Latest Articles
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Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that allows digital information to be superimposed onto a user's view of the real world, thereby enhancing the user's experience of a given real-world scenario. As recent advances in AR technology have made it more available for a variety of applications, hospitals and doctors have begun to test its utility in the operating room. AR technology allows surgeons to supplement their view of the operative field with useful patient-specific information for which they might otherwise need to turn their attention away from the task at hand. ⋯ The field of spine surgery is uniquely positioned to benefit from AR, given the extent to which many spine surgeons already rely on intraoperative navigation techniques for certain surgical tasks, including pedicle screw and interbody device placement. In this review, we outline the origins and history of AR in spine surgery and cover the current state of the literature regarding the applications, benefits, and drawbacks of its use within the field. Lastly, we speculate as to the future of AR in spine surgery and propose which gaps in knowledge must be addressed before the technology enjoys a degree of adoption on par with currently available intraoperative navigation techniques.
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Persistent postsurgical pain (PPSP) following thoracic surgery affects 40%-60% of patients undergoing lung resection due to malignancies. Postoperative pain-related symptoms are common, leading to limitations in activities of daily living (ADL) and deterioration in physical function, which significantly impacts quality of life. Pain-related limitations are of interest, as postsurgical pain may present as a target for intervention to improve postoperative rehabilitation. This study aimed to evaluate the association between PPSP and ADL limitations during the first 12 postoperative months after surgery for lung cancer. ⋯ Surgery remains a cornerstone in the treatment of early-stage lung cancer. Despite advances in minimally invasive techniques and rehabilitation, persisting postsurgical pain and pain-related limitations in daily activities may endure. This study investigated specifically the pain-related limitations in activities of daily living and described recovery trajectories during the first 12 postoperative months. Patients with persistent postsurgical pain experienced multiple limitations compared to pain-free patients. Although partial recovery was observed, impairments remained significant for up to 12 months after surgery.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Mar 2025
Multicenter StudyIdentifying factors associated with disparities in accessing an Integrative Oncology program.
Integrative oncology (IO) programs provide patients with evidence-based complementary medicine therapies within a supportive and palliative cancer care setting. This study retrospectively examined characteristics of patients with lung cancer predicting utilization of a freely-provided IO consultation at two medical centers in Israel. ⋯ The present study suggests that age, gender and culture-related factors (reflected by the patient's primary language) may contribute to disparities in accessing a freely-provided IO consultation, as shown in a diverse population of patients with lung cancer from two medical centers in Israel. Further research is needed to better understand the role of these programs within a diverse, equitable and inclusive setting of effective and safe integrative care of oncology patients.
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Comparative Study
Impact of Change in Sizing Protocol on Outcome of Magnetic Sphincter Augmentation.
To evaluate and compare magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) device sizing protocols on postoperative outcomes and dysphagia. ⋯ Upsizing from POP+2 to POP+3 does not reduce dysphagia or affect other MSA outcomes; however, patients with poor peristalsis or hypercontractile esophagus do benefit. Regardless of sizing protocol, preoperative clinical characteristics varied among device sizes, suggesting size is not a modifiable factor, but a surrogate for esophageal circumference.
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Med. Clin. North Am. · Mar 2025
Review Case ReportsTherapeutic Options for Disabling Acute Ischemic Stroke.
Ischemic stroke affects up to 3% of the US population and is the leading cause of disability nationwide. This article outlines the evidence to support the use of intravenous thrombolytic, including tenecteplase, in the setting of acute ischemic stroke, along with thrombectomy for up to 24 hours, even in those patients with a large ischemic core and in those with an acute basilar artery occlusion. A clinical case of a patient with large ischemic core who received thrombectomy is included, along with images.