The study investigated the long-term outcomes of conservative management for complicated colonic diverticulitis. The results showed that non-operative treatment is effective and safe for selected patients, with recurrence rates of 38.1% and high severity recurrence rates of 11.1%. Lower CT stages and grade III diverticulitis were associated with higher recurrence rates. Chronic NSAID use was […]
Author: STITCHES Newsletter
Snapshot audit methodology provides insights into surgical care delivery and outcomes
Snapshot audit methodology, in the form of prospective observational cohort studies, offers a valuable alternative to retrospective administrative datasets and randomized control trials for exploring the effectiveness of surgical patient care. This study discusses the key features of implementing snapshot audits, including the importance of a diverse steering committee and the involvement of mentored trainees. […]
High incidence of bile duct injuries during laparoscopic cholecystectomies highlights need for improved techniques
The 11-year population-based study on bile duct injuries (BDIs) during laparoscopic cholecystectomies (LC) revealed an overall BDI incidence rate of 0.81%, with minor and major BDI rates of 0.68% and 0.13%, respectively. No significant decline in BDI incidence was observed over the study period, contradicting the hypothesis. Drainage and ERCP stent placement were the most […]
Endoscopic Powered Resection Device Shows Safety and Effectiveness for Scarred Colorectal Lesions
The multicenter, prospective, international clinical study assessed the safety and effectiveness of an endoscopic powered resection (EPR) system for scarred adenomatous colorectal lesions. Among the 45 per-protocol patients with 48 lesions treated solely with the EPR device, technical success was achieved in 98% of patients. Adverse events were limited, including two delayed self-limited bleeds and […]
Effect of Hepatic Pedicle Clamping on Long-Term Survival following Hepatectomy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
The study investigates the impact of hepatic pedicle clamping (HPC) on long-term survival in patients who underwent hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The researchers analyzed data from a multicenter database and stratified patients based on whether they received intraoperative blood transfusion (IBT). While HPC did not significantly affect overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) […]
Physical Prehabilitation Reduces Short-Term Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Major Abdominal Surgery
Physical prehabilitation is recommended before major abdominal surgery to improve short-term outcomes. A comprehensive systematic review and network meta-analysis of 25 studies found that aerobic exercise (AE) and a combination of AE with inspiratory muscle training (IMT) were the most effective approaches in reducing overall morbidity rate and pneumonia risk. The combination of AE and […]
Lymph Node Tumor Regression Grade (lntrg) is a Better Prognostic Indicator for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Comparing different staging categories for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, this study determined that lymph node tumor regression grade (lntrg) demonstrated superior prognostic value for disease-free survival prediction compared to pretreatment pathologic n stage (prepn) and posttreatment pathologic n (ypn) categories. lntrg showed significant prognostic stratification power and was an independent prognostic factor. Multivariable cox regression […]
Nonoperative Management of Appendicitis in Multi-Morbid Patients: Concerns About Generalizability
The study compared outcomes of operative and nonoperative management of acute appendicitis in multi-morbid patients. Using national inpatient data, researchers found that nonoperative management was associated with a 3.5% decrease in complications for multi-morbid patients, but it resulted in a 1.5% increase in mortality. Costs and length of stay were lower for all patients treated […]
Indocyanine green fluorescence-guided lymphadenectomy improves lymph node retrieval in gastric cancer
The study evaluated the impact of indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence-guided lymphadenectomy during laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer. It included 142 patients, with 42 receiving preoperative ICG injection. The ICG group exhibited a higher number of retrieved lymph nodes compared to the non-ICG group, regardless of neoadjuvant treatment or tumor stage. The use of ICG was […]
Strategies to Reduce Ileus After Colorectal Surgery: Key Findings on Effective Interventions
Researchers conducted an umbrella review of 26 systematic reviews to determine strategies for reducing postoperative ileus after colorectal surgery. The most effective interventions included early oral feeding, chewing gum, and alvimopan. Early oral feeding accelerated bowel function return, while gum chewing reduced postoperative ileus by 45% and shortened time to first flatus and defecation. Coffee […]