Blog

Survival and Treatment Differences Between Cirrhotic and Non-cirrhotic Liver in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

A nationwide cohort study in Sweden compared the treatment and survival outcomes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in cirrhotic versus non-cirrhotic livers. Out of the 4259 identified patients, 34% had HCC in a non-cirrhotic liver. Cirrhotic patients presented at a younger age, had poorer performance status, and a higher prevalence of underlying liver disease. Tumors in non-cirrhotic livers were diagnosed at a more advanced stage and were larger. Cirrhotic patients received curative treatment more frequently and had a superior median survival of 19 months compared to 13 months in non-cirrhotic patients. However, the differences in survival were primarily due to patient and tumor characteristics rather than the cirrhotic status itself.

Journal Article by Engstrand J, Stål P (…) Strömberg C et 2 al. in Scand J Surg

read the whole article in Scand J Surg

open it in PubMed

Robotic gastrectomy leads to superior short-term outcomes compared to laparoscopic gastrectomy for elderly individuals with advanced gastric cancer

Results from a propensity score-matching study comparing robotic gastrectomy (RG) and laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) revealed that RG is safe and feasible for elderly patients with advanced gastric cancer. The study found that RG was associated with less intraoperative blood loss, a faster postoperative recovery time, a greater number of lymph nodes dissected, and earlier initiation of postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy, compared to LG. The operation time for both groups was similar. These findings suggest that RG may be a more beneficial approach for elderly individuals with advanced gastric cancer.

Journal Article by Zheng ZW, Lin M (…) Li P et 14 al. in Ann Surg Oncol

© 2023. Society of Surgical Oncology.

read the whole article in Ann Surg Oncol

open it in PubMed

One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass Yields Better Long-Term Outcomes Than Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass and Sleeve Gastrectomy

Patients who underwent one Anastomosis Gastric Bypass (OAGB) had significantly higher total BAROS scores at the five-year follow-up compared to those who underwent Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) and Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG). All three common metabolic and bariatric surgical procedures (SG, RYGB, and OAGB) significantly improved the quality of life after surgery. This retrospective study of 299 patients with severe obesity demonstrates the efficacy of OAGB in enhancing health outcomes.

Journal Article by Madani S, Shahsavan M (…) Kermansaravi M et 5 al. in Obes Surg

© 2023. 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

Surgical Resection Alone Improves Long-Term Survival in Localized Biliary Tract Cancers

Patients with localized biliary tract cancers (BTCs) who underwent surgical resection had higher long-term survival rates compared to those treated with multiagent chemotherapy alone, according to a study. The research analyzed data from 5,988 patients with localized BTCs and found that surgical resection led to a decline in overall survival within the first 30 days for gallbladder adenocarcinoma and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. However, after 90 days, there was an associated improvement in survival for patients treated with surgical resection. For intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, surgical resection was associated with an improvement in survival at various time intervals after treatment initiation.

Journal Article by Elshami M, Ammori JB (…) Ocuin LM et 7 al. in J Surg Res

Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

read the whole article in J Surg Res

open it in PubMed

Gaps in Patient-Centered Decision-Making Related to Complex Surgery

The main result of this study is that surgeons agree that patients prefer to make their own health decisions after considering their physician’s opinion, rather than having the physician make decisions for them. However, the study also revealed gaps in patient-centered decision-making, as only a small percentage of surgeons assessed patient preferences regarding decision-making and information needs. Additionally, a focus on providing clinical and biological information to surgeons may help enhance patient experience and outcomes in complex surgical procedures.

Journal Article by Palmer Kelly E, Rush LJ (…) Pawlik TM et 5 al. in J Surg Res

Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

read the whole article in J Surg Res

open it in PubMed

Instrument and Supply Variability in Operating Rooms: Potential for Cost Savings and Environmental Impact

There is significant variability in instrument and supply choices among surgeons performing common general surgery operations. This study analyzed surgeon preference cards for various operations and found that the number of sterilizable instrument trays and disposable supplies varied greatly. The variability in supply costs and carbon footprint was also substantial. Standardizing these choices could lead to significant cost savings and reduction in the carbon footprint, especially if implemented across the entire healthcare system.

Journal Article by Sathe TS, Sorrentino TA (…) Gandhi S et 7 al. in J Surg Res

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

read the whole article in J Surg Res

open it in PubMed

Effects of Immunotherapy on Overall Survival in Rectal Cancer Patients

The study examined the impact of immunotherapy on overall survival (OS) in rectal cancer patients using a propensity score matched analysis of the National Cancer Database. Out of the total patients analyzed, only 2.5% underwent immunotherapy. The results showed that patients treated with immunotherapy had shorter OS compared to controls. However, when stratified by clinical stage, immunotherapy was associated with improved OS in stage IV patients while lower survival in stage II and III patients. These findings suggest that immunotherapy may have a modest benefit in stage IV metastatic rectal cancer but not in earlier stages.

Journal Article by Horesh N, Emile SH (…) Wexner SD et 4 al. in Int J Colorectal Dis

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

read the whole article in Int J Colorectal Dis

open it in PubMed

Feasibility and Challenges of Pancreaticoduodenectomies with Concurrent Colectomies

Pancreaticoduodenectomies with concurrent colectomies for pancreatic and colon cancer are feasible, but their morbidity and oncological benefits are controversial. This review examines the outcomes of this combined procedure and finds that it is a viable option for select patients with anticipated negative resection margins. However, caution must be exercised due to increased complication rates, including severe ones. Patients should be carefully selected and treated at high-volume centers with expertise in both surgeries. A multidisciplinary approach involving imaging and neoadjuvant therapies is crucial for optimizing outcomes.

Review by Dumitrascu T in J Clin Med

read the whole article in J Clin Med

open it in PubMed

Surgeon specialization not associated with improved outcomes in acute perianal abscess management

Surgeon specialization did not impact outcomes for acute perianal abscess patients in an acute surgical unit, despite colorectal surgeons identifying fistulas more frequently. Abscess recurrence rates were similar between colorectal and non-colorectal surgeons, suggesting drainage alone might suffice as treatment.

Journal Article by Turner GA, Tham N (…) Hayes IP et 4 al. in ANZ J Surg

© 2023 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.

read the whole article in ANZ J Surg

open it in PubMed

Acupressure effectively reduces nausea after laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Acupressure has shown potential in managing nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). A meta-analysis of six randomized controlled trials revealed that acupressure significantly reduced the incidence of nausea at 2 and 6 hours after LC, as well as the need for rescue antiemetics. However, it did not have a significant impact on vomiting or nausea at 24 hours after the procedure. These findings suggest that acupressure can be an effective method to control postoperative nausea in LC patients.

Journal Article by Zhao B, Zhao T, Yang H and Fu X in Surg Laparosc Endosc Percutan Tech

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

read the whole article in Surg Laparosc Endosc Percutan Tech

open it in PubMed