Journal of the American College of Surgeons
-
Multicenter Study
Immunosuppression and Clostridium difficile Infection Risk in Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Patients.
Immunosuppressant use increases risk of Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile infection. To date, no studies have analyzed the relationship between immunosuppressant use and C difficile infections after metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS). ⋯ Our results using a population-based sample of MBS patients showed that those taking immunosuppressants have a significantly higher risk of developing Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile infection postoperatively. These findings suggest that patients using immunosuppressants should be closely monitored both pre and post procedure.
-
Despite limited evidence regarding its safety, immediate reconstruction (IR) is increasingly offered to women with T4 breast cancer. We compared outcomes after IR, delayed reconstruction (DR), and no reconstruction (NR) in patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) for T4 disease. ⋯ After IR, women with T4 tumors, particularly T4d disease, experienced delayed initiation of adjuvant treatment and substantial morbidity, suggesting that an interval of >18 months between mastectomy and reconstruction is advisable.
-
Recent trends in prehospital tourniquet use remain underreported. In addition, the impact of prehospital tourniquet use on patient survival has not been evaluated in a population-level study. We hypothesized that prehospital tourniquets were used more frequently in Los Angeles County and their use was associated with improved patient survival. ⋯ Prehospital tourniquet use has been on the rise in Los Angeles County. Our results suggest that the use of prehospital tourniquets for extremity vascular injuries is associated with improved patient survival and decreased blood transfusion requirements, without an increase in delayed amputations.
-
An understanding of signaling pathways has not been fully incorporated into prognostication and therapeutic options. We evaluated the hypothesis that information about cancer-related signaling pathways can improve prognostic stratification and explain some of the clinical heterogeneity in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. ⋯ Genomic sequencing provides insights into clinical heterogeneity and permits finer prognostic stratification in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.
-
In response to the challenges faced as diverse students when first encountering the intricacies of scrubbing into the operating room (OR), we have prepared a rudimentary surgical skills guide to supplement the knowledge of students and educators alike. In keeping with the need to adapt standard protocols to accommodate religious and cultural practices, this guide focuses on hijab, natural hair, dastar, protective styles, and beard protocol in the OR. ⋯ We intend this guide to serve as a foundation on which the medical field can update its educational practices in line with the increased diversity of the medical professions, while also continuing to ensure the safety of OR and ICU patients. This guide also highlights COVID-19-specific changes in personal protective equipment and seeks to open up a conversation about the necessity of currently held surgical practices.