Cancer patients face a significantly higher risk of emergency general surgery (EGS) conditions shortly after diagnosis, impacting surgical decision-making. Within the first year post-diagnosis, 4.8% of cancer patients develop EGS conditions versus 3.2% of noncancer patients. Patients with lung cancer show the highest incidence at 6.8%, followed by breast cancer at 4.0%. Despite these higher […]
Category: Appendix, Gallbladder and Surgical Emergencies
Enhancing Trauma Care Capacity in Ethiopia
Surgeons need to know that a five-year collaboration in Ethiopia significantly improved trauma care capacity at Hawassa University Hospital. Trauma care scores rose in provider knowledge, infrastructure, supplies, and hospital processes. Clinical gains for specific injuries were limited, pointing to room for improvement. Investing in human resources remains critical, as this area saw no improvement […]
Increasing Use of Robotic Cholecystectomy for Obese Patients
Robotic cholecystectomy is on the rise, especially among obese patients, but it does not improve postoperative outcomes compared to laparoscopic surgery. Robotic surgery utilization increased significantly from 23.1% in 2020 to 55.8% in 2024 for patients with BMI ≥ 50 kg/m². Obese patients (BMI 35-49.9 kg/m²) were 15% more likely to have robotic surgery; those […]
Same-Admission Cholecystectomy Cuts Risks for Cholangitis Patients
Performing cholecystectomy at the same admission for patients with choledocholithiasis-associated cholangitis significantly lowers complications and readmissions. Same-admission cholecystectomy led to a 1.3% 30-day readmission rate versus 13.8% for deferred surgery (p=0.0023). Recurrence of biliary events was virtually eliminated (0%) in those treated same-admission compared to 56.5% in deferred cases (p<0.001). Surgical delay poses increased risks, […]
Transforming Gallbladder Drainage for Acute Cholecystitis
Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage is now more effective than traditional methods for patients unfit for surgery. EUS-guided drainage shows higher technical success rates and better patient outcomes compared to percutaneous methods. Fewer complications and reinterventions are reported with EUS compared to previous techniques. Surgeons should consider EUS for optimal patient selection in non-surgical candidates, balancing […]
Novel Laparoscopic Technique for Duodenal Perforation Repair
A new laparoscopic approach for treating duodenal perforations could reshape surgical practices. Successfully repaired a descending duodenal perforation using a trans-mesocolic technique in a 69-year-old woman. The surgery utilized the superior mesenteric vein for safe access, leading to an uncomplicated recovery. This technique may reduce operative trauma compared to traditional methods, highlighting the need for […]
Conservative management of postoperative bowel obstructions works for some patients.
63.4% of patients with adhesive small bowel obstruction (ASBO) had successful conservative treatment. Key factors predicting treatment failure include: vomiting (aOR 0.476), abdominal distension (aOR 0.301), and guarding/rebound tenderness (aOR 0.354). Generalized tenderness was positively associated with success (aOR 1.903). Surgeons can use these clinical symptoms and imaging findings to identify patients who may need […]
Impact of Trauma Centers on Mortality in Injured Elderly
Trauma center care significantly lowers one-year mortality for injured older adults, emphasizing the need for timely transfers. In a cohort of 55,799 patients aged 65+, those treated at trauma centers had a 3.5% lower one-year mortality rate (27.4% overall). Benefits of trauma care were consistent across different age groups and injury severity except for isolated […]
Geo-Mapping Identifies Trauma Hotspots for Prehospital Blood Use
Mapping trauma data reveals where whole blood transfusions are most needed. In Omaha and Lincoln, significant correlations were found between massive transfusion protocol activation and trauma incidents, p < 0.001. Downtown areas showed the highest need for prehospital whole blood transfusions. This approach can help hospitals allocate blood resources more effectively. Out of 427 patients […]
Delayed Closure in Colorectal Surgery May Not Cut Infections
Delayed primary closure with intrawound irrigation doesn’t reduce surgical site infections after colorectal perforation. Superficial and deep SSI rates: 25% for delayed closure vs. 50% for primary closure. ICU and hospital stays were longer for delayed primary closure. Surgeons should weigh the benefits of reduced infection risk against potential longer recovery times. Findings need confirmation […]