Analyzing 598,736 patients across 52 Norwegian hospitals from 2011 to 2021, this study investigates failure to rescue (FTR30) after abdominal surgery. Despite a 30% decrease in FTR30 rates over a decade, substantial variations persist among similar hospitals. General surgical complications, with circulatory collapse and cardiac arrhythmia prevalent, were linked to FTR30. Surprisingly, hospital factors and […]
Author: STITCHES Newsletter
Enhancing Recovery: Postoperative Stellate Ganglion Block for Colorectal Cancer Surgery
Investigating the potential cardiovascular benefits of postoperative stellate ganglion block (SGB) after laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery, this randomized trial aims to enroll 950 patients with at least one risk factor for myocardial injury after non-cardiac surgery. Assessing outcomes such as myocardial injury incidence, pain levels, delirium, and recovery quality, the study explores whether SGB, traditionally […]
Advancing Surgical Oncology in Portuguese-Speaking Africa: Fellowship Outcomes
Addressing rising cancer rates in Portuguese-speaking African countries, a surgical oncology fellowship, led by the Portuguese Institute of Oncology and the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, trained residents and surgeons in Portugal. Following a standardized program, participants underwent hands-on training and assessments, with post-fellowship evaluations indicating enhanced knowledge, skills, and organizational abilities. Certified by a Portuguese university, […]
Decline in Pelvic Floor Integrity Linked to Escalating Grades of Rectal Intussusception: A Comprehensive Analysis of Contributing Factors.
Study Finds Decline in Pelvic Floor Integrity Associated with Increased Rectal Intussusception Grades, Independently of Obstetric and Surgical History. The analysis of 238 women revealed that factors like age, vaginal delivery, and pelvic surgery correlated with higher Oxford grades of rectal intussusception. Abnormal levator ani laxity and concurrent pelvic floor issues were independently linked to […]
Revitalizing Surgical Safety: A Comprehensive Checklist Reimplementation Boosts Team Performance and Patient Outcomes.
A Singapore-based prospective study transformed the surgical safety checklist through systematic reimplementation. Penetration and fidelity significantly improved, and team performance, assessed by the Oxford Non-Technical Skills system, rose substantially. Device-related interruptions decreased, safety culture surveys showed significant enhancements, and exploratory findings hinted at reduced patient safety events and complications. This study advocates for the impactful […]
In Distal Gastric Poorly Cohesive Carcinoma, Total and Subtotal Gastrectomy Yield Comparable 5-Year Outcomes
A European multicenter study comparing total (TG) and subtotal gastrectomy (SG) for antropyloric poorly cohesive carcinoma found no significant difference in 5-year overall survival (TG: 53.8%, SG: 53.0%) or disease-free survival (TG: 46.0%, SG: 45.3%). Despite similar baseline characteristics, TG showed higher postoperative complications. This study supports subtotal gastrectomy as a viable option, offering comparable […]
Comparative Analysis of Robotic Posterior Retroperitoneal and Lateral Transperitoneal Adrenalectomy
Robotic posterior retroperitoneal adrenalectomy and lateral transperitoneal adrenalectomy were compared using a 1:1 matched propensity analysis. In 154 matched cases, no significant differences were found in operative time, conversion to open surgery, postoperative pain, morphine use, length of stay, or 90-day complications. While posterior retroperitoneal adrenalectomy had lower estimated blood loss, it was not considered […]
Normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism presents a diagnostic challenge
A study introduced a preoperative calcium challenge for patients with elevated parathyroid hormone and normal calcium levels. Of 29 patients, 55% normalized parathyroid hormone with persistent normocalcemia, confirming secondary hyperparathyroidism. In 19%, classic primary hyperparathyroidism was diagnosed. Short-interval calcium supplementation revealed ∼50% resolved secondary hyperparathyroidism due to low calcium intake, avoiding unnecessary surgery. This approach, […]
Complex Bariatric Surgery Sequencing: Double Conversions from Adjustable Gastric Band to Sleeve Gastrectomy and Then to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
Examining 276 cases, researchers found that patients undergoing double conversions from adjustable gastric band (AGB) to sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and then to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) primarily did so due to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or inadequate weight loss/weight regain. Those converted for weight issues had higher baseline body mass index and sleep apnea prevalence, […]
Surgical Management of Esophageal Cancer in Patients with Right Aortic Arch or Double Aortic Arch: A Case Series
Analyzing 34 cases with right aortic arch (RAA) or double aortic arch (DAA) and esophageal cancer, the study found that esophagectomy, whether via thoracotomy or thoracoscopic surgery, can be safely performed for both conditions. Patients, predominantly Japanese males with squamous cell carcinoma, commonly underwent left thoracotomy for RAA and showed similar left and right approaches […]