Eradicating H. pylori Reduces Risk for Gastric Cancer Recurrence
A Japanese study of patients with early gastric cancer shows that eradicating the bacteria Helicobacter pylori after surgery greatly reduces the risk of gastric cancer developing again. This adds to data from previous studies showing a causal relation between H. pylori infection and gastric cancer, and supports eradicating H. pylori to prevent gastric cancer, say […]
Urologic Disease Burden Among Veterans Underestimated
In the Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, estimates of urologic disease prevalence among males and females based only on primary diagnosis will significantly underestimate the true disease burden, say researchers in Los Angeles.
Natural Orifice Translumenal Endoscopic Surgery May Allow Incisionless Operations
Natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) allows for appendectomy through the mouth as well as for other procedures through natural orifices without making abdominal incisions, although laparoscopic assistance is used as a precautionary measure. This advance in minimally invasive surgery was showcased last week at the Natural Orifice Surgery Consortium for Assessment and Research's (NOSCAR) […]
Risk of Infection, Death From MRSA Persists in Long-Term Carriers
People who harbor methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) for more than 1 year remain at substantial risk of MRSA-related illness or death, according to a single-center retrospective cohort study published in the July 15 issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases.
Targeted Exercise Improves Function, Lessens Pain in Head and Neck Cancer Survivors
Progressive resistance exercise training following surgery helps reduce upper extremity pain and dysfunction in certain head and neck cancer survivors, according to Canadian researchers.
Disease-Free Period Predicts Response to Salvage Therapy for Oral Cancer
In patients with locally recurrent carcinomas of the oral cavity and oropharynx, a disease-free interval of more than 1 year and tumor tissue negative for EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) expression predict a good response to salvage surgery.
Increasing Global Surgery Volume Mandates Improved Safety, Availability
Surgery now occurs at a tremendous volume worldwide, resulting in a great need for public health efforts to improve the safety and availability of surgical services, according to the results of a study reported in The Lancet, published online June 25.
HHS and DHS Announce Guidance on Pandemic Vaccination Allocation
The U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Homeland Security (DHS) released today guidance on allocating and targeting pandemic influenza vaccine. The guidance provides a planning framework to help state, tribal, local and community leaders ensure that vaccine allocation and use will reduce the impact of a pandemic on public health and minimize […]
CDC Finds Some Bird Flu Strains have Acquired Properties that Might Enhance Potential to Infect
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released results of a study suggesting that some North American avian influenza A H7 virus strains have properties that might enhance their potential to infect humans as well as their potential to spread from human to human.
Cord Traction Best for Placenta Removal With C-Section
As a method of placenta removal following cesarean delivery, cord traction is associated with fewer complications and a shorter hospital stay than is manual removal, according to a systematic review by Cochrane researchers.
