A scoping review assessed 24 studies on mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) for surgeons, revealing that such programs are feasible and significantly improve mindfulness, reduce burnout, and enhance overall well-being. Notably, these interventions also boost executive function, surgical skills, and communication. Evidence was drawn from various study designs, including randomized control trials and qualitative research. Future research […]
Category: Perspectives, Opinions and Curiosities
Implementing ERAS can significantly reduce hospital stay lengths
In Ethiopia, adherence to Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) guidelines was achieved in 65.2% of cases among 555 patients reviewed. The study revealed that following all five ERAS recommendations led to a remarkable reduction of approximately 5 days in postoperative hospital length of stay (LOS), with early mobilization and prompt feeding showing consistent decreases across […]
Multi-angle suture training enhances laparoscopic skills
A novel multi-angle suture training module significantly improved the laparoscopic skills of surgical residents. In a study involving 36 second-year surgical residents, those trained with the multi-angle module completed laparoscopic end-to-end anastomosis surgeries faster (3375.7 s vs. 4678.2 s) and scored higher in surgical performance (8.2 vs. 6.83) compared to those using traditional training. These […]
Immunotherapy shows promise for treating gastrointestinal cancers
Current strategies in immunotherapy for gastrointestinal cancers include immune checkpoint inhibitors, cytokine therapies, and novel approaches like CAR-T therapy. Clinical trials demonstrate significant benefits, although challenges such as immunosuppression and adverse effects remain. Future directions emphasize overcoming barriers, improving patient selection, and developing new treatments, including toll-like receptor-directed therapies. Ongoing research is essential to enhance […]
Community-acquired infections dominate intra-abdominal infections in Italy
A national study involving 4,530 patients from 23 hospitals revealed that 70.9% of intra-abdominal infections were community-acquired, with appendicitis cases showing an even higher rate of 98.2%. E. coli emerged as the primary pathogen in 45.6% of infections. The study also reported a 5.13% mortality rate and that 16.5% of patients required ICU admission. The […]
Preoperative opioid use significantly decreased among surgical patients
The opioid stewardship program in Pennsylvania and New Jersey successfully reduced preoperative opioid use among surgical patients, dropping from 17% to 10% from 2019 to 2023. Additionally, the adoption of intraoperative blocks rose from 21% to 27%. Despite ongoing challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic, opioid avoidance strategies were effectively sustained, with 68% to 70% of […]
Incident food insecurity affects post-surgical trauma patients significantly.
A multicenter study found that 21% of previously food-secure surgical trauma patients experienced new food insecurity within six months post-operation. Key risk factors included prolonged hospital stays, ICU admissions, and reliance on daily wage employment. Conversely, higher household income correlated with greater food security. The findings stress the importance of assessing food insecurity after discharge […]
Simulation-based education enhances surgical training transitions
Effective simulation-based education interventions are essential for addressing risks associated with transitional phases in surgical careers. These programs, developed by the American College of Surgeons, focus on key transitions—from medical school to residency and into practice—promoting cognitive, technical, and non-technical skills. Emphasizing competency and mastery-based approaches, along with tailored educational methods like mentoring and proctoring, […]
Surgical residents face significant financial challenges for childcare.
A study of 295 U.S. surgical residency programs indicates that 98.3% demonstrated negative net income after accounting for living expenses and childcare costs. This trend persisted across various child age groups and regions, with the West exhibiting the steepest losses averaging -$18,852. The findings reveal that the current salaries of surgical residents are insufficient to […]
Structured preoperative briefings significantly enhance surgical training outcomes
Findings reveal that implementing structured preoperative educational briefings markedly improves surgical education and trainee performance metrics. A systematic review identified 20 studies demonstrating 93 instances of statistically significant improvements post-briefing implementation. The new ‘goals, autonomy, preparation, and strategy’ (GAPS) framework emerged from thematic analysis, guiding effective briefing discussions. This framework facilitates goal-oriented learning, enhances trainee […]