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Limited training opportunities hinder robotic-assisted surgery skills among residents

Post author By STITCHES Newsletter
Post date 24/07/2025
Categories In General Surgery, Perspectives, Opinions and Curiosities

A study highlighted significant gaps in robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) training among Dutch residents, despite 69.6% having some RAS experience. Only 14.2% operated as console surgeons, revealing limited hands-on training in 75.7% of hospitals. Most participants, 77.7%, expressed a desire for a national RAS curriculum. Qualitative analysis identified key themes, including training needs and the importance of early exposure. The findings emphasize the urgent need for a structured RAS training program tailored to residents’ requirements.

Multicenter Study by Zwakman MM, Trippenzee MM (…) Consten ECJE et 2 al. in J Robot Surg

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Nanorobotics may revolutionize gastrointestinal surgery and therapy.

Post author By STITCHES Newsletter
Post date 24/07/2025
Categories In General Surgery, Perspectives, Opinions and Curiosities

Recent advancements in nanorobotics are set to transform gastrointestinal (GI) surgery by integrating nanoscale engineering, synthetic biology, and AI. This review highlights significant breakthroughs in the development of surgical nanorobots, including autonomous tumor ablation and closed-loop therapeutic feedback. Challenges such as autonomy, off-target effects, and ethical considerations are discussed, alongside the need for an integrated approach to facilitate translation to clinical practice. The findings suggest that surgical nanorobotics could become a cornerstone of next-generation therapeutic strategies.

Review by Rui Z, Mehdizadeh S, Abasi M and Pilehvar Y in J Robot Surg

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Dexmedetomidine enhances postoperative pain relief after appendectomy

Post author By STITCHES Newsletter
Post date 24/07/2025
Categories In Appendix, Gallbladder and Surgical Emergencies, General Surgery

Combining dexmedetomidine with hyperbaric bupivacaine significantly delayed postoperative pain onset for patients undergoing appendectomy under spinal anesthesia, achieving mean times of 259.43 and 454.65 minutes for the two dexmedetomidine groups, compared to 154.04 minutes in the control group. The study maintained overall hemodynamic stability, although group 3 experienced lower heart rates and blood pressure, with some reports of nausea. No respiratory depression occurred, highlighting dexmedetomidine’s safety in enhancing analgesia.

Randomized Controlled Trial by Thakur SK, Khan SA (…) Parajuli SB et 3 al. in Medicine (Baltimore)

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Cryopreserved fibroblast sheets reduce esophageal leakage risk

Post author By STITCHES Newsletter
Post date 23/07/2025
Categories In General Surgery, Surgical Endoscopy, Upper Gastrointestinal Tract

Cryopreserved allogeneic multilayered fibroblast sheets demonstrated efficacy in preventing esophageal anastomotic leakage in a rat model. The incidence of leakage was significantly lower in the fibroblast sheets group (28%) compared to controls (61%; p = .02). Additionally, the burst pressure was notably higher in the sheet group (124 ± 30 mm Hg) versus controls (78 ± 26 mm Hg; p < .01), along with increased collagen content, indicating their potential role in enhancing postoperative healing.

Journal Article by Sakamoto R, Ueno K (…) Hamano K et 7 al. in BMC Surg

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Gastrografin use shortens surgery time and hospital stay

Post author By STITCHES Newsletter
Post date 23/07/2025
Categories In Appendix, Gallbladder and Surgical Emergencies, General Surgery, Intestine and Lower Gastrointestinal Tract

Use of gastrografin for adhesive small bowel obstruction has significantly improved clinical outcomes. A study analyzed over 20,000 patients, revealing a reduction in time to the operating room, from an average of 2.63 days pre-gastrografin to 2.33 days post-gastrografin. Additionally, hospital length of stay decreased from 10.51 days to 6.09 days. Notably, the number of surgeries dropped by 44.7%, indicating enhanced efficiency in treatment following the adoption of gastrografin.

Journal Article by Liu YJ, Dean J, Cunningham AS and McLoughlin RJ in J Surg Res

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Robotic approach reduces surgical challenges in obese patients.

Post author By STITCHES Newsletter
Post date 23/07/2025
Categories In Appendix, Gallbladder and Surgical Emergencies, General Surgery

Obese patients undergoing robotic cholecystectomy demonstrated significant improvements over laparoscopic procedures, with a conversion rate to open surgery of 0.0% compared to 3.2% in laparoscopic cases. Additionally, robotic-assisted patients experienced shorter hospital stays, averaging 1 day, versus 1 day for those undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The findings indicate that robotic cholecystectomy may provide superior postoperative outcomes by minimizing complications associated with obesity during surgery.

Journal Article by Sebastian R, Zevallos A (…) Harris J et 3 al. in Surgeon

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Effective Management Strategies for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Post author By STITCHES Newsletter
Post date 23/07/2025
Categories In General Surgery, Upper Gastrointestinal Tract

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) poses challenges with its typical and atypical presentations requiring careful diagnosis. Key diagnostic tools like endoscopy, manometry, and reflux monitoring are essential for confirming GERD and tailoring treatment. Management varies from lifestyle modifications to pharmacologic therapies, with surgical options available for persistent cases. Effective treatment can significantly improve prognosis and quality of life, underscoring the importance of prompt diagnosis and a multidisciplinary approach to management in tackling GERD complications.

Review by Vayal-Veettil A and Gyawali CP in Clin Exp Gastroenterol

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Minor surgery program in primary care reduces hospital wait times

Post author By STITCHES Newsletter
Post date 23/07/2025
Categories In General Surgery, Perspectives, Opinions and Curiosities

Implementation of a minor surgery program in primary care significantly increased procedures, from 95 in 2022 to 945 in 2024. This change led to a 43.8% reduction in hospital-based minor surgeries, decreasing average waiting times, total delay, and the number of patients awaiting surgery. The initiative improved overall healthcare delivery by enhancing problem-solving capabilities in primary care and alleviating hospital workload pressures.

Journal Article by Parra Eslava G, Sarrión Bosque AM, Carvajal López F and Uribe Quintana N in Cir Esp (Engl Ed)

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Suboptimal CT imaging leads to increased mortality in older trauma patients

Post author By STITCHES Newsletter
Post date 22/07/2025
Categories In Appendix, Gallbladder and Surgical Emergencies, General Surgery

A secondary analysis of 5,496 older blunt trauma patients revealed that 8.6% experienced suboptimal computed tomography (CT) imaging. Most missed injuries were identified in the thoracic and lumbar spine regions. Patients with suboptimal imaging had a significantly higher mortality rate and longer hospital stays. Factors contributing to these missed injuries included imaging conducted before transfer and failure to activate full or limited trauma protocols. The study underscores vulnerabilities in imaging protocols for older populations.

Journal Article by Kishawi SK, Mahajan A (…) Ho VP et 2 al. in BMC Surg

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Social support may counteract socioeconomic barriers in trauma recovery

Post author By STITCHES Newsletter
Post date 22/07/2025
Categories In Appendix, Gallbladder and Surgical Emergencies, General Surgery

Strong social support significantly influences recovery outcomes for trauma patients, particularly those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Analysis of 1,243 participants revealed that adverse outcomes were more prevalent among individuals with low socioeconomic status and weaker support networks. Notably, higher rates of PTSD, chronic pain, and functional dependence were observed, but those with high social support exhibited outcomes similar to higher socioeconomic counterparts. The study emphasizes the potential of leveraging support networks to enhance recovery and lessen socioeconomic disparities.

Journal Article by Ilkhani S, Zogg CK (…) Anderson GA et 9 al. in Am J Surg

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