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Patient and Case Disparities in Resident-Performed Surgeries at Teaching Hospitals

Analyzing over 600,000 cases at Veterans Affairs teaching hospitals, this study delves into resident operative autonomy, revealing distinct patient and case differences. In cases where residents operate independently, patients were younger, had lower comorbidities, and underwent less complex procedures. Notably, core general surgery cases dominated, indicating attending judgment in allowing autonomy. However, despite some patients being sicker, the study emphasizes that increased complexity alone shouldn’t preclude resident involvement in these cases.

Journal Article by Tsui GO, Kunac A (…) Anjaria DJ et 2 al. in J Surg Res

Published by Elsevier Inc.

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Laparoscopic vs. Open Pancreatoduodenectomy in Long-Term OS Battle

In the clash of surgical titans for pancreatic or periampullary tumors, laparoscopic and open approaches square off. The 3-year showdown reveals no knockout punches. Among the contenders, laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) doesn’t outshine open PD in the ring of overall survival (OS). Both LPD and open PD go the distance with a similar 3-year OS, showcasing that in this surgical duel, no clear winner emerges.

Journal Article by Qin T, Zhang H (…) Qin R et 30 al. in Ann Surg

Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

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Thyroid Carcinoma: Unraveling the Biomarker Enigma in High-Stakes Diagnosis

In the thyroid cancer arena, the study unveils the tricky identity crisis of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC). Often emerging from differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC), ATC’s rebel nature complicates diagnosis. Researchers scoured 36 cases, discovering ATC’s deceptive biomarker profile. While TTF1 stays mum, PAX8 and divergent markers like GATA3 and SATB2 stage a confusing spectacle. These markers, akin to other malignancies, turn ATC diagnosis into a diagnostic puzzle, revealing the nuanced challenge of distinguishing it from its high-grade neck rivals.

Journal Article by Mneimneh WS and Asa SL in Am J Surg Pathol

Copyright © 2023 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Cholecystectomy in Pregnancy: A Script for Better Outcomes

A retrospective study scrutinizes the dilemma of managing acute cholecystitis during pregnancy. Cholecystectomy, performed in just 34.5% of cases, emerges as a protagonist, significantly lowering adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs) risk throughout all trimesters. While supporting guidelines, the study suggests a potential plot twist—greater adherence to guidelines and increased surgery, especially in trimester 3, could enhance outcomes for pregnant individuals with acute cholecystitis, paving the way for improved decision-making discussions in clinical practice.

Journal Article by Hantouli MN, Droullard DJ (…) Davidson GH et 4 al. in JAMA Surg

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Innovative Maneuvers in Laparoscopic Spleen-Preserving Distal Pancreatectomy: The Gastrohepatic Ligament Approach

Surgeons pioneering laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy (lspdp) embraced the gastrohepatic ligament approach, deftly navigating preservation of splenic vessels. With a concise operation time of 186 minutes and minimal blood loss (37 ml), their approach, showcased in a video, emerges as a strategic option for low-grade malignant tumors. This professional journey promises smoother seas for lspdp, blending innovation with efficiency.

Journal Article by Tsunematsu M, Onda S (…) Ikegami T et 3 al. in Ann Surg Oncol

© 2023. Society of Surgical Oncology.

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Snap, Scan, Predict: CT Measurements Forecast Pancreatic Fistula Risk After Pancreatoduodenectomy

In the realm of pancreatoduodenectomy, a study unfolds a CT-based crystal ball. Researchers spot predictive markers—pancreatic neck thickness (>1.3 cm), intra-abdominal distance (>5.8 cm), soft pancreas, and narrow duct—signaling heightened risk of postoperative pancreatic fistula. Notably, abdominal wall thickness and obesity play no role. This snapshot tool not only forecasts complications but introduces a potential game-changer for personalized risk assessment in the preoperative dance of pancreatoduodenectomy.

Journal Article by Sok C, Sandhu S (…) Shah MM et 9 al. in Ann Surg Oncol

© 2023. Society of Surgical Oncology.

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Charting the Course: A Comprehensive Review of Gastric Cancer Immunotherapy Advances (1999-2023)

Examining 2013 publications, researchers spotlight the surge in gastric cancer immunotherapy research, with China dominating contributions. Keywords like “tumor microenvironment” and “adoptive immunotherapy” emerged as hotspots. Analysis of clinical trials underscores progress, emphasizing immune checkpoint inhibitors and chimeric antigen receptor T-cells as promising options. The study calls for future research fusing immunotherapies with conventional treatments, envisioning a collaborative approach for enhanced gastric cancer management.

Journal Article by Li YN, Xie B (…) Guo R et 5 al. in World J Gastroenterol

©The Author(s) 2023. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.

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Building Trust: Cultivating a Culture of Highly Reliable Quality Care in Surgery

In the healthcare hustle, achieving top-notch surgical care consistently demands teamwork and a culture shift. Researchers spill the tea on creating a Highly Reliable Quality Care Culture. The keys? Teamwork, transparency, and embracing failure. Learn the principles – fear of failure, sensitivity, no oversimplification, resilience, and respect for expertise. A case study and a nod to future tech (hello, AI!) show the way forward in minimizing mishaps and optimizing outcomes.

Journal Article by Mlaver E and Sweeney JF in BMC Surg

Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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Rockin’ Recovery: Find Success with ERAS Pathway for Thyroid and Parathyroid Procedures

Researchers spill the tea on their fresh Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) pathway for thyroid/parathyroid surgeries. The vibe? ERAS brings the party with a significant cut in recovery time (9.2 to 7.5 hours) and a drop in patient-initiated admissions. The ERAS group flaunts lower morphine doses and daily pain scores, proving this pathway’s worth for thyroidectomies and parathyroidectomies.

Journal Article by Machado N, Mortlock R (…) Ogilvie J et 8 al. in BMC Surg

Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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Dietitian-Led Very Low Calorie Diet Clinic Shows Promise for Preoperative Obesity Management

Researchers dive into elective surgery prep for obese individuals, testing a dietitian-led very low calorie diet clinic’s impact. Over 141 participants witnessed improved American Society of Anesthesiologists and Surgical Risk Calculator scores. Results suggest potential benefits, calling for randomized controlled trials to validate this approach. Surgery prep with a side of slim-down might just be the next big thing!

Journal Article by Griffin SB, Palmer MA (…) Ross LJ et 5 al. in BMC Surg

Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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