Category: General Surgery

Tumor Markers Speak: Dynamic CEA and CA19-9 Monitoring Predicts Fate in Stage II Colon Cancer

A game-changing study dives into stage II colon cancer, revealing the power of dynamic carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) monitoring. With 1,517 patients in play, researchers uncovered that postoperative elevation in CEA/CA19-9 spells trouble, signaling a poor prognosis. Strikingly, normal pre- and post-operative CEA levels correlate with superior survival. Notably, adjuvant chemotherapy […]

Asian American Surgeons: Narrating Immigrant Journeys through American History

Unraveling the immigrant tapestry, this study delves into the backstories of Asian American surgeons. From Chinese laborers shaping the landscape to post-1965 policy shifts, the narrative weaves struggles and triumphs. Discrimination and restrictive acts clashed with contributions, yet resilience prevailed. The study spotlights pivotal moments like World War II and the 1965 immigration policy, emphasizing […]

Robotic Gastrectomy Takes the Crown: Boosting Textbook Oncologic Outcomes in Gastric Cancer Surgery

In the realm of gastric cancer surgery, a study flexes the stats on surgical approaches. Analyzing 21,015 patients, the research spotlights robotic gastrectomy (RG) as the champ, significantly elevating the likelihood of achieving Textbook Oncologic Outcome (TOO). Minimally invasive gastrectomy (MIG) emerges as a key player, linked to better lymph node evaluation, shorter hospital stays, […]

Mindful Eating and Sleep Crucial in Preventing Weight Recurrence after Bariatric Surgery

A survey of 169 post-bariatric surgery individuals reveals a 23.1% significant weight recurrence rate. Sleeve gastrectomy increases risk (OR = 12.99). Anxiety, depression, and maladaptive eating patterns correlate with recurrence. Mindful eating and adequate sleep emerge as key protective factors, significantly reducing recurrence risk (OR = 4.84 and 7.30, respectively). The study underscores the pivotal […]

Digital Frailty Index Flags Surgical Risks: A Tech Boost for Patient Safety

In a study involving 33,449 patients, the Electronic Frailty Index (EFI) — a tech-driven health record tool — categorized individuals as fit, prefrail, or frail based on preoperative data. Prefrail and frail statuses significantly increased the likelihood of postoperative adverse events compared to fit individuals. Even after adjusting for various factors, each 0.03-unit increase in […]

Navigating the Robot: RAMIG Practices and Outcomes Unveiled Globally

Researchers explored the global landscape of robot-assisted minimally invasive gastrectomy (RAMIG) for gastric cancer in a 2020-2023 registry spanning 25 centers. In 759 cases, RAMIG showcased varying techniques and excellent outcomes. Anastomotic leakage rates after total and distal gastrectomy reflected high surgical quality. The study sets a RAMIG quality standard, offering an international reference for […]

New Subtypes in Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma

Researchers classified intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) into perihilar and peripheral subtypes, revealing distinctive features and survival outcomes. Among 1264 patients, 84.3% were ICC-peripheral, while 15.7% were ICC-perihilar. The perihilar subtype exhibited aggressive characteristics and poorer survival than the peripheral subtype. Interestingly, ICC-perihilar behaved akin to bile duct carcinoma, while ICC-peripheral resembled primary liver malignancies. This novel […]

Screening Saves: Total Colonoscopy’s Crucial Role in Gastric Cancer Patients

In a study of 796 preoperative gastric cancer patients, 5.4% had synchronous colorectal cancer (SCRC). Endoscopic treatments were successful, and all SCRC patients underwent curative treatment, with no attributed deaths. Cumulative mortality rates showed 12.6% for gastric cancer-related deaths but none for SCRC. Screening total colonoscopy proved effective, suggesting its vital role. Cost-effectiveness analysis revealed […]

Histopathologic Insights into Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome

In a breakthrough study, researchers introduced the first histopathologic grading system for Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS). Examining specimens from 36 patients who underwent robotic MALS surgery, the team identified unique nerve and lipogranuloma findings. Histopathologic abnormalities correlated with postoperative improvement, supporting nerve compression and inflammation as key contributors to MALS pain. The study advocates […]

Shifting Tides: Embracing Total Neoadjuvant Therapy for Advanced Rectal Cancer

Examining trends from 2012 to 2020, researchers unveil that over 50% of 51,407 patients with locally advanced rectal cancer received total neoadjuvant chemoradiation (TNT). Factors like age and comorbidities influenced TNT rates, with stage III patients more likely to undergo it. Notably, TNT usage increased by 38% post-guideline inclusion in 2018. This study not only […]