Researchers reviewed 15 studies on economic evaluations of bariatric surgeries and pharmacotherapy for obesity treatment in adults. They found that bariatric surgery was seen as a cost-effective approach, but there was varying opinion on the cost-effectiveness of pharmacological interventions. Most evaluations were done from healthcare system perspectives, and the researchers suggest future studies should consider […]
Category: General Surgery
Visceral Adipose Tissue Predicts Survival in Resectable Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
In patients with resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma, a study analyzed body composition metrics from baseline CT scans in the SWOG S1505 trial. Visceral adipose tissue (VATA) was associated with overall survival, but no significant links were found between survival and sarcopenia or sarcopenic obesity. This prospective multicenter trial revealed novel insights, suggesting a potential role for […]
Prognostic Factors in Solitary Colorectal Liver Metastasis: N2 Stage, Hypoalbuminemia, and Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio
Researchers analyzed data from 230 patients with solitary liver metastases from colorectal cancer undergoing liver resection. They found that initial N2 stage, hypoalbuminemia before surgery, and high neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio after surgery were independent prognostic factors for recurrence-free and overall survival. Patients with these factors should receive upfront chemotherapy, prompt postoperative chemotherapy, and intensive postoperative surveillance. […]
Factors Influencing Academic Productivity for Surgeon-scientists
Having a research-focused degree, a formal research mentor, and contractually protected research time were associated with higher research productivity and satisfaction for academic surgeons. Lack of protection from clinical responsibilities was identified as a primary barrier to research success. Surgeons pursuing research-focused careers should consider these factors to optimize their academic productivity and satisfaction. Journal […]
High Social Vulnerability Index is Associated with Poorer Prognosis in Colorectal Cancer Patients
Results show that patients in neighborhoods with a high Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) have a higher risk of all-cause and cancer-specific mortality after colorectal cancer resection, regardless of other demographic or clinical factors. This suggests that focusing on neighborhood-level vulnerability may help target interventions to improve outcomes in colorectal cancer care. Journal Article by Masoud […]
Pouch Surgery in the 21st Century: Evolving Techniques and Considerations
An ileoanal pouch with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis is the preferred method for restoring intestinal continuity after total proctocolectomy. Changes in medical management and technological advancements have improved pouch surgery. The number of stages, minimally invasive approaches, pouch design, and anastomotic configuration are key considerations. The laparoscopic j pouch with double-stapled anastomosis is the current standard, […]
Robotic-assisted transabdominal plus transanal approach shortens operation time and reduces bleeding in lateral lymph node dissection for low rectal cancer
Comparison of robotic-assisted lateral lymph node dissection for low rectal cancer with or without transanal approach revealed that the 2team group had significantly shorter operation times (366 minutes vs. 513 minutes), reduced intraoperative bleeding (30 ml vs. 80 ml), and comparable postoperative complication rates (5% urinary disturbance in both groups). The combined approach was deemed […]
Safety and Efficacy of Bariatric Surgery in People Living with HIV
Efficacy and safety outcomes of bariatric surgery were similar between people living with HIV (PLWH) and controls, except for the lack of improvement in dyslipidemia in PLWH. At 1-year post-surgery, 89% of PLWH achieved ≥20% total weight loss, compared to 94% of controls. Improvement rates in hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus were lower in […]
Identification of Fatigue and Pain as Key Predictors of Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients Treated for Rectal Cancer
Rectal cancer treatment negatively impacts health-related quality of life (HRQOL). A multivariable prediction model developed in this study found that patient-reported outcomes from EORTC QLQ-C30, particularly fatigue and pain, were significant predictors of global HRQOL at all time points. These factors explained 55-65% of the variation in HRQOL, compared to patient characteristics and clinical factors […]
Impact of perioperative blood transfusion on survival after curative hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma
Perioperative blood transfusion during curative hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma was associated with a higher incidence of postoperative complications and longer hospitalization, but did not significantly impact overall survival. A total of 846 patients were studied, with 125 receiving transfusions and 720 not. Patients who received blood transfusion had worse disease-free and overall survival rates across […]