Category: Perspectives, Opinions and Curiosities

Nonadherence to Antibiotic Guidelines Results in Waste and Costs

A retrospective analysis revealed that 92% of patients undergoing certain elective surgeries received unnecessary prophylactic antibiotics, despite guidelines recommending against their use. This nonadherence resulted in an estimated financial waste of US$3,279 and significant environmental impact, as 94% of the cases were classified as clean. Cefazolin was the most commonly administered antibiotic. The findings underscore […]

AI-enhanced coaching improves laparoscopic surgery training

A new study introduces SmartCoach, an AI-assisted program designed to enhance surgical coaching for laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy. By automating video analysis and facilitating real-time assessments, this approach aims to overcome barriers such as limited expert feedback and the labor-intensive nature of traditional coaching. Preliminary data highlighted surgeons’ limited awareness of coaching principles and the advantages of […]

New Framework Aims to Combat Surgeons’ Mental Fatigue

A novel framework, the Flush Model, addresses mental fatigue’s impact on surgeons’ cognitive performance and patient safety. By likening mental fatigue to a water tank, it identifies key components such as fatigue accumulation and recovery rates. The model proposes practical recovery strategies, including mindfulness, microbreaks, and ergonomic adjustments, to enhance cognitive resilience during surgery. Advocates […]

Turning off equipment could save hospitals significant costs

A practical evaluation in colorectal theaters revealed that shutting down equipment after hours could save a hospital £147,053 annually. Extending these practices across the entire facility, including computers, could lead to a collective saving of £487,760. This approach not only aids in achieving net-zero energy targets but also presents a potential nationwide saving of £175 […]

Enhancing cancer care access is essential for survival.

Access to cancer care significantly impacts treatment equity and survival, yet barriers persist. Key obstacles include racial and socioeconomic disparities, geographic limitations, and lack of insurance. Initiatives such as improved health insurance coverage, telemedicine solutions, and community health worker partnerships are vital for addressing these disparities. Furthermore, innovative screening methods, including self-sampling, are critical to […]

Disparities in Surgical Care Access Among ACB Communities Identified

A scoping review aims to investigate the disparities faced by African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) communities regarding access to and the quality of surgical care in high-income countries with universal healthcare. The review seeks to systematically characterize existing literature, highlighting inequities in surgical outcomes linked to systemic barriers. By identifying evidence gaps, this research will […]

SURGhub improves access to surgical education worldwide

The United Nations Global Surgery Learning Hub (SURGhub), launched in June 2023, aims to enhance surgical training for underserved populations. By offering 76 high-quality e-learning courses tailored for low-resource settings, it attracted over 11,451 learners from 190 countries within just 18 months. Remarkably, 55% of users are from low- or lower-middle-income countries, and courses have […]

Innovative Fish-Derived Sutures Show Promise in Surgical Repairs

A novel drug-eluting, biologically absorbable suture from decellularized fish swim bladder significantly enhances wound closure across various tissues. Specifically, necrostatin-1 (nec-1) sutures exhibit superior tensile strength and maintain integrity in extreme pH conditions. The drug-loaded sutures inhibit cell proliferation by 40% and reduce foreign body reactions, with less neovascularization observed compared to controls. These findings […]

Sustainable surgical practices are achievable in resource-limited settings.

A case study on Kyabirwa Surgical Center in rural Uganda reveals that sustainable healthcare models can thrive in low-resource environments. From 2021 to 2023, only 0.4% of the center’s power and 25% of its water came from the town, yielding annual savings of over $6,121. The facility also effectively conserved 93% of collected rainwater and […]

Robotic surgery is poised to overtake laparoscopic techniques.

A significant trend toward robotic surgery is evident, especially in urologic procedures and complex surgeries such as hepatectomy and esophagectomy. Despite remaining relevant in colectomy, laparoscopic techniques are declining in most specialties. Open surgery continues to be prevalent, particularly in pancreatic and rectal operations. Projections indicate that by 2026, robotic surgery may surpass laparoscopic approaches […]