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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

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. […]