise in the US from 2017 to 2022
Surge in Electric Bicycle Injuries: US Cases Soar 30-Fold from 2017 to 2022, with Head Trauma Incidence Surging 49 Times. Hospitalizations reach 5462, a 43-fold increase, with injuries in children rising to 13%. Head injuries rise sharply, while helmet use declines by 5.6% annually, worn by only 44% of injured e-bicyclists. Odds of head injury […]
Enhanced Recovery in Rectal Cancer Surgery Does Not Improve Long-Term Survival
Implementing enhanced recovery pathways in rectal cancer surgery decreased short-term morbidity and length of hospital stay. However, adherence to these protocols did not show an improvement in long-term overall survival, cancer-specific survival, or disease-free survival compared to non-enhanced care. Therefore, while enhanced recovery pathways reduce short-term complications, they do not affect long-term oncological outcomes in […]
High risk of venous thromboembolism in peritoneal mesothelioma patients highlights need for vigilant monitoring
Peritoneal mesothelioma patients had a high venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk, with 21.7% experiencing VTE, mainly symptomatic pulmonary emboli. 4-week thromboprophylaxis post-surgery resulted in acceptable 90-day VTE rates. Surgical patients and those with low serum albumin had higher VTE risk, but overall survival did not significantly differ between patients with and without VTE. These findings underscore […]