A five-category classification of oncologic surgical emergencies (OSEs) enhances clinical decision-making by correlating with higher in-hospital mortality rates, particularly among older male patients. In a study of 2,908 cases, obstruction was the leading cause of emergencies, with gastrointestinal tumors accounting for the majority. Category 1 emergencies occurred most frequently, and the mortality rate for OSE […]
Category: Appendix, Gallbladder and Surgical Emergencies
Lebanon’s Pager Attack: A New Frontier in Mass Casualty Events
On September 17, 2024, Lebanon suffered a devastating attack involving the simultaneous detonation of explosive-laden pagers, yielding 12 deaths and nearly 3,000 injuries, mainly to the eyes, face, and hands. Hospitals faced overwhelming challenges, with over 80 surgeries performed by the American University of Beirut’s ophthalmology department within four days. This incident underscores a disturbing […]
Endoloop Laparoscopic Appendectomy Slashes Carbon Emissions by 81%
The endoloop technique for laparoscopic appendectomy delivers a staggering 81% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to stapler methods. It also significantly lowers human health costs related to environmental damage—six to ten times less than alternatives. Most emissions stem from raw material extraction and production, highlighting the need for greener surgical options. This highlights an […]
Combined APACHE II and lactate levels predict post-op mortality in high-risk patients
For patients facing emergency laparotomy due to gastrointestinal perforation peritonitis, integrating serial APACHE II scores and serum lactate levels significantly enhances mortality prediction. The combination shows an impressive 85% sensitivity and 82% specificity for 30-day postoperative death, outperforming individual markers. With a mortality rate of 35%, timely identification of high-risk patients can transform clinical management […]
Discharge to Post-Acute Care: A New Benchmark for Surgical Outcomes in Seniors
Discharge to post-acute care (PAC) is a critical indicator of quality in surgical care for older adults. Analysis of 494 hospitals revealed 11.2% of patients discharged to PAC, with results consistent across different risk profiles. Approximately 22.5% of hospitals earned an “exemplary” rating, while 25.5% were marked as needing improvement. This metric aids hospitals in […]
Rapid embolization significantly boosts splenic preservation outcomes in trauma patients
Splenic artery embolization (SAE) demonstrates high efficacy in preserving the spleen during treatment of grade III-V splenic injuries. Notably, timing is crucial; earlier embolization correlates with better outcomes. In a study of 400 patients, both SAE (98.2% preservation) and nonoperative observation (97.7%) achieved significant success. Factors influencing embolization effectiveness include cranial AIS scores and the […]
Low Skeletal Muscle Gauge Elevates Mortality Risk After Emergency Laparotomy
Low skeletal muscle gauge (SMG) significantly predicts higher 30-day and 90-day mortality following emergency laparotomy, with odds ratios of 2.12 and 2.64, respectively. Patients presenting with acute abdominal pain should undergo routine computed tomography reporting of body composition, as low SMG also correlates with prolonged hospital stays. With a study cohort of 1,090 patients, this […]
Early VTE Prophylaxis Cuts Risk of Complications in Major Trauma Patients
Initiating pharmacologic venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis within 24 hours of major trauma admission dramatically lowers VTE risk by 42%, according to a large cohort study. Among 6,569 patients, those receiving early treatment experienced significantly fewer VTE events (2.8% compared to 7.8%) and showed reduced mortality rates (0.6% vs. 1.8%). Crucially, early initiation did not increase […]
Prehospital GCS Scores Predict Trauma Mortality Effectively
Early assessment using the Glasgow Coma Scale motor score proves crucial for predicting mortality outcomes after trauma. A machine-learning model analyzing factors within three hours, 24 hours, and 30 days highlights the initial GCS motor score and worst GCS as consistent mortality predictors. Their efficacy spans the leading causes of death, including traumatic brain injury […]
Mini-laparoscopic cholecystectomy excels in obese patients
Mini-laparoscopic cholecystectomy (mlc) using a 5 mm umbilical port significantly improves outcomes for obese patients with gallstones. The mlc group experienced no port-site hernias, shorter operative times (46 minutes vs. 52), less postoperative pain, and a quicker return to daily activities. Patient satisfaction surged while in-hospital analgesic needs dropped. However, surgeon satisfaction dipped slightly with […]