A novel therapeutic approach utilizing a sustained-release anti-JUN agent demonstrated significant efficacy in preventing postoperative adhesions in preclinical models. Encapsulated in a shear-thinning hydrogel, this small-molecule inhibitor minimized adhesion quantity and reduced fibrosis at the microstructural level. The treatment proved safe and well-tolerated in both murine and porcine models, suggesting strong potential for clinical application […]
Category: Perspectives, Opinions and Curiosities
Evidence-based nursing improves recovery in older gastrointestinal surgery patients
An evidence-based enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol has significantly improved outcomes for older adults undergoing gastrointestinal surgery. In a trial involving 392 patients, those receiving the new nursing model exhibited lower heart rates, stable blood parameters, and reduced postoperative complications compared to a control group. Key benefits included shorter recovery times, lower anxiety scores, […]
Behavioral health disorders increase opioid dependence post-surgery
A significant association was found between behavioral health disorders and new persistent opioid use following major surgeries. Among 62,585 patients studied, 20.3% with behavioral health disorders developed persistent opioid use compared to 16.6% without. This group also required higher median morphine doses. Additionally, those with behavioral health disorders had 32% greater odds of developing new […]
Triclosan-Containing Sutures Reduce Surgical Site Infections
A recent systematic review and meta-analysis of 31 studies involving 17,968 participants demonstrated that triclosan-containing sutures substantially lower the incidence of surgical site infections compared to non-triclosan sutures, achieving a relative risk of 0.75 (95% CI, 0.65-0.86). Despite moderate certainty due to heterogeneity, the trial sequential analysis indicated that additional studies are unlikely to alter […]
Preoperative smoking cessation reduces postoperative complications in cancer surgery
This systematic review and meta-analysis involving 39,499 participants reveals that smokers who stopped smoking at least four weeks prior to cancer surgery experience significantly fewer complications. Those who smoked within four weeks before surgery faced 31% higher odds of complications, while those who never smoked had even greater risks, showing an odds ratio of 2.83. […]
MUST emerges as the most valid nutritional screening tool
A multicentre study involving 1,649 patients assessed malnutrition risk in major abdominal surgeries. The Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) identified 34.1% as malnourished, while various tools showed significant variability in assessments. The Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) and Mini Nutrition Assessment Short Form (MNA-SF) exhibited the best diagnostic capabilities. MUST demonstrated strong construct and prognostic validity, […]
Weekend Surgery Increases Risk of Complications and Mortality
Patients undergoing surgeries immediately before the weekend face higher risks of death, readmission, and complications compared to those treated afterwards. An analysis of over 429,000 patients in Ontario revealed a consistent increase in adverse outcomes at 30 days, 90 days, and one year post-surgery for those in the preweekend group, with adjusted odds ratios indicating […]
Improved visualization of surgical needle tips enhances accuracy
A novel model was developed to visualize hidden surgical needle tips within organs, addressing challenges in laparoscopic procedures that could lead to complications like anastomotic leakage. Testing revealed real-time image inference at 33.4 frames per second and a mean needle misalignment of just 1.03 mm, well below the 1.8 mm threshold. These findings suggest that […]
Delaying surgery post-COVID-19 improves patient outcomes.
A study involving 4,953 patients revealed that delaying surgery for at least two weeks post-COVID-19 infection can significantly lower the risks of short-term complications and mortality. Patients who postponed their procedures for over seven weeks experienced enhanced long-term functional recovery, as indicated by reduced disability rates at both six and twelve months. These findings underline […]
Surgeons benefit from 360-degree feedback on non-technical skills
Feedback from 88 academic surgeons through the intraoperative 360-degree evaluation (i360) primarily highlighted crucial non-technical skills such as leadership and communication. Analysis revealed that 84.3% of comments were related to non-technical skills, with key themes including mentorship, professionalism, teamwork, and situation awareness. Leadership themes accounted for 53.1% of feedback, whereas decision-making and situation awareness were […]