Gastric cancer in elderly folks is a global health concern, as it often leads to post-op complications and poor outcomes due to frailty. This innovative study presents a plan: a multimodal prehabilitation combined with enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS). They’re putting 368 patients through the paces, focusing on nutrition, fitness, and mental health before gastrectomy. […]
Author: STITCHES Newsletter
Game-Changing Prognostic Models Unveiled for Gastrointestinal Melanoma
In a data-driven investigation involving 991 primary gastrointestinal melanoma patients, researchers constructed reliable prognostic models for predicting overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS). These models incorporated key factors like age, disease stage, lymph node density, and surgery. Rigorous testing confirmed their effectiveness, making them valuable tools for assessing the prognosis of primary gastrointestinal melanoma […]
MRI Scoring Sheds Light on Post-Op Anorectal Function in Rectal Cancer
In a two-center study, researchers established a postoperative MRI-based scoring system for fibrosis in locally advanced rectal cancer patients who received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT). They found a positive correlation between anastomotic and perirectal fibrosis scores (AFS and PFS) and anorectal function, measured using the Wexner score. Age, tumor height, AFS, and PFS were identified as […]
Consensus-Based Prioritization of Simulation Procedures for General Surgery Trainee Assessment
This study aimed to create a ranked list of surgical procedures for high-stakes simulation assessments in general surgery training. Using a Delphi consensus approach, a diverse group of 30 surgical trainers and a steering committee evaluated procedures based on perceived importance, risk, frequency, and feasibility. The study produced prioritized lists for two key training stages: […]
Elective Hernia Repair Boosts Life Expectancy for Asymptomatic Paraesophageal Hernia Patients
This study reevaluated the best approach for asymptomatic paraesophageal hernia (PEH) patients: elective laparoscopic hernia repair (ELHR) or watchful waiting (WW). The conventional wisdom, based on older analyses, favored WW. However, updated research shows that ELHR leads to increased life expectancy, especially for women aged 40-90. Sensitivity and probabilistic analyses supported this shift, indicating that […]
Comparing Strategies for Anastomotic Leak After Rectal Cancer Surgery
A worldwide study investigated the treatment of anastomotic leaks following rectal cancer surgery, categorizing strategies into salvage surgery, passive or active drainage, and no initial faecal diversion. Among 2470 patients, the study found that primary salvage surgery and omitting faecal diversion represented the most severe and least severe cases, respectively. In patients with diverted leaks, […]
Exploring the Connection Between Social Media and Violent Crime
Researchers conducted a cross-sectional study utilizing data from the Prince George’s County police department to investigate the link between social media engagement, crime, and violence. In a society where over 70% of Americans use various social media platforms, it’s essential to comprehend how online interactions may contribute to real-world conflict and violence. This study aims […]
Implementing Trauma Resilience and Recovery Program for Mental Health After Injuries
Trauma centers can effectively promote mental health recovery by introducing the Trauma Resilience and Recovery Program (TRRP). This scalable model offers early mental health intervention after traumatic injuries. The study successfully implemented TRRP in three level I-II trauma centers. Engaging stakeholders, including patients, providers, and hospital administrators, in the early stages of implementation enhanced its […]
Hepatic Arterial Infusion Pump (HAIP) Chemotherapy Improves Survival in Liver-Confined Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma (ICCA)
Researchers compared the outcomes of liver-confined unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICCA) patients receiving systemic chemotherapy (gemcitabine and cisplatin) with those given hepatic arterial infusion pump (HAIP) chemotherapy. The study, involving 268 patients, revealed that HAIP chemotherapy significantly outperformed systemic treatment. Median survival for HAIP was 27.7 months compared to 11.8 months with gem-cis. Notably, HAIP resulted […]
Factors Affecting 1-Year Mortality in Elderly Cancer Patients After Major Abdominal Surgery
In a study involving 378 elderly cancer patients aged 80 or older who underwent major abdominal surgery, researchers found that 24.3% of them died within a year. Various factors were linked to this one-year mortality, including preoperative performance status, significant weight loss, the use of vasopressors during surgery, and postoperative blood transfusions. Encouragingly, adherence to […]