Blog

Telemedicine Interventions Reduce Readmissions After Abdominal Surgery

A systematic review and meta-analysis examining the impact of telemedicine in perioperative care found that digital health interventions are associated with a lower risk of readmissions and emergency department (ED) visits in patients who have undergone abdominal surgery. Across 19 studies with 10,536 patients, the risk ratio for ED visits (0.78; 95% CI, 0.65-0.94) and readmissions (0.67; 95% CI, 0.58-0.78) was lower in the telemedicine group compared to conventional care. However, no significant difference in complications was observed between the groups. These findings highlight the potential benefits of telehealth in improving patient safety outcomes post-abdominal surgery.

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov’t by Grygorian A, Montano D (…) Schmitz N et 2 al. in JAMA Netw Open

read the whole article in JAMA Netw Open

open it in PubMed

Self-inflatable Balloon for Treating Refractory Benign Esophageal Strictures

The novel self-help inflatable balloon (SHIB) showed high efficacy and safety in treating refractory benign esophageal strictures, with a clinical success rate of 51.2%. Patients experienced significant improvements in dysphagia scores, decreased stricture length, and prolonged intervention-free intervals. Endoscopic resection was particularly effective, with stricture etiology and wearing time identified as predictors of recurrent stricture.

Multicenter Study by Li L, Xu N (…) Linghu E et 10 al. in Int J Surg

Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

read the whole article in Int J Surg

open it in PubMed

Contemporary Outcomes of Left Thoraco-Abdominal Esophagectomy for Esophageal Cancer

A multicenter cohort study on left thoraco-abdominal esophagectomy for esophageal or gastroesophageal junction cancer showed favorable outcomes. Key results include low mortality rates, common postoperative complications, and survival associations with tumor characteristics and treatment modalities. The study highlights the feasibility and efficacy of this open surgical technique in selected patients, offering comparable results to other surgical approaches for esophageal cancer.

Journal Article by Klevebro F, Ash S (…) Low DE et 8 al. in Dis Esophagus

© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of International Society for Diseases of the Esophagus.

read the whole article in Dis Esophagus

open it in PubMed

Therapeutic Outcomes of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy for Low BMI Obesity

Study compared weight loss, comorbidity remission, complications, and quality of life post-lsg in different BMI groups. %EWL at 12 months was significantly higher in class I obesity compared to class II and III. Remission of comorbidities showed no significant difference. Favorable outcomes suggested for various BMI individuals post-lsg, particularly for class I obesity patients.

Journal Article by Yue Z, Jin Y (…) Hu K et 4 al. in Int J Gen Med

© 2024 Yue et al.

read the whole article in Int J Gen Med

open it in PubMed

Gender Disparities in Gas and Bloat Symptoms Post-Anti-Reflux Procedures

Female patients are more likely to experience higher gas/bloat scores after anti-reflux procedures compared to males. Despite similar rates of hernia recurrence, females also exhibit higher GERD-specific quality of life scores post-procedure. Results suggest the need for tailored treatments and prognostication for GERD patients based on sex differences.

Journal Article by Zimmermann CJ, Kuchta K (…) Ujiki MB et 5 al. in J Am Coll Surg

Copyright © 2024 by the American College of Surgeons. Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

read the whole article in J Am Coll Surg

open it in PubMed

Recommendations for Colorectal Polypectomy and Endoscopic Mucosal Resection

ESGE recommends cold snare polypectomy for diminutive and small polyps, and hot snare polypectomy for larger adenomatous polyps. For large nonpedunculated polyps, conventional endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is preferred, with underwater EMR as an alternative. After piecemeal EMR, thermal ablation of resection margins is advised to prevent adenoma recurrence. Prophylactic clip closure is recommended after right colon EMR to reduce delayed bleeding risk. For suspected superficial invasive carcinoma, en bloc resection techniques are suggested.

Journal Article by Ferlitsch M, Hassan C (…) Bourke MJ et 27 al. in Endoscopy

European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. All rights reserved.

read the whole article in Endoscopy

open it in PubMed

Role of Serum Biomarkers in Predicting Complications Post Bariatric Surgery

A systematic review and meta-analysis on pre-operative biomarkers and complications following bariatric surgery identified a significant association between lower pre-operative albumin levels and post-operative complications. While other biomarkers did not show a significant impact, changes in certain biomarkers during the peri-operative period were observed. This suggests the potential use of biomarkers for predicting complications in bariatric surgery patients.

Review by AziziKia H, Shojaei S (…) Alilou S et 5 al. in Obes Surg

© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.

read the whole article in Obes Surg

open it in PubMed

Strategy-Focused Training in Colorectal Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection

Colorectal ESD training with a focus on strategic preoperative techniques, including gravity traction, led to favorable outcomes with high en bloc and curative resection rates. Proficiency growth was evident after about 50 cases, with challenges varying across early and late phases. Traction-assisted ESD, particularly planned traction, proved beneficial in lesion management. “Strategy-focused” training consistently adapted to diverse difficulty factors, showcasing successful outcomes.

Journal Article by Chiba H, Ohata K (…) Nakaoka M et 8 al. in Dig Dis Sci

© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.

read the whole article in Dig Dis Sci

open it in PubMed

Functional Recovery in Older Surgical Patients undergoing Abdominal Cancer Surgery

Amidst an aging population and improved surgical outcomes, a review found a concerning lack of perioperative function reporting in older adults undergoing major abdominal cancer surgery. Only a small proportion of studies included in the review reported on postoperative function, suggesting a need for greater focus on functional recovery as an outcome measure to improve clinical outcomes and quality of care for older surgical patients.

Review by Yim THJYZ and Tan KY in Eur J Surg Oncol

© 2024 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

read the whole article in Eur J Surg Oncol

open it in PubMed

Factors Predicting Readmission and Mortality in Patients Admitted for Malignant Bowel Obstruction

Non-English speaking patients had a higher risk of readmission for malignant bowel obstruction, with patient age, primary language, and palliative care consultation serving as predictors for readmission and potentially impacting 90-day mortality. Modifiable factors such as palliative care consultation and multidisciplinary goals of care discussions should be emphasized to reduce readmissions and improve quality of life for this patient population.

Journal Article by Xu N, Sun BJ, Yue TM and Lee B in Am Surg

read the whole article in Am Surg

open it in PubMed