Trauma center distribution matters: regions with more centers have better patient outcomes and lower economic costs related to injuries. Higher density of trauma centers correlates with lower per capita costs for fatal injuries. The northeast has the lowest burden of fatalities and years of potential life lost, while the south, with the fewest centers, faces […]
Category: General Surgery
Higher BMI Raises Postoperative Mortality in Pancreatic Surgery
Overweight and obese patients face significantly higher postoperative mortality rates after pancreatic resection, spotlighting the need for careful patient selection. Overweight patients have a 52% increased risk of mortality (OR 1.52). Obese patients experience a 66% increased risk (OR 1.66). Surgeons should prioritize referring overweight and obese patients to high-volume hospitals, where surgery outcomes are […]
Remote Video Coaching Boosts Surgeon Skills in Rural Areas
A remote video coaching program significantly improves surgeons’ non-technical skills in rural hospitals. 13 of 17 surgeons improved their skills in ward rounds after coaching. 10 of 17 showed enhancements in both clinic and operating room settings. Implementing this program could enhance surgical outcomes by improving communication and decision-making skills. Most surgeons found the intervention […]
Alcohol Use Disorder Increases After Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery significantly raises the risk of alcohol use disorder (AUD) and alcohol-related mortality, crucial for surgical decision-making. Gastric bypass (GBP) patients face a 5.07 times higher AUD risk, while vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) and gastric banding patients are 2.28 and 2.34 times more likely to develop AUD, respectively. Alcohol-related mortality is 6.18 times higher […]
PANC Classification Improves Prognosis in Pancreatic Cancer
New insights on CA 19-9 dynamics can enhance treatment strategies for pancreatic cancer patients undergoing surgery. In a study with 283 patients, median overall survival was 56.3 months, and recurrence-free survival was 26.0 months. Patients categorized as type 1 (preoperative normalization) or type 2 (post-surgery normalization) had a significantly better prognosis (overall survival of 61.1 […]
Title: High Negative Appendectomy Rates in Overnight Admissions
Children with equivocal appendicitis are often unnecessarily admitted, leading to high rates of negative appendectomies. 54% of patients were admitted for observation after-hours, with 30% undergoing unnecessary appendectomies. An Alvarado score under 5 accurately ruled out appendicitis in all cases, yet 44% of these low-score patients were still admitted. Discharging children with low Alvarado scores […]
Tailored Chemotherapy for Gallbladder Cancer: A Better Approach
A prognostic model for gallbladder cancer can refine adjuvant chemotherapy decisions and improve patient outcomes. In a study of 2,252 patients, age, tumor grade, N stage, tumor size, and sex predicted overall survival more accurately than the TNM system. The 5-year overall survival rate was only 27.3%. High-risk patients saw improved survival with adjuvant chemotherapy, […]
Maximizing Efficiency in Robotic Cholecystectomy
A new service evaluation reveals that implementing high-intensity theatre (HIT) principles can double productivity for robotic cholecystectomy. Up to 10 robotic cholecystectomies can be performed in a single day, compared to 5 laparoscopic cases. Theatre utilization increased by 100%, optimizing patient throughput and revenue potential. This approach could significantly reduce elective surgery waiting lists while […]
Trisectionectomies Enhance Outcomes in Bismuth Type II-III Cholangiocarcinoma
Trisectionectomies significantly improve survival for patients with localized Bismuth-Corlette type II-III perihilar cholangiocarcinoma. Overall survival improved to 52.4 months with trisectionectomy vs. 31 months for extended hemihepatectomy (p < 0.001). R0 resection rates were higher with trisectionectomies (83.9% vs. 75.8%, p = 0.037). Consider trisectionectomies for appropriate patients to enhance oncological outcomes without increasing significant […]
Liver Resection for Colorectal Metastases Sets New Outcomes Benchmark
Liver resection remains a gold standard for colorectal liver metastases, providing critical data for patient selection and surgical outcomes. 90-day mortality rate is under 5% across most groups, signaling low operative risk. One-year overall survival exceeds 85% for most subgroups, but drops to 78% for patients with 10 or more metastases. Timely assessment of these […]