On September 17, 2024, Lebanon suffered a devastating attack involving the simultaneous detonation of explosive-laden pagers, yielding 12 deaths and nearly 3,000 injuries, mainly to the eyes, face, and hands. Hospitals faced overwhelming challenges, with over 80 surgeries performed by the American University of Beirut’s ophthalmology department within four days. This incident underscores a disturbing […]
Author: STITCHES Newsletter
Laparoscopic Ultrasound Resection Enhances Survival in Colorectal Liver Metastases
Laparoscopic ultrasound-guided resection and microwave ablation significantly improve patient outcomes for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). In a study of 300 patients, the technique effectively reduced complications and enhanced survival when compared to traditional imaging methods. Notably, intraoperative contrast-enhanced ultrasound with Sonazoid emerged as an independent prognostic factor, underlining its clinical relevance in surgical oncology. This […]
Global Consensus Set on Core Learning Objectives for Surgical Education
An international panel of 61 experts has established 120 core learning objectives for global surgery education, utilizing a modified Delphi consensus. This collaborative effort, representing diverse surgical disciplines across 26 countries, addresses the urgent need for structured, consensus-driven curricula amid varying educational standards. Key objectives focus on the global burden of surgical diseases, system strengthening, […]
Social Vulnerability Tied to Higher Postoperative Complications in Cancer Surgery
Among 34,253 patients undergoing hepatopancreatobiliary cancer surgery, high allostatic load (AL) strongly correlated with increased postoperative risks. Those in socioeconomically vulnerable areas faced a 44% higher likelihood of severe complications and an 85% increased chance of failure to rescue. A significant twofold increase in 30-day mortality was also linked to elevated AL. This study underscores […]
Endoloop Laparoscopic Appendectomy Slashes Carbon Emissions by 81%
The endoloop technique for laparoscopic appendectomy delivers a staggering 81% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to stapler methods. It also significantly lowers human health costs related to environmental damage—six to ten times less than alternatives. Most emissions stem from raw material extraction and production, highlighting the need for greener surgical options. This highlights an […]
Interventional Endoscopy Revolutionizes Treatment for Complex Gastroenterological Issues
Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) has transformed from a diagnostic tool to a crucial therapeutic method. Today, EUS-guided procedures are standard for managing symptomatic pancreatic fluid collections and offer alternatives for high-risk surgical patients with acute cholecystitis. It also provides solutions for biliary obstructions after failed ERCP. New techniques, including transgastric ERCP and gastrojejunostomy, tackle issues stemming […]
CT-derived extracellular volume improves colorectal cancer differentiation predictions
CT-derived extracellular volume fraction (ct-ecv) significantly correlates with histological grading in colorectal cancer. In a study of 200 patients, ct-ecv, alongside serological markers like CEA and NLR, effectively predicted poorly differentiated tumors. The combination of ct-ecv with NLR and tumor markers yielded an impressive AUC of 0.91 for preoperative differentiation. This noninvasive approach enhances clinical […]
New insights on hemorrhoidal disease treatments: effectiveness and limitations
Hemorrhoidal disease impacts 10 million Americans, causing bleeding, pain, and discomfort. First-line treatments like increased fiber and water intake, along with phlebotonics, often fail, leading to 80% symptom recurrence. Office-based interventions are vital for grades I to III; rubber band ligation offers 89% short-term relief, but may require repeat procedures. Excisional hemorrhoidectomy achieves low recurrence […]
Postcolonoscopy Colorectal Cancers Reveal Distinct Molecular Patterns
Postcolonoscopy colorectal cancers (pccrcs) show higher rates of microsatellite instability, CIMP, and BRAF mutations compared to sporadic cases, alongside a greater presence of proximal lesions. Although 5-year survival rates are similar between pccrcs and sporadic colorectal cancers, pccrcs fare significantly worse than cancers detected via screening. These findings suggest the serrated pathway’s pivotal role in […]
Longer Postoperative Stays Correlate with Higher Unplanned Readmission Risks
Increasing postoperative length of stay raises the likelihood of unplanned readmissions among surgical patients. In a comprehensive study of over 3 million individuals, those staying 3-10 days post-surgery showed significantly higher odds of readmission compared to those discharged within 0-2 days. This trend persisted across various surgical specialties and procedures, with otolaryngology and laparoscopic bariatric […]