Articles: surgery.
-
Background and Objectives: This study evaluated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the surgical management of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) at a tertiary care hospital in Romania. The objective was to compare surgical volumes, tumor characteristics, and patient outcomes across three periods: pre-COVID, pandemic, and post-COVID. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of 622 PDAC patients who underwent surgery between February 2018 and February 2024 was conducted. ⋯ Postoperative outcomes, such as complications, remained stable across the periods, but intensive care unit monitoring increased significantly during the pandemic and post-pandemic periods. Hospital stay durations were significantly shorter during and after the pandemic (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic led to delays in PDAC surgeries, but post-pandemic improvements in surgical volumes and early diagnosis are evident; however, further optimization of screening and treatment protocols is essential for improving patient outcomes.
-
This study aims to compare the clinical outcomes of percutaneous laser disc decompression (PLDD) and open surgery for patients with radicular sciatic pain caused by lumbar disc herniation over a 2-year follow-up period. ⋯ This study demonstrates that PLDD and open surgery provide similar long-term outcomes in terms of disability, pain relief, and physical functioning for patients with radicular sciatic pain. While PLDD is associated with a higher resurgery rate, it remains a viable minimally invasive alternative to open surgery. Further research is warranted to refine patient selection criteria and improve procedural efficacy for both interventions.
-
Despite guideline directed opioid prescribing after surgery, many patients retain excess opioids. Leftover pills increase the risk for misuse, diversion, and dependency. It is unclear whether interventions applied in routine clinical practice can increase excess opioid disposal rates. ⋯ Interventions easily incorporated into the EMR as part of routine clinical practice can markedly increase excess opioid disposal rates after surgery. When information on opioid disposal and patient portal reminders are combined with disposal discussions with providers at the postoperative visit, opioid disposal rates of >90% can be achieved.