A comprehensive study involving over a million operations performed by 14,399 surgeons reveals a concerning trend: early career surgeons, especially those in their first year of practice, have higher mortality and severe complication rates compared to their peers in their 15th year of practice. This research underscores the need for additional support and training for […]
Category: General Surgery
Polygenic Risk Score Enhances Diverticulitis Prediction
In the quest to predict diverticular disease’s course, researchers harnessed genetic insights. They developed a polygenic risk score based on prior genome-wide studies and tested it on nearly 61,000 patients. This score effectively stratified individuals by their risk of diverticulosis and diverticulitis, with significant differences between high and low-risk groups. It also improved recurrent diverticulitis […]
Enhancing Robotic Bariatric Surgery Training with Targeted Educational Resources
Surgical residents tackling robotic bariatric procedures got a boost from specialized educational resources. A study analyzing trainee performance metrics found that after distributing instructive case guides and narrated operative videos, residents spent more time actively operating the da Vinci surgical system. This increase was consistent across different levels of trainees. The study highlights the value […]
Stomach Partitioning Gastrojejunostomy Improves Outcomes for Gastric Outlet Obstruction in Unresectable Gastric Cancer
When faced with unresectable gastric cancer causing gastric outlet obstruction (GOO), the choice between stomach partitioning gastrojejunostomy (SPGJ) and conventional gastrojejunostomy (CGJ) matters. In a study involving 108 patients, SPGJ significantly reduced delayed gastric emptying, vomiting, and the need for prokinetics, enhancing patient recovery. Patients undergoing SPGJ resumed a solid diet faster and had shorter […]
Empowering Non-Surgeon Clinicians: Surgical Task Sharing in Sub-Saharan Africa
In resource-challenged areas of Sub-Saharan Africa, a shortage of surgeons limits access to vital surgical care. To address this, a systematic review explored surgical task shifting and task sharing where non-surgeon clinicians (NSCs) perform specific surgical procedures. The study analyzed 31 relevant studies and found that NSCs are increasingly involved in surgeries such as hernia […]
Global Consensus Emerges on Obesity Management
Obesity is a worldwide concern, affecting 1.5 billion individuals, but management strategies vary widely. A survey involving 94 interdisciplinary global experts in obesity management was conducted in 2021. It revealed consensus on 158 out of 180 statements, addressing critical areas like the need for international collaboration, regular obesity monitoring, multidisciplinary approaches, the growing impact of […]
Surgery Mentorship Enhances Student Networking, Hinges on Communication”
A surgical mentorship program for medical students aimed to foster career development and networking. The study engaged 43 mentees and 21 mentors, finding that both groups highly valued effective communication. While post-program surveys showed improved communication and meaningful connections, some mentees critiqued mentor communication, and mentors highlighted student initiative. This pilot program demonstrated the potential […]
Prescribing Guideline Cuts Postoperative Opioid Use in Emergency Surgery
In emergency general surgery (EGS), there’s often no standardized approach to prescribing opioids for postoperative pain, raising concerns about overprescription. To address this, researchers introduced an opioid prescribing guideline. After implementation, they observed a significant reduction in prescribed opioid dosages at discharge. The proportion of patients receiving high-dose opioid prescriptions (≥50 morphine milligram equivalents per […]
Shaping the Role of Surgical Vice Chairs of Education
In response to evolving medical education needs, the role of Vice Chair of Education (VCE) in a Department of Surgery (DoS) is emerging. However, this role’s specifics aren’t well-defined. This study engaged 13 faculty members and 13 VCEs to explore this novel position. Stakeholders welcomed the VCE role, albeit with some questions about its impact. […]
2023 AABB Guidelines: A Fresher Approach to Red Blood Cell Transfusion
The 2023 AABB International Guidelines on red blood cell transfusion are here. They provide recommendations for adults and children based on extensive research. For adults, the guidelines suggest a restrictive transfusion strategy with a hemoglobin concentration less than 7 g/dl for stable patients, which was found to be safe. For children, similar strategies are recommended, […]