Updated global consensus on diverticular disease sets clear treatment pathways for better patient outcomes. High fiber intake protects against symptoms; smoking, obesity, certain medications increase risk. Acute diverticulitis imaging: ultrasound can work in skilled hands, but CT remains the gold standard for complications. Shift focus to individualized surgical approaches aimed at improving quality of life […]
Category: Appendix, Gallbladder and Surgical Emergencies
Low Surgical Site Infection Rates in Emergency Abdominal Surgery
Emergency abdominal surgeries with primary wound closure show promising results in infection control. Surgical site infection rate was 12.6% among 772 patients. Emergency laparoscopic surgeries had a significantly lower infection rate (3.0%) compared to open surgery (15.9%). Key risk factors included BMI ≥30, peritonitis, stoma formation, and laparotomy. Surgeons should consider minimally invasive techniques and […]
Predicting Open Conversion in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Surgeons can reduce conversion rates in laparoscopic cholecystectomy by identifying key risk factors. Conversion to open cholecystectomy occurred in 6.7% of 4,535 patients studied. Key predictors include male sex (OR 1.65), ASA IV classification (OR 4.84), and gallbladder wall thickness (OR 1.20 per mm). Understanding these predictors aids in patient selection and enhances preoperative counseling […]
Emergency Transfers: Delays Raise Mortality Risk
Delays over 4 hours for emergency department to ICU transfers significantly increase in-hospital mortality. In-hospital mortality is at 54.3% for patients needing ICU-level care. Transfers lasting over 4 hours have a 1.78 times higher mortality risk. Timely transfers are essential; optimizing care during ED boarding can improve outcomes. Additional mortality predictors include advanced age and […]
Early Cholecystostomy Reduces Risks in High-Risk Patients
Timing matters in acute calculous cholecystitis, particularly for high-risk patients. Percutaneous cholecystostomy within 48 hours leads to a shorter stay: 7 days vs. 13 days (p<0.001). Mortality drops significantly when performed early: 5.9% at 90 days vs. 22.6% (p=0.037). Delayed procedures linked to 4.80 times higher odds of longer hospital stays. Early intervention can significantly […]
Machine learning predicts complications in acute cholecystitis
Machine learning tools can now help surgeons assess the risk of postoperative complications in acute calculous cholecystitis patients. Cholesurgrisk I achieved an AUC-ROC of 0.8456, while Cholesurgrisk II, which includes intraoperative data, improved this to 0.8903. A web-based version of Cholesurgrisk I offers real-time, patient-specific risk estimates. Integrating these models into practice could enhance preoperative […]
Enhancing Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Safety with Ultrasound
Intraoperative ultrasound significantly improves safety during complex laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Intraoperative ultrasound reduced intraoperative iatrogenic rupture from 17.11% to 3.95% (p = 0.017). It improved differentiation between cystic duct stones and adhered structures. Integrating ultrasound with the modified gallbladder reporting and data system enhances decision-making, especially in higher-risk cases. The rate of atypical hyperplasia increased significantly […]
Endoscopic Ultrasound for Acute Cholecystitis Shows Strong Results
EUS-guided gallbladder drainage is a viable option for high-risk patients with acute cholecystitis, offering both safety and effectiveness. Technical and clinical success rates were high at 95.8%. The study analyzed data from 701 patients across 18 studies with over a year of follow-up. Surgeons can consider EUS-GBD as a first-line treatment for patients unfit for […]
Surgical Resection Reduces Sigmoid Volvulus Recurrence
Resection significantly lowers recurrence in sigmoid volvulus but comes with increased mortality risks. Resection reduced recurrence rates to 12% compared to 69% in non-resection (NNT 6). Mortality increased by 69% with resection, necessitating careful patient selection (NNH 17). In non-gangrenous cases, resection prevents recurrence with no significant mortality increase. Optimizing patient selection and perioperative care […]
Assessing Trauma Care Capacity in Burkina Faso
A new tool evaluates trauma care in low-resource conflict settings, crucial for improving surgical outcomes. Only 30.6% of facilities can perform damage control laparotomy, with a stark contrast between regions (70%) and districts (15.4%). While 75% have blood banks, just 44.4% access tranexamic acid, and 33.3% have essential hemostatic supplies. This data highlights urgent needs […]