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Social Determinants Impact Thyroid Cancer Outcomes

This study delves into the influence of social determinants of health on thyroid cancer patients. Researchers scrutinized data from over 142,000 cases and discovered that longer delays in treatment resulted in higher mortality rates. Moreover, patients facing adverse social determinants of health, such as low income, education, and lack of insurance, experienced delayed treatment. The study highlights the cumulative impact of these determinants, indicating that the more adverse factors patients faced, the longer their treatment delays and, consequently, the greater their risk of mortality. This underscores the need to address social disparities in thyroid cancer care.

Journal Article by Collins RA, McManus C (…) Kuo JH et 3 al. in BMC Surg

Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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Single-Use Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Reduces Surgical Site Infections

Analyzing 19 studies, researchers reviewed whether single-use negative pressure wound therapy (sNPWT) could diminish surgical site infections (SSIs) in at-risk patients with closed surgical incisions. The meta-analysis indicated a significant reduction in composite, superficial, and deep SSIs with sNPWT compared to standard care across diverse surgical specialties. The -80 mmHg sNPWT device emerged as an effective approach, displaying reduced SSI rates in a heterogeneous surgical population, highlighting its potential impact on infection prevention.

Review by James K, Glasswell A and Costa B in Am J Surg

Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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Improving Patient Outcomes in Gallbladder Stone Management

A study investigated the impact of simulator-based training on laparoscopic cholecystectomy with common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) utilization and patient outcomes. After implementing training, LCBDE utilization increased significantly. Patients treated with LCBDE experienced shorter hospital stays without significant differences in readmission rates or post-procedure complications. In comparison to alternative strategies, LCBDE proved safe and efficient, making the case for broader implementation to optimize healthcare for patients with gallbladder stones.

Journal Article by VanDruff VN, Santos BF (…) Ujiki MB et 19 al. in Surg Endosc

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

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Unraveling the Complexity of Appendicitis Diagnosis and Treatment

This systematic review and meta-analysis delved into the often-debated realm of diagnosing and treating appendicitis in both adults and children. A comprehensive examination of 261 studies revealed nuances in care. For adults, CT scans showed high sensitivity and specificity. Uncomplicated appendicitis had varied outcomes with non-operative management, affecting readmission rates, the need for surgery, and return to daily life. In complicated cases, antibiotic treatment showed promise, while pediatric patients with complicated appendicitis faced higher odds of abscess formation. Personalized approaches and further research are essential for optimal care.

Journal Article by Lamm R, Kumar SS (…) Slater B et 12 al. in Surg Endosc

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

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Minimally Invasive Surgery Benefits Pancreatoduodenectomy Patients Post-Neoadjuvant Treatment

This study delves into the impact of surgical approach on the 30-day outcomes of pancreatic cancer patients after neoadjuvant treatment (NAT). Researchers compared minimally invasive pancreatoduodenectomy (MIPD) and open pancreatoduodenectomy (OPD) within NAT groups. Among the 5,588 patients analyzed, MIPD after neoadjuvant chemotherapy alone resulted in lower complication rates, shorter hospital stays, and fewer complications compared to OPD. These findings suggest that MIPD is a safe and feasible option for patients who undergo NAT, potentially improving their postoperative recovery.

Journal Article by Al Abbas AI, Meier J (…) Polanco PM et 9 al. in J Gastrointest Surg

© 2023. The Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract.

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Thyroid Hormone Receptor Alpha: A Potential Game-Changer in Liver Fibrosis

This study explores the role of thyroid hormones (TH) and their receptor, TRα, in hepatic fibrogenesis, a key process in chronic liver disease. Researchers found that TRα plays a dominant role in hepatic stellate cells (HSC) and can modulate fibrogenic gene expression. TH, specifically T3, inhibited fibrogenic responses in HSC and reduced liver fibrogenesis in mice. This discovery highlights the potential of targeting the TH-TRα axis as a novel approach for treating liver fibrosis, offering hope for future therapies in chronic liver disease management.

Journal Article by Manka P, Coombes JD (…) Syn WK et 18 al. in Liver Int

© 2023 The Authors. Liver International published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

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Unveiling Factors Behind Unresolved Stomas in Rectal Cancer Surgery

This study delves into the factors contributing to the non-closure of temporary stomas following anterior resection for rectal cancer. Researchers identified several risk factors, including age over 60, advanced tumor stage, high American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, open surgery, postoperative chemotherapy, anastomotic leakage, and local recurrence. Shockingly, one out of every five patients who undergo anterior resection with a temporary stoma experiences non-closure. Understanding these factors is crucial for improving outcomes in rectal cancer surgery.

Review by Zhou L, Qin Z and Wang L in Eur J Surg Oncol

© 2023 Elsevier Ltd, BASO ∼ The Association for Cancer Surgery, and the European Society of Surgical Oncology. All rights reserved.

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Hepatic Steatosis and Fibrosis Not Linked to Postoperative Outcomes in Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma

For those facing surgery for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pcca), concerns about hepatic steatosis and fibrosis were investigated. Analyzing data from 401 patients, researchers found that neither hepatic steatosis nor fibrosis were associated with postoperative outcomes, including posthepatectomy liver failure (phlf) or 90-day mortality. Instead, factors like preoperative cholangitis and liver remnant size proved to be more significant in predicting these post-surgery outcomes. This study provides reassuring insights into pcca surgery, showing these specific liver conditions may not significantly impact results.

Journal Article by van Keulen AM, Olthof PB (…) Doukas M et 11 al. in Ann Surg Oncol

© 2023. The Author(s).

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Frailty’s Alarming Impact on Pancreatic Cancer Survival

This systematic review and meta-analysis delved into the world of pancreatic cancer, focusing on frailty. Among 35,191 patients, they discovered that 45% of pancreatic cancer patients were frail. This frailty took a toll, significantly reducing their chances of survival. While the results displayed some variation, they underscored the vital role of assessing frailty in pancreatic cancer cases, offering valuable insights for prognosis and decision-making.

Journal Article by Zhang F, Yan Y and Ge C in Ann Surg Oncol

© 2023. Society of Surgical Oncology.

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Nomogram Predicts Tumor Deposits in Colorectal Cancer Patients

Researchers created a predictive model to identify tumor deposits (TDs) in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Analyzing data from these patients, the study revealed that variables such as female sex, preoperative intestinal obstruction, left-sided CRC, and lymph node metastasis are independent risk factors for TD formation. Their nomogram, with strong predictive performance, can assist surgeons in personalized treatment planning for CRC patients. This tool can be a game-changer for enhancing CRC treatment strategies and patient outcomes.

Journal Article by Zheng HD, Hu YH, Ye K and Xu JH in World J Gastroenterol

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

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