This study delves into the postoperative outcomes of digestive cancer surgeries with curative intent in a low-mid income country. Analyzing data from 76 patients, the study revealed that immediate preoperative morbidity was around 36.84%, with a mortality rate of 5.26%. At 90 days post-surgery, morbidity remained consistent, while mortality increased to 7.9%. The research identified […]
Author: STITCHES Newsletter
Comparing Laparoscopic and Trans-Anal TME for Rectal Cancer: Insights from RCT Meta-Analysis
In a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, researchers evaluated two surgical approaches for rectal cancer: laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (LaTME) and trans-anal TME (TaTME). Analyzing data from 1,691 patients across six trials, they found no significant differences in morbidity, mortality, conversion to open surgery, or anastomotic leakage between the two techniques. However, TaTME patients were […]
Antibiotics Prove Effective in Uncomplicated Diverticulitis: A Japanese Nationwide Study
Investigating the effectiveness of antibiotics in treating uncomplicated diverticulitis, this study analyzed data from 131,936 admissions. After propensity score matching, it found that initiating antibiotics within 2 days of admission significantly reduced the rates of intestinal resection and stoma creation when compared to non-antibiotic treatment. While the antibiotic approach resulted in slightly higher median costs, […]
Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty Proves Effective for Overweight Patients in Halting Obesity Progression
Researchers conducted a multicenter international study on overweight patients, exploring the effectiveness and safety of Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) as an early intervention against obesity. The results, involving 189 patients, revealed that ESG is safe and effective in treating overweight individuals, with a significant rate of BMI normalization. ESG shows promise as a tool to […]
Irreversible Electroporation for Pancreatic Cancer: A Safer Alternative
A multi-institutional analysis of patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer revealed that irreversible electroporation (IRE), a novel treatment, resulted in a lower rate of adverse events (25%) compared to pancreatectomy (39%) for early-stage disease. IRE patients had a greater risk of severe complications when they received high-dose neoadjuvant radiation, had electrodes close to vital blood […]
Simulation in Residency Transition Programs Lacks Emphasis on Non-Clinical Skills
Transition to residency programs often incorporate simulation to enhance clinical skills but tend to overlook non-clinical skills. In a scoping review of 38 articles, researchers found that simulation activities, such as mock paging and procedural skills training, primarily focused on clinical aspects. The most common simulation tools were standardized patients. While communication skills, critical thinking, […]
Balanced Blood Transfusions Improve Survival in Trauma Patients
A retrospective analysis of trauma patients receiving blood transfusions aimed to validate findings from a previous study on transfusion outcomes. Researchers analyzed 17,047 patients and found that mortality increased with each unit of packed red blood cells transfused, with a higher likelihood of death at 11 units. Notably, patients receiving balanced transfusions had better survival […]
Decline in Surgery for Advanced Rectal Cancer Raises Concerns About Guideline Adherence
A study using the National Cancer Database analyzed trends in the treatment of locally advanced rectal cancers. Researchers found that despite the traditional treatment approach involving surgery, there was a concerning decrease in the number of patients undergoing surgery, along with a rise in patients declining surgery. Several factors associated with forgoing surgery included older […]
Endoscopic Quality Assurance in Greenland: Positive Results from Surgical Coastal Expeditions
Surgical coastal expeditions (SCEs) brought endoscopic services to small coastal hospitals in Greenland, aiming to increase patient accessibility and reduce transport costs. A review of 89 endoscopies during two SCEs revealed satisfactory cecal intubation rates, adenoma detection rates, and advanced adenoma detection rates. However, attention to bowel preparation was needed, considering Greenland’s specific eating habits. […]
Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act Falls Short in Improving Surgical Outcomes for Non-English Speakers
Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, which mandated the use of qualified language interpreters, had an unintended impact. A study analyzing surgical outcomes in non-English primary language speakers (N-EPL) found that after Section 1557’s implementation, N-EPL patients experienced increased mortality, post-operative complications, and non-routine discharges. Contrary to expectations, the regulation did not lead to […]