C B Finn

Plain English
This study looked at whether certain training assessments for general surgery residents can predict how well they perform once they become independent surgeons. Researchers found that specific assessments, like those measuring patient care skills, correlated with better patient outcomes: for instance, surgeons with lower scores in patient care had significantly worse results. These findings are important because improving how we train and assess future surgeons can lead to better care for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers by ensuring that surgeons are better prepared to deliver quality care.

Plain English
This study looked at how many patients had adrenal surgery done as outpatient procedures from 2016 to 2020. Researchers found that the percentage of these surgeries performed on an outpatient basis increased from 44.1% in 2016 to 59.2% in 2020, with similar costs and readmission rates regardless of whether patients stayed overnight or were discharged the same day. This is important because it shows that more patients can go home the same day without compromising their safety or increasing costs. Who this helps: This helps patients who may prefer to recover at home rather than in a hospital.

Plain English
Researchers studied whether a simple blood test during parathyroid surgery—measuring how much a hormone called PTH drops during the operation—could predict whether the surgery would successfully cure a specific type of parathyroid disease and avoid a dangerous drop in calcium levels afterward. They tested this prediction method in over 1,000 patients from multiple hospitals and confirmed that a 50-65% drop in PTH during surgery reliably indicates the operation will work and help doctors avoid dangerously low calcium levels after surgery. This matters because doctors can now use this quick, real-time measurement during surgery to know whether they've removed the right amount of diseased tissue, without having to wait for results afterward.

Plain English
This study looked at how a law that requires qualified interpreters for patients who don't speak English affected surgical outcomes. Researchers found that after the law was enacted, patients who primarily speak a language other than English experienced more problems: their post-surgery complications increased by 0.31%, their mortality rates went up by 0.43%, and more of them were discharged to places other than home at a rate of 1.81%. This matters because it shows that despite the intent of the law, language barriers still lead to worse health outcomes for these patients. Who this helps: Patients who speak languages other than English.

Plain English
This study looked at the use and costs of same-day surgery versus overnight stays for total thyroid removal between 2013 and 2019. Researchers found that 19.4% of patients had surgery and went home the same day, a trend that increased from 14.8% to 20.8% during the study. The same-day surgery was cheaper, saving about $974 on average compared to overnight stays, and it was more common in specialized hospitals. Who this helps: Patients who undergo thyroid surgery can benefit from same-day discharge, potentially saving money and experiencing more convenience.

Plain English
This study looked at how well hospitals perform in surgeries for younger and older patients and found significant differences in outcomes. Among older adults, the death rate after surgery was 3.6%, compared to just 0.7% for younger adults. Hospitals with high death rates tended to have more complications and worse outcomes in both age groups, especially in older adults where failure-to-rescue rates were significantly higher. Who this helps: This research benefits patients and doctors by highlighting the need for improved surgical care, especially for older adults.

Plain English
This study looked at how surgical care is provided in healthcare systems that use a "hub and spoke" model, where complex surgeries are done at larger hospitals (hubs) and simpler procedures at smaller ones (spokes). Researchers examined data from nearly 123,000 patients across 43 hospital systems in 13 states and found that while hub hospitals had a lower chance of patients experiencing death or serious complications from complex surgeries (about 20% less likely), they had a higher chance of patients staying longer in the hospital after common surgeries (19% more likely). This highlights a chance to make healthcare delivery more efficient and better for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing surgical procedures, healthcare systems, and hospital administrators looking to improve care delivery.

Plain English
This study developed and tested a new tool to measure how connected surgical residents feel to their community, which is important for their well-being and performance. They found that out of 114 survey responses, Black and Asian residents felt less connected compared to their White peers, and those who graduated with their original class felt more connected. This matters because understanding belonging can lead to better support for surgical trainees and improve their overall performance and mental health. Who this helps: This helps surgical residents and the programs that train them.

Plain English
This study looked at how men and women, as well as different racial and ethnic groups, experience and are treated for medullary thyroid cancer (MTC). They found that out of 6,154 patients, 68% received recommended surgery. Men and Hispanic patients tended to have larger tumors, while Black and Hispanic patients often had more advanced cancer and waited longer for surgery; Black patients were also less likely to receive the recommended surgical treatment. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with medullary thyroid cancer, particularly those who are men or from non-White backgrounds, by highlighting disparities in treatment and outcomes.

Plain English
This study looked at how necessary in-person health check-ups are before surgeries and whether they could be done online instead. Researchers found that most updates (60.8%) involved changes to patient histories, but only a few (11.6%) affected surgical plans. Patients spent about 7,000 hours traveling and waiting for these visits in 2019, suggesting these check-ups could be less burdensome if done through telehealth. Who this helps: This helps patients by reducing travel and wait times for pre-surgery appointments.

Plain English
This study examined how negative patient outcomes affect surgeons and surgical trainees, focusing on their emotional reactions and support needs. Out of 216 trainees surveyed, 82.8% reported being involved in at least one adverse event, with many feeling embarrassed (84.8%), ruminating on the experience (82.1%), and fearing future procedures (65.4%); notably, 35.9% even considered quitting their training. The findings reveal a substantial emotional toll on these medical professionals and highlight the importance of offering support, like debriefing sessions with experienced doctors, to help them cope, especially for female trainees and those from diverse backgrounds. Who this helps: This supports surgical trainees and faculty members facing emotional challenges after adverse events.

Plain English
This study looked at how the size of tumors affects survival in patients with well-differentiated thyroid cancer. Researchers found that patients with tumors larger than 4 cm had a 63% higher risk of dying compared to those with smaller tumors, but when combined with other high-risk features, the risk increased even more. Notably, the biggest drops in survival were seen when tumors grew beyond 2 cm and again at 5 cm, suggesting that the 4 cm mark isn't as critical as previously thought. Who this helps: This helps doctors make better treatment decisions for patients with thyroid cancer.

Plain English
Women surgeons are known to receive fewer and less remunerative referrals than men, but the structural barriers behind this disparity are not well understood. This qualitative study identified specific social and institutional barriers to clinical practice growth for early-career surgeons, with greater barriers reported by women. The findings provide an evidence base for targeted interventions to improve equity in surgical practice development.

Plain English
This study looked at how unconscious bias affects patients’ referrals to female surgeons, which can hurt their careers and the quality of patient care. The researchers found that using structured methods, like group referrals and objective criteria, can help ensure everyone gets fair treatment. This matters because it supports equal opportunities in healthcare and improves outcomes for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients and female surgeons.

Plain English
This study examined how changes in parathyroid hormone levels during surgery can predict outcomes for patients with a specific type of hyperparathyroidism, where hormone levels are normal but too high for the amount of calcium in the blood. It found that patients with this condition had lower hormone declines during surgery compared to those with classic hyperparathyroidism. Specifically, those with a decline of 70% or more were more likely to experience low calcium levels after surgery (10.4% vs. 3.3%). Who this helps: This research benefits patients with normohormonal primary hyperparathyroidism and their doctors by guiding decisions during surgery.

Plain English
This study looked at how referring older adults with well-differentiated thyroid cancer to better-performing hospitals affects surgery outcomes. It found that patients who were treated at higher-quality hospitals had a lower chance of serious complications after surgery, from 25.6% to 16.2%, and the costs of care were only slightly lower, from $12,883 to $12,679. This is important because it shows that choosing the right hospital can lead to better health results for patients without significantly increasing costs. Who this helps: Patients undergoing thyroid surgery.

Plain English
This study looked at older patients who had multiple health issues and needed emergency surgery, comparing outcomes between Black and White patients. It included over 163,000 people, revealing that Black patients had the same rates of death and hospital readmission as White patients but experienced fewer complications. Understanding these differences is important for improving surgery outcomes and addressing health disparities. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by providing insights on surgical risks and outcomes based on race.

Plain English
This study looked at how choosing higher-performing hospitals for colorectal cancer surgery can lead to better patient outcomes. Researchers found that patients who selected the best hospitals had a 26.5% lower chance of dying in the hospital after surgery, with an average increase in the overall well-being of $1,953 per patient. For Black patients, switching to a higher-performing hospital showed an even greater improvement, with a 23.5% lower mortality risk and a social welfare gain of $2,427. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery, especially those in communities with varying hospital quality.

Plain English
This study looked at how often thyroid cancer gets classified at a more advanced stage after surgery compared to initial assessments. Among 5,351 cases, 17.5% of tumors, 18.0% of lymph nodes, and 10.9% of overall cancer stages were upgraded after final pathology reports. This matters because understanding these upstaging rates can help doctors give better advice to patients about their cancer treatment and outlook. Who this helps: This helps patients and their doctors make more informed decisions about treatment.

Plain English
This study looked at how serious mental illness (SMI) affects older adults with gallbladder issues when they need emergency surgery. Among over 85,000 people, 22.7% had SMI, and initially, those with SMI had slightly lower rates of getting surgery consultation (78.6% vs. 80.2%) and treatment (68.2% vs. 71.7%). However, after adjusting for other factors, there were no significant differences in the likelihood of receiving surgical consultation or treatment between those with and without SMI. Who this helps: This helps patients with serious mental illnesses and their families by highlighting the need for fair surgical treatment.

Plain English
This study looked at how to determine the stage of colorectal cancer in older patients using Medicare claims data instead of traditional methods. Researchers analyzed data from over 30,000 patients and found they could accurately categorize cancer stages, particularly identifying advanced stage IV cancer with 93% sensitivity. This is important because it helps improve research and treatment planning for colorectal cancer using existing healthcare data. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and researchers working with colorectal cancer patients.

Plain English
This study looked at the health of older adults who had emergency surgery to see if visiting a primary care doctor beforehand made a difference in survival after the operation. The researchers found that those who had seen a primary care doctor in the year before their surgery had a 19% lower chance of dying in the hospital and a 27% lower chance of dying within 30 days compared to those who hadn’t seen a primary care doctor. This is important because it shows how essential primary care is for better outcomes after serious surgeries, emphasizing the need for more access to primary care for elderly patients. Who this helps: This benefits older patients, especially those undergoing emergency surgeries.

Plain English
This study looked at how men and women, as well as different racial and ethnic groups, experience anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) in terms of diagnosis, treatment, and survival outcomes. Researchers found that women were more likely to have surgery but received less chemotherapy and radiation compared to men. They also found that minority patients received less chemotherapy and radiation than white patients, which contributed to overall low one-year survival rates of just 23%. Addressing these disparities in care is crucial as treatment options for ATC evolve. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially those from minority backgrounds, by highlighting the need for equal access to treatment.

Plain English
This study looked at how Black patients experience disparities in colorectal cancer care, particularly regarding surgery. It found that Black patients are less likely to have surgery for colorectal cancer, are twice as likely to refuse it, and are less likely to receive less invasive laparoscopic surgery compared to White patients. This matters because it highlights the need for better interventions focused on surgical treatment for Black patients to address these inequalities in cancer care. Who this helps: Patients, especially those with colorectal cancer.

Plain English
This study examined how doctors decide which specialists to refer their patients to. Researchers reviewed 7 studies involving 1,575 healthcare providers and found that referrals are often based on a specialist's expertise and past outcomes, as well as factors like personal relationships, communication, and convenience for the patient. These findings matter because they suggest that relying on subjective judgments can lead to patients receiving care at lower-quality facilities, potentially impacting their health outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients seeking better specialist care.

Plain English
This study looked at the shape of a small part of the heart called the left atrial appendage (LAA) in patients who had strokes. Researchers found that about 59% of patients with specific types of strokes (called cardioembolic stroke and embolic stroke of undetermined source) had a non-chicken wing shape of the LAA, which was slightly higher than the 46% found in those with other types of strokes. This is important because understanding the connection between LAA shape and strokes could help doctors better assess stroke risks and improve patient care. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and patients at risk for strokes, especially those with atrial fibrillation.

Plain English
This study looks at a rare type of cancer called transitional cell carcinoma that occurs in the lining of the uterus, with only 12 cases reported in total. The patient experienced abnormal bleeding after menopause, and tests revealed the tumor was mostly made up of transitional cells, which share some features with another type of uterine cancer. This research is important because it adds to the limited knowledge about this rare cancer, helping doctors better understand and diagnose it. Who this helps: This helps doctors and future patients by improving awareness and understanding of this rare cancer type.

Plain English
This study looked at what factors might predict the results of cervical cell tests six months after women had a specific treatment (LLETZ) for precancerous cervical changes. The researchers found that the size of the abnormal area and the way the tissue was removed affected whether the follow-up tests showed ongoing problems. Specifically, of the 16 women who had more biopsies, four had severe abnormalities, while many of the others had only mild issues. Who this helps: This information is useful for doctors treating women with cervical issues, as it guides them on follow-up care and necessary additional procedures.

Plain English
This study looked at how to tell the difference between high-grade and low-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), which can be important for assessing cancer risk. Researchers analyzed data from 50 women who had abnormal pap tests and found that factors like the doctor's assessment of the lesions and the size of the lesions were important in predicting how serious the CIN was (with a statistical significance of less than 0.005). Understanding these differences helps prevent unnecessary treatments for patients with less severe conditions, improving patient care. Who this helps: Patients undergoing cervical exams and treatments.

Plain English
This study looked at 373 patients with stage I ovarian cancer to find out how to identify those at higher risk for poor survival outcomes. It found that the overall chance of surviving for five years was 70%, and certain factors like chemotherapy treatment and tumor characteristics could help predict survival. The predictive model created was accurate for 78% of patients but was less effective at identifying those likely to experience a recurrence of cancer. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and patients by improving treatment planning for those with early-stage ovarian cancer.

Plain English
This study looked at 457 patients with Stage I epithelial ovarian cancer in the West Midlands, focusing on their survival rates and factors that influence their outcomes. Researchers found that 28% of patients experienced a recurrence of their cancer, and overall, 70% survived for at least five years. Surprisingly, factors like chemotherapy and the method of examining the abdomen did not improve survival rates, suggesting that some treatments may be unnecessary for patients at this early stage. Who this helps: This helps patients diagnosed with Stage I ovarian cancer and their doctors in making more informed treatment decisions.

Plain English
This study compared two methods for detecting cancer cells in fluid from women with gynecologic diseases. Researchers looked at samples from 94 women, including 63 with ovarian cancer and 31 without cancer. They found that the traditional method (cytologic analysis) was better, identifying cancer cells correctly 80% of the time, while the newer flow cytometric method detected them only 55% of the time and mistakenly identified cancer in 30% of cases. This matters because it shows that relying on the newer method could lead to more false alarms without improving the detection of cancer. Who this helps: Patients and doctors managing gynecologic diseases.