Procalcitonin >0.5 ng/ml at admission indicates increased risk for complicated diverticulitis, need for surgery, and mortality. It serves as a valuable tool for severity assessment and treatment decisions. The study enrolled 503 patients, revealing procalcitonin’s independent association with complicated diverticulitis, surgery, and mortality, underscoring its clinical relevance in guiding management strategies. Journal Article by Schena […]
Category: General Surgery
Developing Tier-2 Emergency Medical Services in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
The study highlights the challenges and opportunities in developing formal, professional-driven emergency medical services (Tier-2 systems) in low- and middle-income countries. These systems, which include dedicated ambulances, personnel, and equipment, can significantly reduce mortality and disability due to emergency medical and surgical conditions. Challenges include limited coverage, financial constraints, regulatory issues, and workforce shortages, while […]
Minimally Invasive Surgery Outcomes for Large Colonic Adenocarcinomas
Large colonic adenocarcinomas are commonly right-sided, present at advanced stages, and have adverse pathologic features. Minimally invasive surgery is linked to better overall survival and shorter-term benefits compared to open surgery, offering significantly lower rates of mortality, positive margins, and shorter hospital stays for patients with stage I-III disease. Journal Article by Emile SH, Horesh […]
High En-bloc and R0 Resection Rates in Esophageal Cancer
Esophageal cancer patients who underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for T1B tumors showed high en-bloc (100%) and R0 (82.3%) resection rates. Only 23.5% experienced tumor recurrence post-ESD, with safer outcomes in patients receiving additional therapies. Larger studies are necessary to confirm the long-term efficacy of ESD in T1B esophageal cancer. Journal Article by Youssef M, […]
Short- and Long-term Abdominal Consequences of Omentectomy
This systematic review explores short- and long-term effects of omentectomy, highlighting low complication rates. Short-term complications include ileus, bowel stenosis, abscess, and sepsis (0.0%-23%). Long-term risks mainly involve donor-site hernia (up to 32%), with minimal gastrointestinal complications. However, evidence quality and follow-up duration are limited, underscoring the need for further research. Journal Article by Smit […]
BRAF Mutations and Survival After Liver Surgery in Patients with Colorectal Liver Metastases
BRAF mutations in colorectal cancer patients with liver metastases are linked to poorer survival outcomes. However, liver resection shows a significant 56% reduction in the risk of death for patients with BRAF-mutated colorectal liver metastases. Surgical intervention offers a clear survival benefit, with a reduced hazard ratio of 0.44 favoring surgery. Review by Petrelli F, […]
Impact of Case Volume on Sarcoma Prognostic Nomograms
Updated nomograms for primary retroperitoneal sarcoma patients differ in survival outcomes between high and low-volume centers. Case volume significantly influences overall and disease-free survival and nomogram performance. High-volume centers demonstrate better calibration than low-volume centers. Case volume should be considered in prognostic nomogram development for sarcoma patients. Journal Article by Callegaro D, Barretta F (…) […]
Prognostic Value of Cachexia Index in Oesophagogastric Cancer Patients
A novel prognostic marker, the cachexia index (cxi), is associated with disease progression, postoperative mortality, and overall survival in patients with locally advanced oesophagogastric cancer. Patients with low cxi had higher rates of disease progression, worse postoperative mortality, and decreased overall survival compared to those with normal cxi values. The cxi measurement could aid in […]
Expeditionary Surgeons: Key Leaders in World War II and Today
This address explores the origins of expeditionary surgeons and examines the leadership of COL Edward D Churchill during World War II. Churchill’s evolution from an ivory tower surgeon to an expeditionary leader highlights essential traits for surgical leadership in austere settings. It advocates for formal training and designation of surgical leaders for military and other […]
13.3% Incidence and Spontaneous Resolution of Gas-Bloat Syndrome Post-Magnetic Sphincter Augmentation
Gas-Bloat Syndrome affects 13.3% of patients at 1 year post-Magnetic Sphincter Augmentation, resulting in worse GERD-HRQL scores, medication use, and satisfaction. However, it resolves spontaneously in the majority of cases, leading to quality-of-life improvement. Patients with preoperative bloating, high GERD-HRQL scores, or smaller device size are at increased risk. Journal Article by Eriksson SE, Ayazi […]