Blog

Enhanced Precision in Robotic Hepatectomy: Inflow Control and Liver Retraction Demystified

Researchers detail an improved version of Huang’s Loop for intracorporeal inflow control during minimally invasive hepatectomy. Utilizing a modified soft urinary catheter with an adjustable loop, the team ensures atraumatic and adaptable control around the porta hepatis. Additionally, they introduce a liver sling, crafted from a soft surgical sponge, for gentle yet effective retraction, enhancing exposure, especially in the right posterior sector. These cost-efficient techniques promise heightened precision and reproducibility in robotic hepatic procedures.

Journal Article by Jain AJ, Newhook TE (…) Tran Cao HS et 5 al. in Ann Surg Oncol

© 2023. Society of Surgical Oncology.

read the whole article in Ann Surg Oncol

open it in PubMed

Unlocking Telenursing Potential: Scoping Review Protocol for Oncological Perioperative Care

Investigating the implementation of telenursing in surgical oncology, researchers unveil a scoping review protocol. Adhering to Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines, the study explores global evidence through databases and grey literature. Two independent reviewers, aided by Rayyan software, will extract data on program details, challenges, and potentials. Ethical approval is unnecessary, ensuring dissemination of results in journals and events to catalyze the development and integration of effective oncological perioperative telenursing programs.

Journal Article by Mozer CADN, Gonçalves JDC (…) Fioresi M et 2 al. in BMJ Open

© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2023. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.

read the whole article in BMJ Open

open it in PubMed

Equivalency in Colorectal Metastases Management: Liver vs. Peritoneum

Examining outcomes in metastatic colorectal cancer treatment, researchers conducted a review, analyzing six selected studies. Comparing surgical interventions on the liver and peritoneum, cytoreductive surgery with heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy showed comparable safety and survival outcomes to hepatectomy. This suggests a need for early integration of cytoreduction in the management algorithm for colorectal cancer patients with peritoneal metastases. The study encourages a shift in approach for improved perioperative and oncological outcomes in this patient population.

Review by Cos H and Shen P in J Surg Oncol

© 2023 The Authors. Journal of Surgical Oncology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

read the whole article in J Surg Oncol

open it in PubMed

Comparable Medium-Term Outcomes: Robotic vs. Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Researchers compared medium-term outcomes between robotic-assisted cholecystectomy (RC) and laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) using quality of life (QOL) and pain assessments. In a cohort from 2012 to 2017, 122 patients completed surveys in 2019. Both groups were similar in demographics. No overall QOL difference was found, but LC patients reported higher severity in specific pain categories. Overall, QOL over 2-7 years post-surgery was comparable, suggesting both approaches provide similar outcomes, but LC might be associated with higher pain intensity in specific categories.

Journal Article by Mudgway R, Tran Z (…) Wu E et 11 al. in J Surg Res

Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

read the whole article in J Surg Res

open it in PubMed

Intraoperative Swab Impact in Appendectomy for Uncomplicated and Complicated Appendicitis

In a study of 1570 adult appendectomy patients, intraoperative swabs were taken in 29%, revealing a 51% bacterial isolation rate, higher in complicated appendicitis. A positive swab correlated significantly with worse postoperative outcomes, increased morbidity, re-surgery, and longer hospital stay. Positive swabs were independent risk factors for morbidity and the need to adjust postoperative antibiotics. While swab analysis identifies higher-risk patients, the frequency of antibiotic changes based on the analysis is low, suggesting limited impact on postoperative antibiotic therapy adjustments.

Journal Article by Bancke Laverde BL, Maak M (…) Brunner M et 6 al. in Int J Colorectal Dis

© 2023. The Author(s).

read the whole article in Int J Colorectal Dis

open it in PubMed

Virtual Reality for Colorectal Cancer Surgery Consent

In a pilot trial, colorectal cancer patients undergoing elective surgery were randomized to receive standard consent (CT images) or virtual reality (VR) consent (CT images and immersive VR models). While not statistically significant, VR showed a trend toward improved patient-reported understanding, with most patients preferring VR as an educational tool. Well-tolerated and enjoyable, VR’s feasibility in outpatient clinics for colorectal cancer surgery suggests the need for a statistically powered study to assess its impact on patient understanding.

Journal Article by Shepherd T, Trinder M and Theophilus M in ANZ J Surg

© 2023 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.

read the whole article in ANZ J Surg

open it in PubMed

Mental Health Challenges in US Academic Surgeons

A survey of 622 US academic surgeons, trainees, and medical students revealed concerning mental health issues. About 26.1% reported a prior mental health diagnosis, with 15.9% screening positive for depression, 18.4% for anxiety, 11.0% for alcohol use disorder, and 17.3% for PTSD. Those with a history of mental health disorders, depression, or PTSD had increased odds of suicidal ideation. Shockingly, nearly 1 in 7 respondents reported suicidal thoughts in the past year, highlighting significant mental health challenges within the US surgical workforce.

Journal Article by Collins RA, Herman T (…) Cunningham C et 24 al. in Ann Surg

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

read the whole article in Ann Surg

open it in PubMed

Enhancing Surgical Informed Consent: Insights from Medical Interpreters

In exploring the perspectives of 22 experienced medical interpreters, the study unveiled key elements for improving surgical informed consent discussions, especially for patients with limited English proficiency. Interpreters emphasized their roles as patient advocates and cultural brokers, revealing patient attributes that influence discussions based on cultural values. Recommendations included surgeons demonstrating compassion, using simple language, and providing context around consent. Interpreters stressed the need for reducing legal terminology on consent forms and facilitating translation, offering crucial insights for enhancing communication with diverse patient populations.

Journal Article by Allar BG, Ponce C (…) Kent TS et 5 al. in Ann Surg

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

read the whole article in Ann Surg

open it in PubMed

Improved Outcomes: Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Elderly Locally Advanced Gastric Cancer Patients

Examining elderly gastric cancer patients (>75 years) in the U.S., this study, using propensity score matching, reveals that neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) utilization increased from 2013 to 2019 (21% to 42.7%). After matching, 1958 patients showed that those receiving NAC experienced enhanced oncological outcomes following resection for locally advanced gastric cancer. The findings advocate for the potential benefits of NAC in improving overall survival and other outcomes in this elderly patient population.

Journal Article by Rawicz-Pruszyński K, Endo Y (…) Pawlik TM et 7 al. in Ann Surg Oncol

© 2023. Society of Surgical Oncology.

read the whole article in Ann Surg Oncol

open it in PubMed

Distance and Disparities in Cytoreductive Surgery

Analyzing 1614 cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) cases, researchers found that over 50% of patients traveled more than 100 miles for treatment. While regionalization showed no survival difference, those traveling further had fewer disparities but higher disease severity, raising concerns about access for the underserved, time to treatment, and surgical quality. Median survival didn’t differ based on distance, suggesting regionalization’s appropriateness but emphasizing the need for equitable care and timely intervention for distant-traveling patients.

Journal Article by Solsky I, Patel A (…) Levine EA et 5 al. in Ann Surg Oncol

© 2023. Society of Surgical Oncology.

read the whole article in Ann Surg Oncol

open it in PubMed