Solomiya Syvyk

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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.

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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 general surgeons in Florida, Iowa, and Maryland changed their surgical practices from 2016 to 2020. It found that surgeons performed over 1.2 million cases, averaging 356 procedures each year, including 198 general surgeries, while there was a noticeable shift towards more specialized and outpatient procedures. These findings highlight the need for flexible training in surgery to prepare doctors for a diverse range of practices. Who this helps: This benefits surgeons in training and their educators.

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This study looked at how colorectal cancer treatment affects the quality of life for older adults with a focus on differences based on race, ethnicity, and language. Among nearly 184,500 people, only 676 were currently receiving treatment for colorectal cancer, and they reported lower quality of life scores: a drop of 1.98 points in physical health and 0.81 points in mental health compared to those not in treatment. Interestingly, Hispanic patients and those who speak Spanish reported better physical health outcomes during treatment, while American Indian or Alaska Native patients reported better mental health. Who this helps: This research helps patients undergoing colorectal cancer treatment and healthcare providers aiming to improve their support.

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This study looked at how a new program that pairs medical students and volunteers with underinsured patients can help them navigate the challenges of getting surgery. Researchers interviewed 22 navigators and found major barriers such as language differences and lack of patient engagement, alongside helpful factors like support from hospital leaders and clear procedures for navigators. These insights can lead to better support systems that help ensure all patients have access to the surgical care they need. Who this helps: This benefits underinsured patients needing surgery, as well as healthcare providers working to improve patient care.

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This study looked at how treatment for colorectal cancer affects the quality of life for older adults on Medicare. Researchers found that patients currently undergoing treatment had lower physical and mental health scores, with a decrease of over 3 points in physical health and over 1 point in mental health compared to when they were not in treatment. In contrast, patients who completed their treatment showed stable quality of life scores over time. This research is important because it highlights the need for better support for cancer patients to help them manage long-term health impacts after treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing colorectal cancer treatment and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how the surgery to remove parathyroid glands (parathyroidectomy) has been performed over the years, specifically focusing on whether patients stay overnight or go home the same day. From 2013 to 2019, researchers found that 67.3% of these surgeries were done as same-day procedures, and the overall number of same-day surgeries increased while overnight stays decreased, particularly for conditions like primary hyperparathyroidism. This is important because it shows that more patients can safely have this surgery without needing to stay in the hospital, which can lead to less recovery time and lower healthcare costs. Who this helps: Patients needing parathyroidectomy, especially those with primary hyperparathyroidism.

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This study looked at the costs associated with treating emergency general surgery conditions, comparing patients who had surgery to those who did not. It found that while surgery often costs more upfront—especially in the hospital—over time, the costs can even out, particularly in cases involving the liver and pancreas. Overall, surgery generally leads to higher costs within six months for most conditions, which is important for doctors and patients deciding on treatment options. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors make informed decisions about emergency surgery versus non-surgical treatments.

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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.

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This study looked at how primary care doctors decide on medication prescriptions compared to making referrals for surgery. Researchers found that while all 21 doctors used evidence-based tools for medication decisions, they primarily relied on their own experiences and beliefs when deciding which surgeons or hospitals to refer patients to. This matters because using solid data for referrals could improve surgical outcomes, addressing a gap in how doctors currently make these decisions. Who this helps: This helps both patients needing surgery and their doctors by encouraging better referral practices.

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This study looked at how underinsured and immigrant communities face challenges in getting the surgeries they need. Out of 1,315 research papers reviewed, 66 studies were included, with only eight focusing specifically on immigrants. It found that while there are some helpful factors at the individual level to improve access, there are still many issues within the healthcare system that need more research and attention. Who this helps: This benefits patients, especially those who are underinsured or immigrants needing surgical care.

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This study looked at how hospitals provide care for older adults with emergency general surgery needs, analyzing data from over 1.8 million Medicare patients aged around 75. The researchers found that certain conditions, like liver and bile duct issues, often required surgery, with 26.4% of those patients operated on. Understanding how resources are used helps improve care strategies and collaboration between hospitals for better patient outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits older patients needing emergency surgery and the healthcare providers who care for them.

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Researchers developed a mobile app called MMApp to help quickly identify older patients with multiple health issues (called multimorbidity) in emergency situations. The app showed impressive results, accurately identifying patients 96.7% of the time while being nearly as fast to use as a common risk assessment tool. This matters because it can improve how doctors assess risks for surgical procedures in older adults, potentially leading to better patient outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially older adults facing surgery, by ensuring their complex health needs are recognized quickly.

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This study looked at how the choice between surgery and no surgery affects Black and White patients with emergency surgical conditions. Researchers analyzed data from over half a million Medicare patients and found that while surgery can impact recovery, there were no significant differences based on race in how patients fared with either treatment option. This matters because it shows that for older patients with emergency conditions, the choice of treatment may not lead to different outcomes based on race. Who this helps: This helps patients and their families as well as doctors making treatment decisions.

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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.

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This study looked at whether Black and White Medicare patients received surgical consultations at the same rates after being admitted to the emergency department for urgent surgery. It was found that Black patients were 14% less likely to get a surgical consultation compared to White patients, even after considering various health and socioeconomic factors. This matters because it highlights disparities in healthcare access that could affect outcomes for Black patients. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers understand and address racial disparities in surgical care.

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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.

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This study looked at the progress of male and female general surgery residents in the U.S. from 2014 to 2018 to see if their sex influenced how well they performed in training assessments. While both groups started with similar scores, by the end of their training, female residents scored lower on average (4.25) compared to their male counterparts (4.31), with notable gaps in several areas of competency. This finding highlights the need to closely monitor evaluation practices in surgical training to ensure fair treatment and support for all residents, regardless of sex. Who this helps: This helps surgical residents and educators by addressing potential biases in training assessments.