A study finds that emergency general surgery models improve outcomes significantly for high-risk patients. Patients with high-risk conditions in these models had a 15% lower risk of dying within 30 days (adjusted risk ratio 0.85) compared to standard surgeon on-call care. For the same group, 90-day mortality was reduced by 18% (adjusted risk ratio 0.82). […]
Category: General Surgery
Pre-Hospital Whole Blood Shows Promise for Blunt Trauma Resuscitation
Whole blood (WB) transfusion in pre-hospital settings may enhance survival for blunt trauma patients compared to packed red blood cells (PRBCs). Patients needing transfusions saw lower in-hospital blood requirements with WB (2 units vs. 3 PRBCs, p < 0.001). No significant differences in overall mortality at 24 hours (3.5% for WB vs. 6.25% for PRBCs, […]
Post-Pancreatectomy Outcomes Linked to Acute Pancreatitis
Post-pancreatectomy acute pancreatitis is crucial in predicting complications after pancreatoduodenectomy. 24.3% of patients developed clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (cr-popf); 90-day mortality was 3.4% overall, spiking to 9.0% with cr-popf. Post-pancreatectomy acute pancreatitis (ppap) was linked to a 4.88 times higher risk of 90-day mortality, making it a key independent predictor. Surgeons can enhance patient […]
Gun Policy Impacts on Firearm-Related Deaths and Suicides
Surgeons should be aware that specific gun policies can significantly lower firearm-related death and suicide rates. Safety training requirements lead to a 29% reduction in death rates (p < .01). Permit requirements decrease suicide rates by 15.9% (p < .05). Targeting these policies in surgical practice may enhance patient safety and community health outcomes. The […]
Antibiotics as a Safe Alternative for Appendicitis Treatment
Antibiotics provide a reliable option for adults with uncomplicated acute appendicitis, showing long-term effectiveness. After 10 years, 37.8% of patients treated with antibiotics experienced appendicitis recurrence, and 44.3% underwent appendectomy. Complication rates were significantly lower with antibiotics (8.5%) versus surgery (27.4%). Quality of life outcomes were similar, indicating antibiotics do not compromise patient wellbeing. Surgeons […]
Perihilar IPNB with Invasive Carcinoma: Crucial Findings
This study reveals key clinicopathologic insights into perihilar intraductal papillary neoplasms (IPNBs) and their association with invasive carcinoma, informing surgical management. Of 27 cases, 21 had associated invasive carcinoma, highlighting the high incidence of malignancy in patients. Median tumor size was 2.8 cm, with invasive tumor size averaging 1.2 cm. Understanding these characteristics can improve […]
Surgeon-Scientist Shift: Funding Rises, Practice Lags
Surgeons need to know that NIH funding is growing, but surgeon engagement in research is shifting, risking patient outcomes. NIH surgery funding surged 53% to $539 million, while the number of grants remained stable. MD-only investigators fell from 48.9% to 40.8% of grants; MD-PhDs rose from 15.2% to 24.9%. The gap between credentialing and active […]
Esophagectomy vs Active Surveillance: Long-Term Outcomes for Esophageal Cancer
Active surveillance may be a viable option for select esophageal cancer patients achieving clinical complete response after neoadjuvant chemoradiation, but esophagectomy secures superior long-term survival. At 5 years, standard esophagectomy outperformed active surveillance with 1.74 vs 1.34 quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and 3.11 vs 2.41 life-years. Active surveillance showed short-term benefits, with a 2-year QALY gain […]
Novel Technique for LGA Reconstruction in Distal Pancreatectomy
Surgeons can now consider a new arterial reconstruction method for the left gastric artery (LGA) during distal pancreatectomy with celiac axis resection (DP-CAR). The common hepatic artery (CHA) can successfully supply the replaced left hepatic artery (RLHA), ensuring adequate blood flow. The procedure had an operative time of 215 minutes and only 35 ml of […]
Embrace or Hesitate? Public Opinion on International Surgeons
Surgeons should note that the public generally supports laws allowing internationally trained surgeons to practice in the U.S., but with significant reservations. 85% of respondents backed state licensure laws for internationally trained surgeons. 93% believe these laws will enhance access to care; 80% think they will improve diversity in the workforce. 70% expressed concern over […]