Annals of surgery
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We aimed to better understand patients' treatment preferences and quantify the level of cancer risk at which treatment preferences change (risk threshold) to inform better counseling of patients with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs). ⋯ Participants varied in treatment preference and risk threshold of incidentally identified IPMNs. Given the uncertainty in estimating the true malignant potential of IPMNs, a better understanding of a patient's risk threshold, as influenced by patient concern about malignancy, will help inform the shared decision-making process.
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We sought to compare identification of unhealthy substance use before surgery using The Tobacco, Alcohol, Prescription Medication, and Other Substance Use (TAPS), a standardized 4-item instrument, versus routine clinical documentation in the electronic medical record (EHR). ⋯ Standardized TAPS screening detected preoperative unhealthy substance use more frequently than routine clinician documentation, emphasizing the need for integrating standardized measures into surgical practice to ensure safer perioperative care and outcomes.
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To implement the BREASTChoice decision tool into the electronic health record and evaluate its effectiveness. ⋯ BREASTChoice is a novel decision tool incorporating risk prediction, patient education, and clinician engagement. Patients using BREASTChoice had higher knowledge; older adults and those from racially minoritized backgrounds especially benefitted. There was no impact on other decision outcomes. Future studies should overcome implementation barriers and specifically examine decision outcomes among high-risk patients.
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To describe the management of T1 colon cancer in a retrospective study of a national cancer registry. ⋯ LE is the most common mode of diagnosis in patients with T1 colon cancer and does not negatively impact survival and postoperative outcomes. Current strategies to stratify patients to completion surgery appear insufficient, and more robust predictors are needed.
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To describe the incidence of and risk factors for pregnancy complications in female cardiothoracic surgeons compared to women of similar sociodemographic profiles. ⋯ Female cardiothoracic surgeons are more likely to experience major pregnancy complications than non-surgeon partners of their male peers. Long operative hours during pregnancy and older maternal age are significant risk factors for pregnancy complications. To advance gender equity, policies to protect maternal-fetal health and facilitate childbearing during training and early career are needed.