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RoboSlim: Navigating Bariatric Revisions with Robotics

In the quest for post-bariatric excellence, researchers dived into the robotic realm for revisional bariatric surgery (RBS). Surveying 106 patients who embarked on this robotic journey, the results spoke volumes. With a focus on patients experiencing insufficient weight loss, the team uncovered a success story—significant weight loss, improved comorbidities, and relieved symptoms. The RoboSlim saga demonstrates that robotic-assisted RBS is not just feasible; it’s a game-changer in sculpting a healthier post-bariatric future.

Journal Article by Castillo-Larios R, Cornejo J (…) Elli EF et 2 al. in Obes Surg

© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.

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Hepatic Vagotomy: A Lipid Makeover for Obesity

In the battle against the expanding empire of obesity, researchers delved into hepatic vagotomy’s (HV) potential to rewrite the cholesterol story. Following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, the HV squad at the six-month checkpoint showcased a significant victory with lower total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein (TC/HDL) ratios. While not all hypotheses stood strong, the study unveiled a promising narrative of improved lipid profiles in the HV realm. Ready for a lipid makeover? HV might hold the key in the fight against obesity’s metabolic consequences.

Journal Article by Catinis AM, Hinojosa AJ, Leonardi C and Cook MW in Obes Surg

© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.

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Cholangiocarcinoma Unveiled: Early-Onset Warriors’ Triumph

In the epic battle against cholangiocarcinoma, researchers scoured the SEER database (1975-2020) for insights. Early-onset warriors (EOC), comprising 274 out of 4037 fighters, emerged with a distinct profile—often non-white, intrahepatic warriors. Despite facing a more advanced enemy at diagnosis, EOCs defied the odds. They opted for surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, influencing their fate. Cox analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival plots painted a victory for EOCs, showcasing better overall survival, especially in the surgical arena. In this cholangiocarcinoma saga, early onset brought resilience and a more favorable prognosis.

Journal Article by Gao F, Xu X and Sun Y in Scand J Gastroenterol

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COVID-19 Impact on Surgeons’ Pockets: A Payment Plunge

As the COVID-19 storm hit, the financial tango between surgeons and industry partners took a hit. Examining payments from 2014 to 2021, researchers found a 47% drop in general payments and a 26.5% dip in research payments from 2019 to 2020. All surgical subspecialties felt the squeeze, with travel/lodging payments witnessing the most significant shake-up. Surgeons’ wallets felt the pandemic pinch, raising questions about the lasting effects on the physician-industry dance.

Journal Article by McMullin JL, Wang R (…) Chen H et 2 al. in J Surg Res

Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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Navigating Blunt Trauma: CT Scores’ Quest for Bowel Injury Truth

In the realm of blunt trauma, researchers unleashed the Faget Score and Bowel Injury Prediction Score (BIPS) to unmask the mystery of surgical need for bowel and mesenteric injuries. Scrutinizing 62 warriors from a sea of 14,897, the Faget and BIPS scores showed decent specificity but modest sensitivity. However, when an attending radiologist took the reins using BIPS criteria, accuracy soared. The battle for operative intervention truth in blunt bowel injuries saw the attending radiologist emerge as the hero.

Journal Article by Sethi I, Aicher AE (…) Jawa RS et 4 al. in J Surg Res

Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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Strategic Growth: Portal Vein Boost for Liver Resection in Cholangiocarcinoma

When facing borderline resectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), inducing hypertrophy pre-resection is a game-changer. In this single-center study, researchers found that portal vein embolization (PVE) prepped the battleground without raising perioperative issues. Overall survival (OS) matched non-PVE cases, but additional risks (multifocal tumors, lymph node involvement) threw a curveball, slashing OS notably. The takeaway? PVE proves a surgical ally for borderline ICC, but watch out for extra foes that might dim the long-term victory glow.

Journal Article by Nevermann N, Bode J (…) Schöning W et 8 al. in Eur J Surg Oncol

© 2023 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

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A Deep Dive into Anti-Obesity Medications

The battle against obesity is no one-size-fits-all, and this study delves into the arsenal—lifestyle tweaks, anti-obesity meds (AOMs), gadgets, and surgery. Researchers stress the need for a personalized approach, factoring in patient quirks, goals, and health hiccups. In this trial-and-error game, no crystal ball predicts the perfect AOM match. The takeaway? Prescribe sequentially, maybe mix and match, to hit that sweet spot in the fight against the bulge.

Review by Schmitz SH and Aronne LJ in Gastroenterol Clin North Am

Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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Lighting the Way: Fluorescent Tech Nails Esophageal Surgery

Researchers lit up esophageal cancer surgery with near-infrared indocyanine green, exposing the elusive thoracic duct (TD) in 94% of cases. Injecting ICG into inguinal nodes during minimal access esophagectomy, the team showcased real-time TD imaging. The glow guided ligation in 16 cases, minimizing chyle leaks and sidestepping adverse reactions. This illuminating approach, sustaining fluorescence throughout, promises safer surgery, valuable anatomical insights, and a chyle leak-free 30-day recovery for patients.

Journal Article by Thammineedi SR, Patnaik SC (…) Nusrath S et 3 al. in Langenbecks Arch Surg

© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.

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Revolutionizing Support for Surgeon-Scientists: A Blueprint for Sustainable Science

Surgical leaders unite to transform support for surgeon-scientists, facing challenges of institutional neglect and time constraints. Task force recommendations include cultivating a growth mindset in surgeons, emphasizing mentorship with structured accountability, ensuring financial sustainability through diversified funding, and enhancing structural and strategic support. Building a supportive community culture and reshaping institutional and funding agency expectations are crucial. Authentic commitment from stakeholders is vital for harnessing the unique contributions of surgeon-scientists.

Journal Article by Ladner DP, Goldstein AM (…) Hwang ES et 22 al. in Ann Surg

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

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Harmony in Hepatic Recovery: Gata3 and Ramp2 Balance Key to Vascular Reconstitution

Unveiling liver regeneration intricacies, this study decodes Gata3 and Ramp2’s role in hepatic-vascular revival post-surgery. These hepatocyte conductors fuel liver sinusoidal endothelial cell proliferation. Pedf and Vegfa, playing contrasting roles in endothelial migration, spice up the dance. Gata3 inhibitors emerge as potential superheroes against post-hepatectomy liver failure. Serum Pedf/Vegfa Index (SPVI) steps in as a savvy predictor. It’s a symphony of hepatocyte moves, unlocking avenues for post-surgery liver recovery and potential treatment strategies.

Journal Article by Bibo W, Hao S (…) Hongyang W et 13 al. in J Hepatol

Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier B.V.

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