Placebo-controlled trials of procedural interventions showed reduced effectiveness compared to unblinded trials for exercise-related outcomes, quality of life, and health professional-assessed endpoints. The placebo effect explained a substantial portion of the observed effect size differences. No significant differences were found for patient-reported outcomes, blood pressure, mortality, pain, or recurrent bleeding events. The study emphasizes the […]

A review of commercially available hemostatic agents in the US provides a comprehensive guide for general surgeons. The paper summarizes each product’s mechanism of action, indications, contraindications, best-use cases, and expected results. Hemostatic agents are critical adjuncts for minimizing postoperative bleeding risks, and proper education on their characteristics is essential for optimal selection and use […]

A long short-term memory network with an attention layer was proposed for surgical site infection identification, achieving higher sensitivity and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve compared to traditional models. The model’s top features included procedure codes and laboratory values, offering explainability. This innovative approach could enhance automated surveillance and replace manual chart review […]

Key concepts for cultural competency and ethical behavior were generated by the academic global surgery committee of the Society for University Surgeons in collaboration with the Association for Academic Global Surgery. The guidelines provide a framework for high-income country members when collaborating with low-middle income country partners, addressing preparation, standardization, community engagement, limits of practice, […]

Biomechanical analysis of gastrointestinal anastomoses reveals the mesenteric entry site as a potential weak point, exhibiting significantly higher rates of leakage and bursting compared to other sections. The study underscores the importance of refining surgical techniques to optimize outcomes, particularly in addressing complications like anastomotic leakage, which are associated with increased morbidity and mortality in […]

Non-certified surgeons treating Medicare patients show unique practice patterns, handling more non-white patients, those with lower socioeconomic status, and operating frequently in rural and critical-access hospitals. They’re less likely to be fellowship-trained and more likely to be foreign medical graduates. Non-certified surgeons perform a higher proportion of emergency admissions. However, there were no differences in […]

Study finds no increased risk of morbidity or mortality in patients with Cannabis Use Disorder undergoing complex cancer surgery. While a slight uptick in postoperative kidney injury was observed, in-hospital mortality was slightly lower compared to non-users. After adjusting for other risk factors, Cannabis Use Disorder was not associated with higher morbidity and mortality rates. […]