Archive for category: News

In
a noteworthy shift in the landscape of emergency general surgery, robotic
procedures are increasingly making their mark, offering potential advantages in
outcomes, according to a comprehensive retrospective cohort study conducted
across 829 US facilities. The study states that robotic surgery which has
traditionally been associated with elective procedures, illuminates its
increasing role in emergency general surgery.

The
study results were published in the journal JAMA Surgery.

In
the realm of surgical interventions, robotic surgery has firmly established
itself as a go-to approach for a diverse array of elective operations. However,
when it comes to emergency general surgery, there exists a notable gap in
comprehensive data regarding the utility and outcomes of robotic procedures.
Hence researchers conducted a study to understand the trajectory of robotic and
laparoscopic approaches in emergency settings. Published after extensive
data analysis from July 2022 to November 2023, the study delved into the
utilization and outcomes of laparoscopic and robotic approaches for emergent
surgical procedures, focusing on cholecystectomy, colectomy, inguinal hernia repair,
and ventral hernia repair.

From
2013 to 2021, a retrospective cohort study analyzed a discharge database from
829 US facilities, covering 1,067,263 emergent surgeries. Surgical approaches
(robotic, laparoscopic, or open) were assessed for temporal trends, conversion
rates, and length of stay. Temporal trends were measured through linear
regression, and propensity score matching compared outcomes between robotic and
laparoscopic surgery groups.

Findings:

• Over
  the observed period from 2013 to 2021, robotic surgery exhibited a consistent
  year-over-year increase for all examined procedures.

• Notable percentages
  included a 0.7% rise for cholecystectomy, 0.9% for colectomy, 1.9% for inguinal
  hernia repair, and 1.1% for ventral hernia repair.

• This
  trend was accompanied by a corresponding decrease in the conventional open
  surgical approach across the board.
  

• 
  Robotic
  surgery was associated with a significantly lower risk of conversion to open
  surgery in all four procedures.
• For instance, in cholecystectomy, the
  conversion risk was 1.7% for robotic surgery compared to 3.0% for laparoscopy.

• Similar
  trends were observed in colectomy, inguinal hernia repair, and ventral hernia
  repair, with robotic surgery consistently demonstrating lower conversion rates.
  

• 
  Furthermore,
  the study revealed a notable advantage in postoperative lengths of stay for
  patients undergoing robotic surgery.

• Specifically,
  colectomy, inguinal hernia repair, and ventral hernia repair displayed shorter
  stays for the robotic surgery cohort.

• The
  reduced length of stay suggests a potential improvement in recovery times and
  resource utilization, marking a positive development for both patients and
  healthcare systems.

   

While
the adoption of robotic surgery in emergency settings is not yet ubiquitous,
the study underscores a growing trend and suggests promising outcomes
associated with this advanced approach. As technological advancements continue
to shape the field of surgery, the increasing prevalence of robotics in
emergency procedures holds the potential to enhance patient outcomes and
redefine standards in emergency general surgery. The findings provide valuable
insights for the medical community, paving the way for further exploration of
the role of robotics in emergency settings.

Further reading: Lunardi N, Abou-Zamzam A, Florecki KL, et al. Robotic Technology in Emergency General Surgery Cases in the Era of Minimally Invasive Surgery. JAMA Surg. Published online March 06, 2024. doi:10.1001/jamasurg.2024.0016

We all experience loss and grief. Imagine, though, that you don’t need to say goodbye to your loved ones, that you can recreate them virtually so you can have conversations and find out how they’re feeling.

Short-term very low calorie diets are safe for teenagers living with moderate to severe obesity when closely monitored by an experienced dietitian, says new research to be presented at the European Congress on Obesity (ECO 2024).

Silchar: After a ‘Me Too’ movement stirred up on social media, a psychiatrist at Silchar Medical College and Hospital (SMCH) has been booked for allegedly sending objectionable and derogatory text messages to girls on social media.   

The city police registered an FIR against the doctor after complaints were filed about him texting demeaning, objectifying messages and making indecent proposals to young girls and women. The text messages were leaked on social media which caused controversy.   

In addition, complaints requiting the doctor’s suspension have been submitted to SMCH principal Dr Bhaskar Gupta on Tuesday and the Directorate of Medical Education, Assam (via email) on Wednesday.    

Also read- AIIMS Bilaspur Anaesthesiologist Removed On Allegations Of Sexually Assaulting Colleague

According to multiple media reports, the physiatrist messaged several women and also teenage girls from 17-year-old girls to those in their 30s and 40s. He was accused of making indecent proposals to them which outraged their modesty.  

The matter came to light when a girl from Silchar now residing in Bangalore came out on social media against the doctor with the mentioned allegations and with screenshots of his texts as evidence. The TOI reports that the girl’s post soon went viral on social media and many girls who also fell victim to the doctor’s alleged harassment shared screenshots, revealing that they had also received similar messages from him.   

According to the Barak bulletin news report, the victims also alleged that the doctor made remarks about the physical appearance of young women, treating them as objects and pressuring them into entering into intimate relationships with him, all without their consent. Those who did not comply were subjected to derogatory comments about their level of education.

The police action comes against the backdrop of the complaints made by two girls. Recording their statements and the evidence provided, the police registered a case against the doctor under relevant sections of Indian Penal Code (IPC). 

An investigation into the case is underway and the doctor has not yet responded to the allegations.   

Also read- Bengaluru Doctor Booked For Performing 74 Illegal Abortions In 3 Years

Americans living in areas where primary care doctors and nurse practitioners are in short supply face a greater risk for emergency surgeries and complications, new research shows.