A new augmented reality system improves workflow in minimally invasive hepatobiliary-pancreatic surgery by overlaying real-time ultrasound images onto laparoscopic displays. Surgeons using this system, called Flag AR, maintained focus on a single monitor 97.9% of the time, significantly more than the 73.8% with conventional ultrasound. Flag AR cut down gaze shifts from 8.4 to 1.8, […]
Category: Perspectives, Opinions and Curiosities
Inappropriate Medications Common in Surgical Patients
Surgeons must be vigilant, as over 67% of surgical patients are being prescribed inappropriate antibiotics and 42% inappropriate analgesics. 67.5% of patients received inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions. 42.2% received inappropriate analgesic prescriptions. 51.6% experienced inadequate pain management. Comorbidities and a lack of lab tests are key factors in inappropriate prescriptions. Routine lab work is essential for […]
Better Surgeon Communication Makes Operating Rooms Run Faster
Surgeons’ non-technical skills significantly enhance operating room efficiency. A one-point increase in NOTSS scores correlates with a 28.1% increase in on-time first case starts. Each score point leads to a 22.1% improvement in actual vs. expected operation length. It also results in a 74.8% increase in cases turning over within expected time. Improving communication and […]
For-Profit Hospitals Linked to Higher Risks in GI Surgery
For-profit hospital ownership is tied to worse outcomes in major gastrointestinal surgeries. Patients at for-profit hospitals had 12% higher odds of 30-day complications. Elective surgeries at these facilities saw a 26% increase in in-hospital mortality and a 34% higher chance of non-home discharge. Surgeons should consider these risks when evaluating surgical options for patients, despite […]
Training Residents on Intraoperative DNR Improves Confidence
Surgeon education on intraoperative do not resuscitate (DNR) orders is crucial for enhancing patient care and respecting autonomy. 56.5% of surgery residents mistakenly thought DNR status must be revoked for elective surgeries; 52.1% believed this for emergencies. A simulation-based curriculum significantly boosted residents’ confidence (p < .001) and corrected misconceptions regarding DNR status preservation (p […]
New Machine Learning Tool Improves Social Risk Assessment for Surgery
A new machine learning-based index enhances social risk evaluation in surgical patients, crucial for better outcomes and health equity. Models using machine learning outperformed conventional indices, showing a median 8.15-fold increase in predictive power across 14 surgical outcomes. The study analyzed over 3.2 million patients from 688 hospitals, providing tailored social risk insights for different […]
Structured Robotic Surgery Training Improves Outcomes in Cancer Patients
A structured training program significantly enhances surgical performance for robotic procedures. 16 experienced surgeons trained in a four-stage curriculum, with only 8 achieving full certification. Robotic procedures resulted in less blood loss (266.2 ml vs. 598.2 ml) despite longer operative times (304.9 min vs. 259.1 min). No difference in lymph node yield or complication rates […]
Prehabilitation Cuts Postoperative Risks in GI Surgery
Multimodal prehabilitation significantly reduces mortality and readmission rates in high-risk gastrointestinal surgery patients. Participants had 30-day mortality at 32% of expected rates and readmission at 93% of expected rates. Baseline dyspnea (47% in nonideal outcomes) and disseminated cancer are key risk factors linked to higher 30-day readmissions. Surgeons should closely evaluate patients with dyspnea, as […]
Remote Video Coaching Boosts Surgeon Skills in Rural Areas
A remote video coaching program significantly improves surgeons’ non-technical skills in rural hospitals. 13 of 17 surgeons improved their skills in ward rounds after coaching. 10 of 17 showed enhancements in both clinic and operating room settings. Implementing this program could enhance surgical outcomes by improving communication and decision-making skills. Most surgeons found the intervention […]
Robotic High-Intensity Theater Improves Gynecological Surgery
Robotic high-intensity theater (HIT) lists enhance efficiency and safety for benign gynecological surgery compared to standard NHS operating lists. Mean operative time was significantly shorter for HIT at 72.5 minutes versus 129.3 minutes for standard lists. Complication rates remained low and comparable: 13% for HIT vs. 29% for standard. Surgeons can consider implementing HIT to […]