A deep learning-based clinical-radiomics model has shown strong predictive capability for durable clinical benefit (dcb) in patients with potentially convertible hepatocellular carcinoma receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). The model achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.96 in training and 0.88 in testing, accurately stratifying survival risk and revealing significant disparities in overall survival. […]
Category: General Surgery
Robotic technique improves safety in gastric conduit reconstruction
A novel robotic approach for the retrosternal route in gastric conduit reconstruction has demonstrated safety and efficiency. In a study involving 43 esophageal cancer patients, the median time for creating this route was just nine minutes, with no incidences of pleural injury or postoperative hemorrhage reported. Additionally, there was no significant variation in creation time […]
New fluorescent probes enhance surgical navigation for liver cancer
Recent advancements in fluorescence-guided surgery provide significant improvements in identifying hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) lesions. Indocyanine green has been essential for delineating tumor boundaries yet lacks the ability to differentiate between benign and malignant tumors. This review discusses clinical applications and emerging alternatives, such as aggregation-induced emission probes, which demonstrate enhanced fluorescence and stability. These innovative […]
Navigation system improves robotic gastrectomy outcomes for novices
A vascular navigation system significantly enhances robotic distal gastrectomy for novice surgeons, according to a study involving 49 patients. The navigation group showed reduced dissection times (179.85 vs. 204.87 minutes) and increased lymph node retrieval (41.81 vs. 30.96). Additionally, the system contributed to lower C-reactive protein levels, indicating reduced surgical trauma (8.27 vs. 11.68 mg/dl). […]
Detection of mutant KRAS ctDNA predicts metastatic risk in pancreatic cancer.
In a cohort study of 785 patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, the presence of mutant KRAS circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) was linked to higher metastatic risk and poorer survival outcomes. Out of those tested, 104 showed plasma MKRAS positivity, correlating with increased likelihood of metastatic disease. Furthermore, among 419 patients tested for peritoneal MKRAS, 123 […]
Simulation-based education enhances surgical training transitions
Effective simulation-based education interventions are essential for addressing risks associated with transitional phases in surgical careers. These programs, developed by the American College of Surgeons, focus on key transitions—from medical school to residency and into practice—promoting cognitive, technical, and non-technical skills. Emphasizing competency and mastery-based approaches, along with tailored educational methods like mentoring and proctoring, […]
Surgical residents face significant financial challenges for childcare.
A study of 295 U.S. surgical residency programs indicates that 98.3% demonstrated negative net income after accounting for living expenses and childcare costs. This trend persisted across various child age groups and regions, with the West exhibiting the steepest losses averaging -$18,852. The findings reveal that the current salaries of surgical residents are insufficient to […]
Large language models can improve surgical patient education
A multicenter analysis revealed that ChatGPT-4o effectively enhances patient education before and after surgery. Evaluating audio responses to frequently asked questions, the model achieved an average accuracy score of 4.12/5 and a relevance score of 4.46/5. Postoperative responses were notably more accurate and less harmful than preoperative ones. Results suggest that integrating ChatGPT-4o in clinical […]
Thermal ablation shows comparable efficacy with better safety for colorectal liver metastases.
A multi-center study of 303 patients with colorectal liver metastases revealed no significant difference in early recurrence patterns after resection versus thermal ablation. Both treatments showed similar 6-month recurrence-free survival rates; however, thermal ablation demonstrated a lower incidence of serious complications and shorter hospitalization. Key risk factors for early recurrence were identified, including the diameter […]
Improved surgical performance lowers risk of delayed gastric emptying
A study analyzing 192 robotic gastro-enterostomy procedures found that enhanced surgical performance, assessed via objective structured assessment of technical skills (OSATS), correlates with a reduced incidence of delayed gastric emptying (DGE). DGE occurred in 21.9% of patients, with an OSATS score above 25 associated with a 59.9% reduced risk of grade B/C DGE. Additionally, a […]