Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) significantly accelerates gastrointestinal recovery after abdominal surgery, according to a meta-analysis of 16 randomized controlled trials involving 2,300 patients. TEAS decreases time to first flatus and defecation, expedites oral intake, and reduces postoperative nausea and vomiting. It also lessens pain intensity and lowers hospital stays and costs. These findings underscore […]

Surgical site infections (SSIs) pose a critical threat in low- and middle-income countries, affecting up to 25% of surgical patients. Limited resources and rising multidrug-resistant pathogens worsen the challenge. Tailored interventions, including active surveillance, revised surgical practices, and enhanced patient education, offer promising solutions. By emphasizing infection prevention and fostering collaboration among healthcare providers and […]

Surgical patients in Addis Ababa face median hospital stays of six days, primarily due to comorbidities, infections, and functional impairments. Key predictors include weight loss and dietary changes, all stressing the need for targeted preoperative assessments. A proactive approach could enhance recovery and minimize healthcare costs, vital in resource-limited settings. Journal Article by Sifer SD, […]

A comprehensive analysis involving 871,441 surgical procedures revealed that subsumed surgeries, completed during noncritical portions of overlapping procedures, yield similar postoperative outcomes to non-overlapping surgeries. Initial univariate data indicated a higher 30-day readmission risk and reoperation rates for subsumed surgeries. However, when matched for demographics and procedural variables, no significant differences emerged in outcomes among […]

A novel mortality risk calculator has been developed for “unseen” emergency general surgery patients transferred between hospitals. Analyzing 4,664 patients, researchers identified a significant mortality rate of 6.0%. Their model, utilizing 12 key variables, demonstrated excellent predictive performance with an area under the curve of 0.851 and impressive sensitivity of 90%. This tool could enhance […]

In robot-assisted surgery simulations, physiological measurements significantly distinguished between error and non-error intervals. Analysis of EKG and EEG data from 57 participants revealed that high performers consistently displayed different physiological responses compared to low performers. Classification models accurately identified errors with 85.7% precision and performance groups with 96.3% accuracy. This research suggests that noninvasive physiological […]

A scoping review analyzed 85 articles to define essential surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic, revealing critical insights from high-income and low- to middle-income countries. Both groups agreed on the urgency of procedures addressing immediate life threats, yet significant discrepancies emerged in areas like urology and gynecology. The study underscores the necessity for international, resource-stratified guidelines […]

A structured workshop significantly enhanced medical students’ confidence and skills ahead of surgical clerkships. Conducted with 59 participants, the program used Kern’s framework to integrate theoretical knowledge and practical experience, resulting in confidence scores rising from 2.0 to 6.4 and suturing skills improving notably from an average of 11 to 23. Moreover, 86.4% of students […]