A trauma center’s initiative to standardize morbidity and mortality conferences resulted in the documentation of 916 patient events. With 65% of these being trauma-related, the program utilized a quality of care score to facilitate analysis. Notably, trainee and consensus scores matched in 84% of instances, yet disparities revealed areas for improvement in trainee education regarding […]
Category: Perspectives, Opinions and Curiosities
Chewing gum significantly reduces postoperative ileus duration
A multicentre randomized controlled trial involving 52 patients revealed that chewing gum can significantly shorten postoperative ileus following laparotomy for gastroduodenal perforations. The median duration of ileus was reduced by 21.5 hours in patients who chewed gum compared to those who did not (28.5 hours vs. 50 hours, p=0.002). Additionally, the length of hospital stay […]
Non-pharmacological interventions significantly reduce surgical site infections.
A systematic review of 11 studies revealed that non-pharmacological interventions in Sub-Saharan Africa significantly decrease surgical site infections (SSI) by 15% to 95%. These interventions included improving adherence to protocols, policy changes, and implementing multimodal strategies. The effectiveness of these approaches varied based on patient characteristics, surgical urgency, and healthcare settings. Notably, multimodal interventions emerged […]
MMR protein status aids personalized cancer treatment decisions
Findings emphasize the importance of mismatch repair (MMR) protein expression in tumors, linking it to microsatellite instability (MSI) and its implications for colorectal and endometrial cancers. Loss of MMR status signifies potential treatment strategies for patients, helping clinicians in tailoring interventions to individual tumor profiles. This understanding may lead to improved clinical outcomes and enhance […]
Affordable and Realistic Surgical Training Models Developed
Surgical training is enhanced by newly developed low-cost, high-fidelity skin and intestine surrogates. Utilizing 3D printing and readily available silicone materials, these models significantly improve biomechanical accuracy compared to industry standards. Feedback from surgical residents at the University of Missouri School of Medicine highlights their effectiveness, with a cost reduction of over 90% compared to […]
Maximum constriction velocity predicts postoperative nausea and vomiting
In a study involving patients undergoing elective lobectomy, maximum constriction velocity (mcv) of pupils was identified as a strong independent predictor of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Those with higher mcv showed an 87% reduced risk of PONV, while gender impacted risk, with males having a 65% lower likelihood compared to females. Notably, mcv also […]
Shortage of General Surgeons in Rural Areas Expected Soon
A national study reveals significant aging among general surgeons, with 28.1% in rural areas aged 65 and older versus 20.2% in urban regions. This demographic shift suggests a looming shortage, as 60% of rural surgeons are set to retire within the next decade. The findings underscore the need for targeted efforts to recruit and retain […]
Oral decontamination and immunonutrition may reduce pneumonia risk.
A multicentre trial will assess the effects of perioperative oral decontamination and immunonutrition on postoperative pneumonia in elderly surgical patients. Targeting 592 individuals aged 65 and older, researchers will compare outcomes from standard care against interventions involving chlorhexidine decontamination and nutritional supplementation. The primary measure will be the incidence of pulmonary complications within seven days […]
Incarcerated individuals face significant barriers to surgical care.
Surgical care for individuals in law enforcement custody is critically compromised, with many facing systemic barriers. Approximately 2 million are incarcerated in the U.S., and age-related surgical needs are rising. Challenges like logistics, privacy, and medical comorbidities result in suboptimal outcomes, with autopsy data indicating that many deaths could have been preventable with surgery. To […]
EHR workflow reduces time to operating room for surgery patients
A new electronic health records-based workflow has significantly improved the efficiency of surgical consultations at a quaternary referral center. Analysis of 5,724 consultations showed a 27% reduction in time from consultation to operating room, and a remarkable 48% decrease for urgent cases. Length of hospital stay also decreased without impacting 30-day clinical outcomes, highlighting the […]