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Same-day pancreatic clinics nearly double survival for metastatic patients

Same-day pancreatic multidisciplinary clinics (PMDC) significantly enhance care for metastatic pancreatic cancer patients. This approach increases rates of genetic testing, access to palliative services, and timely treatment initiation. Notably, PMDC patients survived an average of 487 days compared to 267 days for those receiving standard care. Improved enrollment in clinical trials further highlights PMDC’s role in advancing treatment timelines and outcomes, demonstrating a clear model for better management of this aggressive cancer.

Journal Article by Ebia MI, Abbas AA (…) Osipov A et 20 al. in HPB (Oxford)

Copyright © 2025 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

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New Non-Water-Cooled Microwave Ablation Needle Minimizes Carbonization Risks

A groundbreaking non-water-cooled microwave ablation needle with a double-layer vacuum design significantly reduces carbonization while maintaining ablation efficacy. Experimental results reveal that a long-needle variant forms a carbonization-free solidification zone of 34 mm in 180 seconds, outperforming its short-needle counterpart, which takes 300 seconds for a 30 mm zone. This innovation ensures larger, spherical coagulation areas with effective thermal coagulation at lower power, optimizing clinical microwave ablation outcomes.

Journal Article by Wei W, Li C (…) Jin X et 5 al. in Minim Invasive Ther Allied Technol

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Intersphincteric Resection Boosts Survival Without Complications for Ultra-Low Rectal Cancer

Intersphincteric resection (ISR) improved five-year overall survival in ultra-low rectal cancer (ULRC) by 6.7% compared to traditional abdominoperineal resection (APR), achieving an 80.8% survival rate. Over a median follow-up of 47.2 months, ISR demonstrated similar surgical complications and hospital stays as APR, solidifying its role as a viable treatment option that preserves anal function and enhances quality of life for patients facing this challenging diagnosis.

Journal Article by Wang GC, Chen JX (…) Huang Y et 3 al. in World J Gastroenterol

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

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Preoperative Biliary Drainage Cuts Mortality Risk in High Bilirubin Patients

In patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy with severe hyperbilirubinemia (≥14.6 mg/dl), preoperative biliary drainage significantly reduces 90-day mortality from 13.3% to lower rates seen in other groups (2.9-5.7%). While biliary drainage increases the risk of surgical site infections (21.2-26.4%), it decreases overall morbidity compared to non-drained patients who face higher rates of acute respiratory distress syndrome (6.0%) and reoperations (18.1%). Preoperative bilirubin ≥14.6 mg/dl independently predicts increased morbidity and mortality.

Journal Article by Kanani F, Messer N (…) Lubezky N et 3 al. in Surg Endosc

© 2025. The Author(s).

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Nearly 75% of Low Rectal Cancer Patients Achieve Optimal Surgical Outcomes

In a post-hoc analysis of the LASRE trial involving 914 low rectal cancer patients, 74.9% achieved a “textbook outcome,” with laparoscopic surgery slightly outperforming open procedures (76.7% vs. 71.2%). Key predictors of failure included a BMI over 24 kg/m². Achieving this ideal outcome correlates with significantly improved disease-free survival. The findings underscore the need for improved perioperative and intraoperative practices, particularly in randomized controlled trials focused on oncological surgery.

Journal Article by Sun Y, Tang Z (…) Chi P et 3 al. in Int J Colorectal Dis

© 2025. The Author(s).

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Enhanced Fault Management System Boosts Safety in Robotic Surgery

A newly implemented fault management system for da Vinci robotic surgery improves clinical decision-making and patient safety. Analyzing nearly 5,600 surgeries, the system significantly reduced non-recoverable fault rates in the “si” robot and enhanced recoverable fault rates in the “xi” model. Results showed marked increases in nurses’ accuracy for fault identification and troubleshooting, accompanied by faster repair times. The approach has led to improved adherence to operational standards and better collaboration among surgical staff.

Journal Article by Yu X, Wang X, Hou W and Wang Z in J Robot Surg

© 2025. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag London Ltd., part of Springer Nature.

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Robotic Left Colectomy Cuts Complications and Lowers Long-Term Costs

Robotic left-sided colectomy significantly outperformed laparoscopic techniques by reducing anastomotic leakage rates by 42% and severe leaks by 51%. These procedures also offered improved lymph node yields (28 vs. 24) and 5-year survival rates (78.2% vs. 74.5%). While upfront costs are higher, robotic surgery saves $3,850 per patient in complication-related costs, proving cost-effective with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $28,500/QALY. The findings suggest preferential use for advanced-stage cases.

Review by Coco D and Leanza S in J Robot Surg

© 2025. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag London Ltd., part of Springer Nature.

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Salvage Surgery Beats Local Excision for Recurring Rectal Cancer After Watch-and-Wait

A watch-and-wait strategy may enhance organ preservation in rectal cancer, but local excision (LE) poses significant risks. In a study of 103 patients, those undergoing salvage total mesorectal excision (TME) after local regrowth exhibited superior oncological outcomes compared to LE, which increased recurrence and led to poorer quality of life metrics, particularly in mobility and mental health. The findings recommend tighter patient selection and the need for standardized treatment protocols post-watch-and-wait.

Journal Article by Boubaddi M, Pluchon A (…) Fernandez B et 5 al. in Ann Surg Oncol

© 2025. Society of Surgical Oncology.

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Braun Enteroenterostomy Reduces Severe Delayed Gastric Emptying After Pancreaticoduodenectomy

Implementing Braun enteroenterostomy (BEE) in pancreaticoduodenectomy significantly lowers the incidence of severe delayed gastric emptying (DGE) and major complications, enhancing patient outcomes. In a study of 214 patients, those receiving BEE experienced a drastic reduction in severe DGE (2.6% vs. 15.9%) and shorter hospital stays (14.7 days vs. 21.4 days). With a 56% reduction in odds of major complications, BEE emerges as a promising strategy in enhanced recovery pathways.

Journal Article by Carmel O, Perets M (…) Dagan A et 5 al. in J Surg Res

Copyright © 2025 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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Probiotics may enhance recovery and reduce complications after gastric cancer surgery

Gut microbiota alterations post-gastrectomy are linked to inflammation and complication risks. A systematic review of 13 studies encompassing 937 patients revealed reduced microbial diversity after surgery, correlating with negative surgical outcomes. Notably, oral probiotics demonstrated efficacy in restoring microbiota diversity and decreasing postoperative complications. However, consensus on which specific probiotics to use remains elusive. Focus needs to shift towards targeted interventions to optimize perioperative management for gastric cancer patients.

Review by Tang X, Wang X (…) Fan Y et 4 al. in Eur J Surg Oncol

Copyright © 2025 Elsevier Ltd, BASO ~ The Association for Cancer Surgery, and the European Society of Surgical Oncology. All rights reserved.

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