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Lebanon’s Pager Attack: A New Frontier in Mass Casualty Events

On September 17, 2024, Lebanon suffered a devastating attack involving the simultaneous detonation of explosive-laden pagers, yielding 12 deaths and nearly 3,000 injuries, mainly to the eyes, face, and hands. Hospitals faced overwhelming challenges, with over 80 surgeries performed by the American University of Beirut’s ophthalmology department within four days. This incident underscores a disturbing evolution in warfare tactics and their significant impact on medical preparedness and civilian safety.

Letter by Ramzi A, Baha’ N (…) Kheir WJ et 2 al. in World J Emerg Surg

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Laparoscopic Ultrasound Resection Enhances Survival in Colorectal Liver Metastases

Laparoscopic ultrasound-guided resection and microwave ablation significantly improve patient outcomes for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). In a study of 300 patients, the technique effectively reduced complications and enhanced survival when compared to traditional imaging methods. Notably, intraoperative contrast-enhanced ultrasound with Sonazoid emerged as an independent prognostic factor, underlining its clinical relevance in surgical oncology. This innovative approach could transform therapeutic strategies for patients facing limited options.

Journal Article by Wu HR, Bu H (…) Chen H et 3 al. in World J Gastrointest Oncol

©The Author(s) 2025. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.

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Global Consensus Set on Core Learning Objectives for Surgical Education

An international panel of 61 experts has established 120 core learning objectives for global surgery education, utilizing a modified Delphi consensus. This collaborative effort, representing diverse surgical disciplines across 26 countries, addresses the urgent need for structured, consensus-driven curricula amid varying educational standards. Key objectives focus on the global burden of surgical diseases, system strengthening, and sustainable health policies, ensuring training aligns with contemporary healthcare demands while remaining adaptable across different settings.

Journal Article by Hilzenrat RA, Livergant R (…) Haji F et 5 al. in Ann Surg

Copyright © 2025 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Social Vulnerability Tied to Higher Postoperative Complications in Cancer Surgery

Among 34,253 patients undergoing hepatopancreatobiliary cancer surgery, high allostatic load (AL) strongly correlated with increased postoperative risks. Those in socioeconomically vulnerable areas faced a 44% higher likelihood of severe complications and an 85% increased chance of failure to rescue. A significant twofold increase in 30-day mortality was also linked to elevated AL. This study underscores how social stressors exacerbate physiological decline, leading to worse surgical outcomes.

Journal Article by Khalil M, Woldesenbet S (…) Pawlik TM et 6 al. in Ann Surg Oncol

© 2025. The Author(s).

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Endoloop Laparoscopic Appendectomy Slashes Carbon Emissions by 81%

The endoloop technique for laparoscopic appendectomy delivers a staggering 81% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to stapler methods. It also significantly lowers human health costs related to environmental damage—six to ten times less than alternatives. Most emissions stem from raw material extraction and production, highlighting the need for greener surgical options. This highlights an urgent opportunity to mitigate environmental impacts while maintaining surgical efficacy.

Journal Article by Petit HJ, Silva de Souza Lima Cano N (…) Shah AN et 4 al. in BMC Surg

Copyright © 2025 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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Interventional Endoscopy Revolutionizes Treatment for Complex Gastroenterological Issues

Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) has transformed from a diagnostic tool to a crucial therapeutic method. Today, EUS-guided procedures are standard for managing symptomatic pancreatic fluid collections and offer alternatives for high-risk surgical patients with acute cholecystitis. It also provides solutions for biliary obstructions after failed ERCP. New techniques, including transgastric ERCP and gastrojejunostomy, tackle issues stemming from altered gastric anatomy or complications from bariatric surgery, marking significant advancements in interventional EUS with profound clinical implications.

Review by Ang TL and Khor CJL in Singapore Med J

Copyright © 2025 Singapore Medical Journal.

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CT-derived extracellular volume improves colorectal cancer differentiation predictions

CT-derived extracellular volume fraction (ct-ecv) significantly correlates with histological grading in colorectal cancer. In a study of 200 patients, ct-ecv, alongside serological markers like CEA and NLR, effectively predicted poorly differentiated tumors. The combination of ct-ecv with NLR and tumor markers yielded an impressive AUC of 0.91 for preoperative differentiation. This noninvasive approach enhances clinical decision-making, helping to strategize treatment plans for colorectal cancer patients more effectively.

Journal Article by Zhou H, Feng Y (…) Cai Y et 2 al. in Medicine (Baltimore)

Copyright © 2025 the Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

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New insights on hemorrhoidal disease treatments: effectiveness and limitations

Hemorrhoidal disease impacts 10 million Americans, causing bleeding, pain, and discomfort. First-line treatments like increased fiber and water intake, along with phlebotonics, often fail, leading to 80% symptom recurrence. Office-based interventions are vital for grades I to III; rubber band ligation offers 89% short-term relief, but may require repeat procedures. Excisional hemorrhoidectomy achieves low recurrence rates but entails longer recovery. Outpatient treatment for thrombosed external hemorrhoids within 72 hours significantly reduces pain and re-thrombosis risk.

Journal Article by Ashburn JH in JAMA

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Postcolonoscopy Colorectal Cancers Reveal Distinct Molecular Patterns

Postcolonoscopy colorectal cancers (pccrcs) show higher rates of microsatellite instability, CIMP, and BRAF mutations compared to sporadic cases, alongside a greater presence of proximal lesions. Although 5-year survival rates are similar between pccrcs and sporadic colorectal cancers, pccrcs fare significantly worse than cancers detected via screening. These findings suggest the serrated pathway’s pivotal role in pccrc development, highlighting the urgency for enhanced detection strategies for clinically significant serrated lesions.

Journal Article by Yeh JH, Moi SH (…) Wang JY et 6 al. in Am J Gastroenterol

Copyright © 2025 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. on behalf of The American College of Gastroenterology.

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Longer Postoperative Stays Correlate with Higher Unplanned Readmission Risks

Increasing postoperative length of stay raises the likelihood of unplanned readmissions among surgical patients. In a comprehensive study of over 3 million individuals, those staying 3-10 days post-surgery showed significantly higher odds of readmission compared to those discharged within 0-2 days. This trend persisted across various surgical specialties and procedures, with otolaryngology and laparoscopic bariatric cases experiencing the largest impacts. Notably, surgical site infections accounted for nearly a quarter of these readmissions.

Journal Article by Healy GL, Stuart CM (…) Henderson WG et 5 al. in BMC Surg

Copyright © 2025 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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