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 […]
Category: General Surgery
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 […]
Global Surgeons Need More Support for Future Leaders
Surgeons involved in global surgery face significant barriers that impact engagement and outcomes. Early mentorship and community networks were vital for sustained commitment. Financial and institutional recognition obstacles hinder career development. To cultivate competent global surgery leaders, focus on improving training pathways and addressing funding challenges. Emphasizing humility and long-term impact is crucial for effective […]
Hepatic artery infusion pump improves survival in cholangiocarcinoma.
Patients with unresectable, liver-confined intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma treated with HAIP chemotherapy showed notable outcomes. Median overall survival was 26 months; 3-year survival rate was 28%, and 5-year survival rate was 15%. Partial response on imaging was achieved in 53% of patients, with a disease control rate of 96%. Consider HAIP chemotherapy for selected patients, particularly since […]
Surgeons Achieve Higher Resection Rates in Pancreatic Cancer
A nationwide protocol led to significantly increased resection rates for locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) in the Netherlands, improving potential long-term survival. Resection rates jumped to 86%, nearly three times the expected number. In-hospital major morbidity was 44%, while mortality was just 0.6%, both within safety benchmarks. Implementing international best practices is feasible and could […]
Disparities in Liver Cancer Outcomes Demand Local Guidelines
A study reveals stark differences in hepatocellular carcinoma outcomes between South Africa and Sweden, highlighting the need for region-specific treatment protocols. Patients in South Africa were significantly younger (median 50 vs. 71 years) and had more advanced disease. Only 9.2% received curative treatments in South Africa versus 42.5% in Sweden. Survival rates were drastically lower: […]
Cholecystectomy Beats ERCP for Gallstone-Related Pancreatitis
Same-admission cholecystectomy lowers recurrence of acute pancreatitis compared to ERCP or no intervention. Recurrence rates post-discharge: 3.4% (cholecystectomy), 4.9% (ERCP), and 17.5% (no intervention). Other gallstone complications: 1.6% in the cholecystectomy group versus 19.9% (ERCP) and 16.3% (no intervention). Prioritizing immediate cholecystectomy can improve long-term outcomes in suitable patients. Risk of recurrence surged 8 to […]
Liver Transplant for Unresectable Biliary Cancers Shows Clear Survival Metrics
Liver transplantation can provide significant outcomes for unresectable biliary tract cancers, but patient selection is critical. 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates are 88%, 68%, and 58%, respectively. Recurrence occurs in 40.8% of patients, with a median time to recurrence of 16 months. Consider lymph node positivity, ICCA subtype, and tumor size as key predictors […]