Category: General Surgery

Long-Term Quality of Life: Laparoscopic vs. Open Pancreatoduodenectomy

Three randomized controlled trials have reported improved functional recovery after laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy (LPD) compared to open pancreatoduodenectomy (OPD). This monocentric retrospective cross-sectional study found that patients who underwent LPD had significantly higher quality of life scores, better pancreas specific health status, improved physical functioning, and fewer limitations in activities compared to patients who underwent OPD. […]

High-resolution 3D CT Aids in Hiatal Hernia Diagnosis and Surgical Planning

The study demonstrates that high-resolution 3D computed tomography (CT) is a valuable tool for assessing the anatomical characteristics of hiatal hernias (HH) and aiding in surgical planning for laparoscopic or robotic antireflux procedures. CT scans accurately identified HH in 70% of patients and correlated well with endoscopic findings. Furthermore, the distance between the esophagogastric junction […]

Laparoscopic Surgery for Adrenocortical Carcinoma: Identifying Risk Factors for Noncurative Resection

In recent years, there has been an increased use of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC). However, MIS has been associated with noncurative resection and locoregional recurrence. This study aimed to identify risk factors for margin-positive resection in ACC patients undergoing MIS. Factors such as increasing age, nonacademic center, advanced tumor stage, and […]

Increase in demand for surgical procedures for cancer care in low- and middle-income countries

Over 5 billion people worldwide lack access to basic surgical procedures, and it is projected that the number of surgical procedures needed for cancer care will rise by 5 million between 2018 and 2040. The greatest surge in demand is expected in low- and middle-income countries. The article highlights the progress made in surgical cancer […]

Older Adults Experience Significant Impact on Their Quality of Life and Psychosocial Well-being Following Major Elective Surgery

Older adults undergoing major elective surgery experience significant impact on their valued life activities and psychosocial well-being due to postoperative symptoms, according to a qualitative study. Participants felt unprepared for the intensity and duration of these symptoms and expressed a need for additional support and education on symptom management. The most frequently mentioned symptoms included […]

Factors distinguishing higher-performing hospitals in implementing enhanced recovery pathways

Implementing enhanced recovery pathways in hospitals varies widely. This qualitative study analyzed interviews with perioperative leaders, clinicians, and staff from eight US hospitals to identify factors that distinguished hospitals with greater success in implementing these pathways. The study found that information-sharing practices, planning, engaging, positive knowledge and beliefs among clinicians, and strong leadership support were […]

Glucose Control Improves Survival in Pancreatic Cancer Patients with Low CA19-9 Levels

Researchers examined pancreatic cancer patients with long-term survival and found that a subgroup with normal levels of the biomarker CA19-9 had a significantly higher overall survival rate and 5-year survival compared to patients with high CA19-9 levels. This subgroup also had lower levels of circulating glucose and increased insulin expression. Glucose control was shown to […]

Surgical Care in the Criminal Justice Health Care System: Comparable Mortality and Readmission Rates, but Higher Morbidity in Incarcerated Patients

Patients who are incarcerated within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) receive similar rates of mortality and readmission compared to the general nonincarcerated population when undergoing surgical procedures. However, incarcerated patients have significantly higher rates of morbidity. These findings highlight the need for further research to understand the factors contributing to perioperative morbidity and […]

Crafting Surgical Leadership: A Comprehensive Toolkit for Integrated Strategic Plans

Developing an integrated strategic plan in surgical leadership requires a variety of tools. The most common tool is a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats analysis, which evaluates internal and external factors. Various additional tools, such as the political, economic, social, technological, legal, and environmental analysis, mission-objective-strategy-tactics analysis, blue ocean strategy, scenario planning, Ansoff matrix, Porter’s […]