Category: General Surgery

Patient-led Follow-Up Cuts Hospital Visits for CRC Survivors

Patient-led, home-based follow-up significantly reduces hospital visits for colorectal cancer survivors without compromising quality of life. In the as-treated analysis, patient-led follow-up decreased hospital contacts by 38%. No significant differences were found in quality of life or psychological distress between patient-led and standard follow-up groups. This approach can ease the burden on healthcare systems while […]

Radial Margin Distance Redefines Outcomes in Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma

Current study identifies radial margin distance cutoffs that significantly impact survival outcomes in perihilar cholangiocarcinoma. Radical margin distance (rmd) of 0 mm correlates with a 5-year overall survival rate of only 21.8%, while ≥1.0 mm shows 78.5% survival. Recurrence rates are starkly different: 83.5% for rmd of 0 mm versus just 23.9% for rmd ≥1.0 […]

Optimizing Thyroid Cancer Diagnoses with EU-TIRADS

Using the EU-TIRADS ultrasound system improves identification of thyroid nodules needing surgery, minimizing unnecessary biopsies. A higher percentage of nodules classified as Bethesda IV-VI were found in the selective group (26%) vs. non-selective (13%), p=0.039. The malignancy rate was similar: 8% for selective vs. 5% for non-selective. Less need for cytology: 71% of patients in […]

Sphincter-Sparing Closure Cuts Bleeding in Endoscopic Papillectomy

A new pre-closure technique for endoscopic papillectomy significantly lowers delayed bleeding risk in duodenal papilla adenoma patients. Delayed bleeding rate was 0% with pre-closure vs. 17.95% without (p = 0.017). Immediate bleeding rate decreased from 66.67% to 37.93% (p = 0.027). This approach also shortens hospital stays: 6 days vs. 7 days (p = 0.048). […]

Next-Gen Sequencing Transforms Management of BD-IPMN

Next-generation sequencing significantly alters surgical decision-making for branch-duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms, providing clarity when traditional guidelines fall short. Surgical plans shifted to surveillance in 43% of distal pancreatectomy and 61% of pancreatoduodenectomy scenarios when NGS was negative. Conversely, with positive NGS results, surveillance plans shifted to surgery 90% and 72% of the time, respectively. […]

Laparoscopic Total Gastrectomy Shows Promising Long-Term Outcomes

Laparoscopic-assisted total gastrectomy for resectable gastric cancer yields favorable long-term survival rates. Five-year overall survival is 62.5%, with a recurrence-free survival rate of 60.3%. Recurrence occurs in 40% of patients, primarily as distant metastases (61.4%). Understanding early and late recurrence, with a critical 12-month cutoff, can refine postoperative follow-up. An early recurrence prediction model outperforms […]

EUS-Guided Drainage for Symptomatic Gallstones Works

EUS-Guided Gallbladder Drainage shows strong promise for non-surgical patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis without cholecystitis. 100% technical success, with complete stone clearance achieved in all 23 patients. 87% achieved clearance in just one treatment; no procedure-related complications reported. Improving patient selection and outcomes may lead to broader acceptance of this technique in practice. Journal Article by […]

Ligation Level Doesn’t Impact Anastomotic Leakage in Rectal Cancer

Low vs. high ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery during rectal cancer surgery shows no significant difference in anastomotic leakage rates. Anastomotic leakage occurred in 4.9% (low ligation) vs. 6.0% (high ligation); no significant difference (p=0.68). 30-day postoperative morbidity was 14.0% for low ligation vs. 22.0% for high ligation (p=0.08). Surgeons can choose either ligation […]

YouTube Videos on Esophageal Cancer Vary in Quality

Surgeons should scrutinize YouTube content on esophageal cancer as video reliability is inconsistent, impacting patient education. Out of 78 analyzed videos, those from public institutions had the highest quality scores, significantly better than patient experience videos (p < 0.001). Viewer engagement levels showed no correlation with video quality; popularity doesn’t guarantee reliable information. Surgeons might […]

Externalized Pancreatic Stenting Reduces Fistula Rates in Robotic Surgery

Using an externalized pancreatic stent during robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy significantly lowers the risk of postoperative pancreatic fistula. In a study of 67 patients, overall POPF rate was 17.9%, with a majority classified as intermediate risk. This novel technique showed very low rates of fistula-related complications, making it a feasible option for surgeons. Surgeons should consider this […]