Blog

Underutilization of Anti-obesity Medications Post-Bariatric Surgery

After bariatric surgery, many patients experience insufficient weight loss or regain. This study examines the utilization of anti-obesity medications (AOMs) post-surgery using a large database. Among 59,160 patients, AOM use was highest for topiramate, with varying age and racial distributions. Despite weight concerns, AOMs are underused, suggesting a need to address barriers and consider AOMs earlier for patients with inadequate weight loss post-bariatric surgery.

Journal Article by Firkins SA, Chittajallu V (…) Simons-Linares R et 2 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

Upcoming Therapies Address Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH)

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) has become a leading cause of liver transplantations in western countries, with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) progressing to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver failure. Researchers anticipate the approval of the first drug for MASH by 2024, exploring pathways like thyroid hormone receptors and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors. Phase 3 trials focus on resolving steatohepatitis or improving fibrosis, paving the way for combination therapies and alternative endpoints in clinical trials.

Journal Article by Noureddin M in Hepatology

Copyright © 2024 American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.

read the whole article in Hepatology

open it in PubMed

IPMN Surveillance Enhances Early PDAC Diagnosis and Outcomes

Long-term surveillance of IPMNs led to early diagnosis and better outcomes of concomitant PDAC. Patients with IPMNs had higher rates of early cancer stage identification and R0 resection compared to those without IPMNs. Concomitant PDACs were associated with longer overall survival, with a 5-year survival rate higher than non-IPMN-associated PDACs. This study highlights the importance of surveillance for IPMN patients in improving the prognosis of concomitant PDAC.

Journal Article by Oyama H, Hamada T (…) Fujishiro M et 20 al. in Ann Surg

Copyright © 2024 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

read the whole article in Ann Surg

open it in PubMed

Improved Survival Outcomes with Modern Multimodality Regimens for Pancreatic Cancer

Researchers analyzed 727 pancreatic cancer patients who received neoadjuvant therapy and pancreatectomy from 1998 to 2018. They found an increase in neoadjuvant chemotherapy use and a shift in the timing of recurrence risk from postoperative year 1 to year 2. Overall survival improved over time, predominantly due to better post-recurrence survival rates. Recurrence rates remained stable, with most recurrences occurring within 2 years. The study highlights improved survival outcomes with modern multimodality regimens for pancreatic cancer.

Journal Article by Cass SH, Tzeng CD (…) Ikoma N et 11 al. in Ann Surg

Copyright © 2024 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

read the whole article in Ann Surg

open it in PubMed

Mechanical and Oral Antibiotics Bowel Preparation (MOABP) reduces postoperative complications in elective rectal resection

Moabp significantly reduced overall postoperative complications, surgical site infections (SSIs), and anastomotic dehiscences in patients undergoing elective rectal resection compared to those receiving mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) plus a placebo. Patients in the Moabp group had lower rates of complications and SSIs, highlighting the potential of Moabp as a standard treatment in reducing morbidity after rectal resection.

Journal Article by Koskenvuo L, Lunkka P (…) Sallinen V et 5 al. in JAMA Surg

read the whole article in JAMA Surg

open it in PubMed

Study finds payer-negotiated prices not clinically significant for surgical outcomes in common cancers

Research examined payer-negotiated prices for surgical oncology services at NCI-designated cancer centers and their impact on clinical outcomes. Prices varied greatly within and between centers, but the effect on morbidity and mortality was statistically significant, yet clinically negligible across colon, lung, and pancreas cancer cohorts. Higher prices were not linked to better clinical quality. Overall, payer-negotiated prices were not found to significantly impact surgical outcomes for common cancers.

Journal Article by Sankaran R, O’Connor J (…) Nathan H et 2 al. in Ann Surg Oncol

© 2024. Society of Surgical Oncology.

read the whole article in Ann Surg Oncol

open it in PubMed

Biologic Resectability for Surgery in Oligometastatic Pancreatic Cancer

Researchers explore the concept of biologic resectability in defining patient selection for metastasectomy in oligometastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). They assess safety and oncologic outcomes of metastasectomy in liver, peritoneum, and lung, and evaluate biomarkers like radiographic findings, biochemical markers (CA 19-9, CEA), and inflammatory markers. The study emphasizes the importance of considering biologic, rather than technical, resectability in guiding surgical interventions for PDAC patients with oligometastatic disease.

Review by Koti S, Demyan L, Deutsch G and Weiss M in Ann Surg Oncol

© 2024. The Author(s).

read the whole article in Ann Surg Oncol

open it in PubMed

Improved Technique for Laparoscopic Right Anterior Sectionectomy using Glissonean Approach and Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Imaging

Combining the Glissonean approach and indocyanine green fluorescence imaging aids in performing laparoscopic right anterior sectionectomy with precision, particularly in locating transection planes near the middle and right hepatic veins. In a case study, this technique enabled successful resection of a hepatocellular carcinoma with minimal blood loss and a short postoperative recovery period. Improved guidance during resection and protection of critical structures are highlighted as key advantages of this approach.

Journal Article by Livin M, Sebai A (…) Jeddou H et 3 al. in Ann Surg Oncol

© 2024. Society of Surgical Oncology.

read the whole article in Ann Surg Oncol

open it in PubMed

Survival Benefits of Hepatic Artery Therapies in Colorectal Liver Metastases

Systematic review and meta-analysis of hepatic artery-based therapies and systemic chemotherapy for unresectable colorectal liver metastases showed high overall survival rates for hepatic artery infusion and favorable outcomes compared to doublet chemotherapy in specific subgroups. Triplet chemotherapy had the best outcomes but with higher toxicity and inclusion of potentially resectable patients. The upcoming EA2222 pump trial may provide further insights.

Journal Article by Sugumar K, Stitzel H (…) Ocuin LM et 12 al. in Ann Surg Oncol

© 2024. The Author(s).

read the whole article in Ann Surg Oncol

open it in PubMed

Frail Patients Gain Equal Quality of Life Benefits after Ventral Hernia Repair

Older patients undergoing elective ventral hernia repair were categorized based on frailty, with severely frail patients showing lower quality of life at baseline. Surprisingly, severely frail patients reported higher quality of life scores at 30 days and 6 months postoperatively compared to non-frail patients. Despite higher rates of surgical site complications, frail patients, when appropriately selected, experienced the greatest increase in quality of life 1 year after surgery, demonstrating similar outcomes to non-frail counterparts.

Journal Article by Holla S, Renshaw S (…) Collins CE et 4 al. in BMC Surg

Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

read the whole article in BMC Surg

open it in PubMed