Jesse E Passman

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This study looked at the costs associated with two types of medication used before surgery for patients with pheochromocytoma, a type of tumor on the adrenal glands. It found that those using selective alpha-blockers spent significantly less on medication in the month before surgery—about $19.73 compared to $1,033.70 for nonselective blockers—but the overall costs during and after hospitalization were similar for both groups. This matters because it shows that while selective blockers are cheaper upfront, they do not lead to lower overall costs for patients. Who this helps: Patients preparing for pheochromocytoma surgery.

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This study looked at how two treatment options for primary aldosteronism (a condition that causes high blood pressure) affect the number of medications people need to take and the costs associated with them. Researchers found that one year after surgery to remove the adrenal gland (adrenalectomy), patients used an average of 1.1 fewer blood pressure medications and saved about $908 in prescription costs compared to those who were treated with medication alone. This matters because it shows that surgery can significantly reduce both the number of pills needed and overall treatment costs in the long run. Who this helps: Patients with primary aldosteronism considering treatment options.

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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 quickly patients could start eating again after getting a feeding tube placed in their stomach, a procedure called percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG). Researchers found that 93% of patients were able to start feeding within 6 hours of the procedure, and the average time to reach full feeding was cut down from 50 hours to just 15 hours. This is important because it allowed patients to leave the hospital over two days sooner without increasing the risk of complications like infections or tube dislodgement. Who this helps: This helps hospitalized patients needing feeding tubes by reducing their hospital stay.

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This study looked at the surgical care needs of people in law enforcement custody, highlighting how an aging prison population leads to more surgical requirements. The researchers found that almost 25% of deaths in custody could have been prevented with surgery, yet many individuals lacked access to needed procedures. This matters because it shows significant gaps in care that could save lives if addressed, as challenges like lack of privacy and limited communication hinder effective treatment. Who this helps: This benefits incarcerated individuals who require surgical care, healthcare providers, and advocates for health equity.

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This study examined how to improve screening for primary aldosteronism (PA), a condition that causes high blood pressure, by using an electronic health record system to prompt doctors to recommend screening for at-risk patients. Before the intervention, only 1.4% of eligible patients were screened for PA, but after implementing an automated reminder system, screening rates jumped to 16.4% in the targeted clinics. This is important because early detection of PA can lead to better management of high blood pressure and overall health outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients at risk of primary aldosteronism, particularly those with high blood pressure.

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This study examined how certain health conditions and surgeries that affect nutrient absorption impact the risk of low calcium levels after thyroid and parathyroid surgeries. Researchers looked at data from over 25,000 patients, finding that 8.8% experienced low calcium levels shortly after surgery, and the rate increased to 18.3% within a year. Specifically, patients who had surgeries on their foregut or midgut faced a higher risk, especially after total thyroidectomy, compared to those who did not have such surgeries. Who this helps: This information is vital for doctors and patients, particularly those with prior gastrointestinal surgeries, to manage postoperative care effectively.

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This study examined the delays in treatment for patients with adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), a rare cancer, to see if certain factors affected how quickly individuals received care. Researchers looked at data from 1,399 patients treated between 2010 and 2019 and found that the average time to treatment was 27 days. Non-Hispanic Black patients and those aged 40 to 64 experienced longer delays, while women and patients with more advanced cancer received care more quickly; importantly, these delays did not lead to worse survival rates. Who this helps: This research helps patients and healthcare providers understand the factors that can lead to treatment delays in ACC.

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This study looked at how often a surgery called metastasectomy, which removes cancer that has spread to other parts of the body, is used for different types of metastatic cancer from 2016 to 2021. It found that this surgery was most commonly performed on colorectal cancer patients (57,644 cases) and lung cancer patients (55,090 cases), while its use increased significantly for breast cancer (up 10.6%) and melanoma (up 8.3%). This information is important because as new treatments improve survival rates, the role of metastasectomy may change, affecting how patients are treated. Who this helps: Patients with metastatic cancer and their doctors.

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This study focused on a rare case of a 5 cm adrenal mass that was initially thought to be a type of cancer called adrenocortical carcinoma. After surgery, it was found to be a benign adrenal cortical pseudocyst instead, which means it was not cancerous. The findings emphasize the importance of thorough imaging and hormone testing for adrenal tumors that appear suspicious, to avoid unnecessary panic and ensure correct treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients with adrenal masses and their doctors in diagnosing and managing adrenal tumors accurately.

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This study focuses on a patient who was diagnosed with a rare condition called ALECT2 amyloidosis after having surgery to remove an adrenal cyst that was thought to be harmless. During the surgery, doctors found that the cyst was actually related to ALECT2 amyloidosis, which can affect other parts of the body before causing kidney problems. Identifying this condition early can help prevent kidney damage in these patients, which is important for their long-term health. Who this helps: Patients with ALECT2 amyloidosis and their doctors.

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This study focused on patients who had part of their thyroid removed and aimed to create a simple score to predict if they would need thyroid hormone therapy afterward. Out of 425 patients, 178 (about 42%) ended up needing this therapy, with certain factors like a higher preoperative thyroid hormone level and a cancer diagnosis making it more likely. This score can help doctors and patients understand the chances of needing treatment after surgery, which can influence decisions about the surgery itself. Who this helps: Patients undergoing partial thyroid surgery and their doctors.

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This study looked at how bariatric surgery affects high blood pressure (hypertension) in obese patients. It found that patients who had the surgery had significantly better blood pressure control, with an average drop of 5.4 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure and 1.8 mm Hg in diastolic blood pressure over about 5 years. Additionally, these patients were 32% more likely to stop taking blood pressure medications altogether and had a 14% lower chance of developing treatment-resistant high blood pressure. Who this helps: This benefits patients with obesity and high blood pressure, particularly those considering surgical options to improve their health.

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This study looked at how doctors can tell if a patient with primary aldosteronism has a single gland causing their condition, which is important because those patients can be cured with surgery. Out of 461 patients studied, 324 were found to have unilateral aldosterone secretion, and using a new clinical risk score can predict this accurately 86% of the time. This matters because it can help identify patients who may benefit from surgery, leading to better treatment outcomes. Who this helps: Doctors and patients with resistant hypertension.

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This study focused on improving the screening process for primary aldosteronism in veterans with high blood pressure, where current screening rates are very low (only 1%-3%). Researchers analyzed data from over 502,000 veterans and found that 15% of those screened tested positive for the condition. They created a risk-scoring system to help doctors identify which patients are most likely to have primary aldosteronism, with screening success rates increasing from 5.6% for those with the lowest scores to 51% for those with the highest. Who this helps: This benefits veterans with hypertension and their doctors.

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This study looked at patients with end-stage kidney disease who undergo surgery to treat secondary hyperparathyroidism, specifically focusing on a complication called hungry bone syndrome (HBS). The researchers found that 19.4% of the 17,074 patients studied developed HBS after surgery, with those affected showing a higher likelihood of needing intensive care (33.5% versus 24.6% for those who didn't develop HBS). They created a risk score based on factors like age and duration of dialysis, which helps predict the likelihood of developing HBS, with rates increasing from 8% for low-risk patients to 44% for high-risk patients. Who this helps: This helps doctors better predict which patients might experience complications after surgery, improving patient care and decision-making.

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This research focused on how different surgical methods and treatments affect survival rates for patients with non-metastatic adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), a serious cancer. They studied 1,175 patients and found that factors like older age, advanced cancer stage, and having positive surgical margins decreased survival, while the type of surgery (open versus laparoscopic) and whether lymph nodes were removed did not significantly affect survival. The key takeaway is that the biology of the tumor and how well the surgery removes it are crucial for survival, especially in advanced cases where traditional open surgery seems to provide better outcomes. Who this helps: This research helps patients with non-metastatic ACC and their doctors by guiding treatment decisions.

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This study looked at how bariatric surgery affects the use of blood pressure medications in obese adults. Researchers found that a year after surgery, only 15% of patients who had the surgery were still using these medications, compared to 31% of those who didn't have the surgery. After two years, the risk of needing blood pressure medication for patients who didn't have the surgery was more than three times higher than for those who did. This is important because it shows that bariatric surgery not only helps with weight loss but also significantly reduces the need for blood pressure medications. Who this helps: Patients with obesity and hypertension.

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This study looked at how confident surgical residents feel about applying for research grants as they progress through their training. Researchers found that while residents' confidence increased over the years—going from a median score of 5 for understanding how to conceptualize a study in their second year to 7.5 in their seventh year—their confidence in understanding funding processes also improved, but often only after key funding deadlines. This is important because many funding opportunities require applications to be submitted before residents feel fully prepared, which can hinder their chances for success in academic surgery. Who this helps: This helps surgical residents who want to pursue academic careers.

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This study looked at how surgery can impact the survival of patients with metastatic adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), a type of aggressive cancer that spreads to other parts of the body. Researchers found that of the 976 patients studied, those who had their main tumor removed had a median survival time of 7.6 months. Specifically, removing both the primary tumor and any metastatic tumors together led to a better survival outcome compared to just removing the primary tumor alone. Who this helps: This information can benefit doctors and patients with metastatic ACC by guiding treatment decisions.

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Researchers worked with surgical experts in Vietnam and the U.S. to create a new teaching program for medical students focusing on surgery. They developed 25 online lectures combined with in-person sessions over six months, helping students learn important surgical skills. This program is significant because it uses both local resources and international expertise to improve medical education in Vietnam. Who this helps: This benefits medical students in Vietnam, enhancing their training and preparation for future surgical careers.

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This study examined pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas, tumors that often release hormones affecting heart health and blood pressure. It found that about 40% of these tumors are caused by genetic factors, making genetic testing important for all patients. Surgery can cure these tumors if they haven't spread, but those that have are harder to treat with fewer options available. Who this helps: This helps patients with pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas, their families, and healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how the number of surgeries a surgeon performs each year affects the outcomes for patients undergoing adrenalectomy, which is surgery to remove the adrenal glands. Out of 476 surgeries from 2016 to 2021, high-volume surgeons (those who did 6 or more procedures a year) performed 394, and they were more likely to use minimally invasive techniques, resulting in lower costs and shorter hospital stays. Specifically, laparoscopic surgery led to patients spending about 3.4 fewer days in the hospital and saved around $72,000 in hospitalization costs. Who this helps: This information benefits patients needing adrenal surgery and their doctors in making better care decisions.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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This study looked at emergency surgeries and focused on how complications can lead to death. Out of 329,183 emergency surgery patients, about 21% had at least one complication, and 16% of those who experienced complications died; among the deceased, over 63% had more than one complication. The findings show that having more complications significantly increases the risk of death—specifically, two complications increase the risk by over 2.3 times. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing emergency surgeries and their healthcare providers by highlighting the importance of managing complications effectively.

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This study examined how different types of firearm injuries are reported in the news across three U.S. cities: Philadelphia, Rochester, and Cincinnati. It found that less than half of all gunshot victims were covered in the media—46% in Philadelphia, 55% in Cincinnati, and 65% in Rochester—highlighting that incidents involving multiple victims or women were more likely to get reported. This is important because the way firearm injuries are reported can shape public understanding and responses to these issues. Who this helps: This helps patients, public health officials, and policymakers by raising awareness about the true impact of firearm injuries on communities.

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This study looked at how medical schools should adapt to the increasing demand from students for global health training experiences. Researchers found that while many students want to participate in these programs, there are challenges related to ensuring that these experiences are beneficial for both students and the communities they engage with. For example, they discussed the need to balance student learning with the needs of local partners, emphasizing ethical considerations. Who this helps: This helps medical students and the communities they serve.