Aviva S Mattingly

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This study looked at the use of special imaging technology during surgery to detect hidden cancer spread along nerves in a patient with a specific type of throat cancer. The procedure showed a strong signal indicating cancer presence on the hypoglossal nerve, which was later confirmed by biopsy. This approach could help doctors find and remove cancerous cells that may not be visible during standard surgery, potentially improving patient outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients with head and neck cancer, particularly those at risk for nerve involvement.

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Researchers studied 241 patients who had thyroid or parathyroid surgery and compared outcomes based on whether they'd previously had different types of stomach surgery—particularly whether their intestines had been rerouted to bypass the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). They found that patients with prior intestinal bypass surgery developed dangerously low calcium levels after their neck surgery at much higher rates than patients who had sleeve gastrectomy (a different weight-loss procedure that doesn't reroute the intestines). The risk was especially severe in patients with nonbariatric bypass surgery—those who had the intestinal rerouting for reasons other than weight loss—where 81% experienced low calcium levels shortly after surgery and 71% had persistent problems months later. Low calcium caused longer hospital stays and more readmissions. This matters because doctors now know they need to screen and monitor calcium levels more carefully before and after

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This study looked at how minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is being used in the United States between 2016 and 2018, using new nationwide data sources. The researchers found that the percentage of inpatient surgeries that were minimally invasive remained similar, around 11%, but there was a notable increase in ambulatory MIS procedures, rising from 16.9% to 18% over the years. Understanding these trends is important because it helps assess the value of MIS and identify gaps in how these surgeries are documented nationally. Who this helps: This benefits patients and doctors by providing clearer insights into surgical options and trends.

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This study looked at whether the height-to-width ratio of thyroid nodules can help predict if they are cancerous. Researchers analyzed data from patients who had thyroid surgery between 2010 and 2020 and found that for every 0.1 increase in the height-to-width ratio, the chances of the nodule being malignant increased by 25%. Specifically, nodules with a ratio of 1.5 or higher had a 4.9 times higher likelihood of being cancerous compared to those with a ratio below 0.8. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and patients by improving the assessment of thyroid nodules for potential cancer.

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This study looked at how providing pulse oximeters and training for non-physician anesthetists in Zambia impacted patient care during surgeries. Of the 35 anesthetists who were trained, 10 were interviewed, and they reported that better knowledge of pulse oximetry made them more confident in monitoring patients, which led to improved assessments and quicker medical responses. However, many still faced challenges due to a lack of available devices and support, which sometimes delayed surgeries. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing surgery and the healthcare teams that support them.

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This study looked at how the COVID-19 pandemic and government policies impacted the number of surgeries performed in the United States. During the initial shutdown from March to May 2020, the number of surgeries dropped by nearly 48%, from 905,444 procedures in 2019 to 458,469 in 2020. However, after the shutdown, surgeries returned to 2019 levels, even during peak COVID-19 times in fall and winter, indicating that health systems adapted and maintained surgical capacity despite the challenges. Who this helps: This research benefits patients needing elective surgeries and healthcare providers managing surgical operations during health crises.

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This study looked at a program called Clean Cut aimed at reducing surgical infections in hospitals in Ethiopia by improving key practices during surgeries. Interviews with 20 healthcare workers revealed that major challenges included a lack of resources and communication issues, while strong leadership and training were helpful factors. These findings are important because they identify what hospitals need to focus on to effectively prevent infections during surgeries in the future. Who this helps: This helps hospitals, healthcare workers, and patients undergoing surgery.

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This study looked at heart failure (HF) patients who had non-heart-related surgeries to see if their sex affected the risk of dying after the operation. Among nearly 48,000 HF patients, it found that while women generally have lower surgery mortality risk, those with HF actually faced a higher risk compared to men—women had about 2.44 times the odds of dying after surgery compared to men’s 1.64 times. This is important because it highlights that heart failure can diminish the protective benefits typically seen in women after surgery. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and patients with heart failure by informing them about the increased risks involved.

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This study looked at the immune system and heart health in 31 young adults who acquired HIV early in life. Researchers found that higher levels of certain immune activation markers were linked to more coronary artery plaque, which can lead to heart problems. Specifically, they noted a connection between plaque and factors like lipids and a protein called E-selectin. Understanding these links is crucial as it highlights how HIV affects heart health even at a young age. Who this helps: This benefits young adults with HIV and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how HIV medication affects bone and kidney health in young adults who have been on treatment since birth. Researchers found that these individuals had lower bone density and signs of kidney strain compared to healthy peers, with some specific metrics showing increased risks—like higher markers of kidney dysfunction linked to certain medications. However, over time, bone health showed improvement, and there are now less harmful treatments available that could benefit these patients in the long run. Who this helps: This helps young adults living with HIV, especially those who have been on treatment from an early age.