Researchers explored the impact of age on post-operative outcomes for patients undergoing resection for oesophageal and gastric cancer. They analyzed data from a cohort of 466 patients over nearly two decades. Patients over 75 faced slightly higher post-operative complications, primarily cardiac or thromboembolic issues, when undergoing oesophagectomy, but no significant difference in outcomes was observed […]
Author: STITCHES Newsletter
Enhancing Surgical Ward Rounds: Checklists and More
A systematic review delved into strategies to improve surgical ward rounds. Checklists, technology, personnel, and well-being interventions were among the methods studied. Checklists were the most prevalent and demonstrated significant enhancements in documentation, staff understanding, and patient satisfaction. Other interventions also improved communication, patient safety, and reduced patient stress. The findings highlight the potential of […]
Bariatric Surgery’s Varied Impact on Gastrointestinal Cancer Risk
In a study using U.S. National Inpatient Sample data from 2016 to 2020, researchers delved into the connection between bariatric metabolic surgery (BMS) and hospital admissions for gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. They found that BMS was linked to a higher risk of gastric and pancreatic cancer hospital admissions but a lower risk of colorectal and liver […]
Nurturing Resident Autonomy for Future Surgeons
A decline in surgical resident autonomy is evident, with data revealing a drop from 12.5% to 3.7% in independent surgeries from 2004 to 2019. Contrary to concerns, there’s no proof that resident autonomy negatively impacts outcomes. This viewpoint advocates for preserving and enhancing resident autonomy as a crucial goal for surgical educators. Empowering trainees with […]
Gender Disparities in Surgical Practice Development
Early-career surgeons often grapple with practice development hurdles, contributing to high burnout rates and attrition. A study across five academic medical centers found that both men and women surgeons face barriers like competition and resource allocation. However, women surgeons additionally confront gender-based discrimination, unequal referrals, and more extensive demands. Gender concordance with patients and referrers […]
Optimizing Morbidity and Mortality Conferences for Quality Improvement and Education
In their quest to refine morbidity and mortality conferences (MMCs), a treasure trove of 59 studies revealed valuable insights. These MMC makeovers, assessed through the Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument, struck a harmonious balance. They spotlighted the significance of pre-conference groundwork and post-event follow-up for quality improvement. The MMC success formula includes concise case […]
Innovative Approach for Pancreatic Cancer Surgery Yields Promising Outcomes
A novel cranial-to-caudal approach (CC approach) for minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy (MIDP) in pancreatic cancer was examined. The study included 94 patients, with 23 undergoing the CC approach. This approach aimed to identify Gerota’s fascia from the cranial side of the pancreas and ensure complete tumor removal. Results revealed similar operation times, blood loss, and […]
A Decade of Robotic Hepatectomies: Learning Curve and Outcomes
Over a 10-year span, a medical center’s experience with 100 major robotic liver resections was examined, showing the evolution of robotic surgery. The study found no significant differences in key parameters like operative time, blood loss, length of hospital stay, 90-day readmission, major complications, and mortality between early and late cases. Notably, the study revealed […]
Quality of Care in Appendicitis: Regional Hospitals Outperform Tertiary Care Centers
A comparative study of 2,158 adult appendicitis patients in different hospital settings revealed notable differences in surgical outcomes. Patients in tertiary care hospitals experienced longer surgical waiting times, increased surgical delays, longer operation times, higher rates of appendix perforation, and greater hospital costs compared to those in regional hospitals. Factors linked to surgical delays were […]
Transverse Coloplasty Pouch Improves Bowel Function After Rectal Cancer Surgery
Researchers compared two surgical techniques for rectal cancer patients who underwent intersphincteric resection (ISR): transverse coloplasty pouch (TCP) and straight coloanal anastomosis (SCAA). While oncological outcomes were similar, the study found that two years after ileostomy closure, the TCP group had significantly less major low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) and better Wexner scores compared to […]