Non-drug interventions can significantly lower the risk of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) in abdominal surgery patients. PPCs occurred in 11.7% of patients across 255 trials involving over 55,000 participants. High-certainty evidence indicates that using low fractional inspired oxygen (FiO2) notably decreases PPC rates. Surgeons should consider implementing these strategies to enhance patient outcomes and reduce […]

Surgeons can significantly impact policy and patient outcomes by actively engaging with national surgical organizations. Less than 20% of surgeons participate, but collective action amplifies their advocacy efforts. Data-driven insights and collaborative strategies can shape effective policy changes crucial for surgical practices. Surgeons are urged to transition from passive members to active advocates, leveraging society […]

Open abdominopelvic surgeries are becoming less common, often linked to complications from conversions from minimally invasive techniques. Minimally invasive approaches dominate: 98% for appendectomy and cholecystectomy; 84% for low anterior resection. Conversions to open surgery lead to longer operative times: appendectomy takes 147% longer, cholecystectomy 116% longer compared to minimally invasive methods. Surgeons should reconsider […]

Effective teamwork in the OR is critical for patient safety and surgical success. Key facilitators include professional skills, team familiarity, and effective leadership. Major barriers involve individualistic behavior, hierarchical culture, and inadequate resources. Surgeons should focus on cultivating competencies and positive team dynamics while addressing systemic issues to enhance collaboration and improve perioperative outcomes. Interventions […]

Anti-adhesion agents significantly reduce adhesive intestinal obstruction rates in intra-abdominal surgery, impacting surgical outcomes and costs. Incidence of adhesive intestinal obstruction was 12.4% in patients using anti-adhesion agents, versus 18.5% in non-users. Patients receiving these agents had higher quality-adjusted life years (1.992 QALYs) and lower average costs ($3,794, saving $1,330). Consider broader use of anti-adhesion […]

Mentee-mentor matching in surgical training shows strong satisfaction, but evidence is weak. A pooled satisfaction rate of 92% from 144 mentees indicates effective pairing. Shared clinical or research interests were the main matching criterion, used by 83% of programs. Surgeons should consider enhancing selection processes and meeting structures to bolster mentorship effectiveness. Areas needing improvement […]

Nearly 30% of patients seek non-local care for urgent/emergent surgery. Counties with the lowest hospital treatment rates performed 15% fewer surgeries per admission. Surgical outcomes may hinge more on local practices than workforce numbers. Regions with low surgery rates saw a 17% increase in non-local urgent care utilization. Journal Article by Abid M, Holmes GM […]

Evaluating liver toxicity from oxaliplatin-based neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) can enhance surgical decision-making for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Significant increases in splenic volume and hepatic parenchyma variability were observed post-chemotherapy (p < 0.001). Low liver attenuation and heterogeneous enhancement pre-surgery were linked to severe postoperative complications (p < 0.001). This study underscores the importance of preoperative imaging […]

Tranexamic acid significantly reduces blood loss and transfusion needs during cancer surgeries, which can improve patient outcomes. In 16 trials with 1,830 patients, TXA cut total, intraoperative, and postoperative blood loss compared to control. It lowered intraoperative blood component need and perioperative red blood cell transfusions. TXA may also modestly reduce operative time without increasing […]

In surgery, unclear team roles amid rising demands can lead to poor learning, burnout, and patient safety risks. Role ambiguity during high case volumes disrupts teamwork and learning, impacting both residents and advanced practice providers. Increased cognitive load and diminished educational opportunities are evident when residents face unclear responsibilities. Addressing these systemic issues can enhance […]