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Prognostic Factors in Solitary Colorectal Liver Metastasis: N2 Stage, Hypoalbuminemia, and Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio

Researchers analyzed data from 230 patients with solitary liver metastases from colorectal cancer undergoing liver resection. They found that initial N2 stage, hypoalbuminemia before surgery, and high neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio after surgery were independent prognostic factors for recurrence-free and overall survival. Patients with these factors should receive upfront chemotherapy, prompt postoperative chemotherapy, and intensive postoperative surveillance. The 3- and 5-year overall survival rates were 72.3% and 59.8%, respectively.

Journal Article by Hsu YJ, Chern YJ (…) Lee CW et 5 al. in J Gastrointest Surg

Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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Factors Influencing Academic Productivity for Surgeon-scientists

Having a research-focused degree, a formal research mentor, and contractually protected research time were associated with higher research productivity and satisfaction for academic surgeons. Lack of protection from clinical responsibilities was identified as a primary barrier to research success. Surgeons pursuing research-focused careers should consider these factors to optimize their academic productivity and satisfaction.

Journal Article by Marincola Smith P, Martinez A (…) Goldenring JR et 4 al. in Ann Surg

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

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High Social Vulnerability Index is Associated with Poorer Prognosis in Colorectal Cancer Patients

Results show that patients in neighborhoods with a high Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) have a higher risk of all-cause and cancer-specific mortality after colorectal cancer resection, regardless of other demographic or clinical factors. This suggests that focusing on neighborhood-level vulnerability may help target interventions to improve outcomes in colorectal cancer care.

Journal Article by Masoud SJ, Seo JE (…) Mantyh CR et 4 al. in J Am Coll Surg

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

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Pouch Surgery in the 21st Century: Evolving Techniques and Considerations

An ileoanal pouch with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis is the preferred method for restoring intestinal continuity after total proctocolectomy. Changes in medical management and technological advancements have improved pouch surgery. The number of stages, minimally invasive approaches, pouch design, and anastomotic configuration are key considerations. The laparoscopic j pouch with double-stapled anastomosis is the current standard, but individualized approaches are essential for success.

Journal Article by Maspero M and Hull TL in Dis Colon Rectum

Copyright © The ASCRS 2024.

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Robotic-assisted transabdominal plus transanal approach shortens operation time and reduces bleeding in lateral lymph node dissection for low rectal cancer

Comparison of robotic-assisted lateral lymph node dissection for low rectal cancer with or without transanal approach revealed that the 2team group had significantly shorter operation times (366 minutes vs. 513 minutes), reduced intraoperative bleeding (30 ml vs. 80 ml), and comparable postoperative complication rates (5% urinary disturbance in both groups). The combined approach was deemed safe and feasible, offering promising outcomes for advanced low rectal cancer patients.

Journal Article by Tokunaga T, Kashihara H (…) Shimada M et 6 al. in Surg Endosc

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

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Safety and Efficacy of Bariatric Surgery in People Living with HIV

Efficacy and safety outcomes of bariatric surgery were similar between people living with HIV (PLWH) and controls, except for the lack of improvement in dyslipidemia in PLWH. At 1-year post-surgery, 89% of PLWH achieved ≥20% total weight loss, compared to 94% of controls. Improvement rates in hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus were lower in PLWH, and full remission rates were also lower in this group. However, PLWH had lower rates of surgical complications compared to controls.

Journal Article by Zino L, Qing Chen R (…) Burger DM et 4 al. in Obes Surg

© 2024. The Author(s).

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Identification of Fatigue and Pain as Key Predictors of Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients Treated for Rectal Cancer

Rectal cancer treatment negatively impacts health-related quality of life (HRQOL). A multivariable prediction model developed in this study found that patient-reported outcomes from EORTC QLQ-C30, particularly fatigue and pain, were significant predictors of global HRQOL at all time points. These factors explained 55-65% of the variation in HRQOL, compared to patient characteristics and clinical factors explaining only 4-10%. Early interventions targeting fatigue and pain could enhance HRQOL post-treatment.

Journal Article by Andersson J, Angenete E, Gellerstedt M and Haglind E in Int J Colorectal Dis

© 2024. The Author(s).

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Impact of perioperative blood transfusion on survival after curative hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma

Perioperative blood transfusion during curative hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma was associated with a higher incidence of postoperative complications and longer hospitalization, but did not significantly impact overall survival. A total of 846 patients were studied, with 125 receiving transfusions and 720 not. Patients who received blood transfusion had worse disease-free and overall survival rates across all disease stages. Prognostic factors for overall survival included tumor size, number, alpha-fetoprotein level, and postoperative complications.

Journal Article by She WH, Tsang SHY (…) Cheung TT et 3 al. in Langenbecks Arch Surg

© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.

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Direct Visual Control of Vacuum Sponges for Esophageal Anastomotic Leaks Treatment

Placing vacuum sponges in esophageal anastomotic leaks using a piggyback technique proved to be a fast and safe alternative to standard methods. In seven patients, 56 eso-sponges® were successfully inserted or replaced with minimal complications, except for one dislocation. All patients healed, except for one unrelated death, and three strictures were effectively treated. This technique offers a successful approach to managing anastomotic leaks in esophageal surgery.

Journal Article by Hentschel F, Mollenhauer G (…) Lüth S et 3 al. in Langenbecks Arch Surg

© 2024. The Author(s).

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Identifying Challenges and Opportunities for Future Surgeons

Research identifies educational challenges and opportunities for the next generation of surgeons, focusing on surgical innovations, culture, and mentoring. Current issues include burnout, well-being, gender bias, and the need for technological expertise to meet evolving demands. Surgery must adapt curricula and transform its culture to address the changing educational and working environment arising from COVID-19-driven innovations.

Review by Poljo A, Sortino R (…) Klasen JM et 4 al. in Langenbecks Arch Surg

© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.

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