Journal of the American College of Surgeons
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Among surgically treated patients with colon cancer, lower long-term mortality has been demonstrated in those with 12 or more lymph nodes evaluated. We examined whether patients receiving adequate lymph node evaluation were also more likely to receive comprehensive postsurgical care, leading to lower mortality. ⋯ Adequate lymph node evaluation for colon cancer was associated with lower mortality among all patients. However, among 3-year survivors, the association between lymph node evaluation and lower hazard of death was no longer significant, while postsurgical care remained strongly associated with lower long-term mortality, indicating that postsurgical care may partially explain the relationship between lymph node evaluation and mortality.
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The Affordable Care Act has stimulated discussion to find feasible, alternate payment models. Adopting a global payment (GP) mechanism may dampen the high number of procedures incentivized by the fee-for-service (FFS) system. The evolving payment mechanism should reflect collaboration between surgeon and system goals. Our aim was to model and perform simulation of a GP system for hernia care and its impact on cost, revenue, and physician reimbursement in an integrated health care system. ⋯ Collaboration to achieve shared savings can be accomplished by pooling physician and hospital revenue in order to meet the goals of all parties.
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Type or lack of insurance may affect access to care, treatment, and outcomes. We evaluated trends for surgical management of all peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in-hospital admissions by insurer status in New York State. ⋯ EVI increased tremendously and was used without disparity across insurer status. Amputation declined steadily and may have been related to increased EVI or to decreased admission for gangrene. Advanced age, low socioeconomic class or minority status, and lack of insurance negatively affect presentation and limb salvage. Universal health care may be beneficial in improving outcomes but must address root causes for delayed presentation.
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Comparative Study
Quantitative comparison and analysis of species-specific wound biofilm virulence using an in vivo, rabbit-ear model.
Although bacterial biofilm is recognized as an important contributor to chronic wound pathogenesis, differences in biofilm virulence between species have never been studied in vivo. ⋯ Our novel analysis demonstrates that individual bacterial species possess distinct levels of biofilm virulence. Biofilm EPS may represent an integral part of their distinct pathogenicity. Rigorous examination of species-dependent differences in biofilm virulence is critical to developing specific therapeutics, while lending insight to the interactions within clinically relevant, polybacterial biofilms.