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Standardized definition of surgical success enhances outcomes in ICC

A multi-institutional study identified key predictors for a “textbook outcome” in liver surgery for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). The absence of post-hepatectomy liver failure, low intraoperative blood loss, no major infectious complications, and achieving R0 resection were linked to improved overall survival of at least 12 months. Approximately 60.2% of patients achieved these outcomes, significantly enhancing overall and recurrence-free survival rates compared to those who did not meet these criteria.

Journal Article by Altaf A, Khalil M (…) Pawlik TM et 19 al. in HPB (Oxford)

Copyright © 2024 International Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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Predictive Models Enhance Surgical Decision-Making in Hepatic Echinococcosis

A study developed predictive models to aid surgical decision-making for hepatic cystic echinococcosis (CE). Analyzing data from 406 patients, the Cox regression model achieved a concordance index of 0.94 and AUC of 0.96. The decision tree model highlighted imaging findings, cyst stage, and symptoms as key predictors, with a mean AUC of 0.950. These validated models aim to optimize patient management by integrating dynamic tools into clinical practice, improving allocation to surgical or non-surgical interventions.

Journal Article by Lissandrin R, Cicerone O (…) Maestri M et 10 al. in HPB (Oxford)

Copyright © 2024 International Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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Nomograms predict outcomes for patients with large hepatocellular carcinoma.

Researchers developed three nomograms to predict short-term and long-term outcomes in patients with large hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) post-liver resection. These models demonstrated good predictive performances with c-indices of 0.764 for surgical risk, 0.709 for overall survival (OS), and 0.695 for recurrence-free survival (RFS) in validation cohorts. Compared to six staging systems, the nomograms showed superior discrimination properties. These tools can guide therapeutic interventions and surveillance strategies for HCC patients.

Journal Article by Zeng J, Chen G (…) Zeng Y et 2 al. in Hepatol Int

© 2025. Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver.

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Combining enteral and parenteral nutrition enhances recovery in cancer patients

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 11 randomized controlled trials revealed that combining enteral and parenteral nutrition significantly improves postoperative recovery, nutritional function, and immune responses in patients with gastrointestinal cancer. The findings suggest that this combined approach offers superior energy intake and prognosis compared to enteral nutrition or parenteral nutrition alone. However, researchers note that limited studies may hinder thorough evaluation of publication bias in this area.

Journal Article by Cai M, Yang B, Zheng Y and Ding L in Balkan Med J

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Robotic surgery access disparities hinder care for vulnerable populations

Research reveals that while minimally invasive surgery (MIS), especially robotic surgery, offers significant benefits, safety-net hospitals often lack the necessary resources. This results in reduced access for underserved and marginalized populations to essential surgical interventions. Consequently, patients in these communities miss out on improved outcomes, shorter recovery, and decreased complications associated with MIS. This gap underscores a pressing need to address resource allocation to enhance care accessibility for vulnerable groups in healthcare settings.

Review by South C, Megafu O (…) Johnson S et 4 al. in Am Surg

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Machine learning effectively predicts bile leaks post-hepatectomy.

A machine learning model using extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) was developed to predict bile leaks after hepatectomy for liver cancer. The model analyzed data from over 22,000 patients, achieving areas under receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROC) of 0.748, 0.719, and 0.711 in various patient cohorts. Factors such as serum alkaline phosphatase, surgical approach, and cancer diagnosis were highly predictive of bile leaks. An online calculator has been created to aid clinical decision-making in surgical settings.

Journal Article by Altaf A, Munir MM (…) Pawlik TM et 23 al. in HPB (Oxford)

Copyright © 2024 International Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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Perioperative pathway significantly reduces complications in emergency laparotomy patients

The implementation of the Emergency Laparotomy Audit (EMLA) perioperative care bundle resulted in notable improvements in patient outcomes for emergency laparotomy procedures. Surgical complications decreased from 34.8% to 20.6%. The study encompassed a cohort of 429 patients, divided into pre- and post-intervention groups, assessing length of stay, hospitalization costs, and adherence to protocols. The findings emphasize the potential benefits of structured interventions in reducing morbidity and enhancing recovery in high-risk surgical patients.

Journal Article by Lau JWL, Baliga J (…) Iau P et 7 al. in Ann Acad Med Singap

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Quality of life improvements for rectal cancer patients identified

Advances in rectal cancer therapies, including neoadjuvant treatments and organ-preserving strategies, have led to enhanced quality of life (QOL) for patients. Key assessments, such as the FACT-C scale and EORTC’s QLQ-30, reveal that factors like tumor location and treatment types significantly influence QOL. Intriguingly, strategies like “watch-and-wait” have shown promise in improving functional outcomes. Surgical techniques are evolving to address QOL challenges, indicating a multifaceted approach is vital for patient well-being after rectal cancer surgery.

Review by Jung WB in Ann Coloproctol

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Indocyanine Green Tattooing Enhances Tumor Localization in Surgery

Preoperative indocyanine green tattooing significantly enhances the accuracy of tumor localization during robotic-assisted rectal surgery. By utilizing the fluorescence properties of this dye, surgeons can effectively identify tumor sites, mitigating the challenges posed by traditional methods like india ink tattooing and clipping. This innovative approach not only improves surgical precision but also reduces intraoperative risks and complications, marking it as a valuable advancement for oncological outcomes in rectal cancer procedures.

Journal Article by Morimoto Y, Kobayashi A (…) Ogata K et 6 al. in Asian J Endosc Surg

© 2025 Asia Endosurgery Task Force and Japan Society of Endoscopic Surgery and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

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Minimally invasive surgery for colorectal cancer is on the rise.

Between 2010 and 2020, minimally invasive surgery for colorectal cancer surged, with robotic procedures showing significant growth. Open surgeries decreased across all facilities, while total minimally invasive surgeries surpassed open techniques from 2013 onward. Colon cancer treatments saw laparoscopic surgeries peak at 54.0% in 2016, whereas robotic surgery for rectal cancer climbed to 48.8% by 2020. The trend indicates a shift towards robotic-assisted techniques in colorectal cancer surgeries.

Journal Article by Manisundaram N, Childers CP (…) Chang GJ et 7 al. in Dis Colon Rectum

Copyright © The ASCRS 2025.

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