Fireworks can be fun, festive—and very dangerous. Here’s are tips on howto keep your family safe. Fireworks have long been a popular part of the Fourth of July. But while fireworks are bright and festive, they can also be dangerous—for children, teens and even adults. According to SafeKids Worldwide, more than 3,000 children under the age of 15 are sent to emergency departments each year in the U.
Tag: Surgery
Penn Medicine Awarded $9 Million to Advance Study of Technology that Lights Up Lung Cancer Tumors
Building on Penn Medicine’s years of research and use of imaging technology that illuminates tumor tissue—helping clinicians more easily detect and remove it—the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania has received a five-year, $9 million research grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to push the field forward, particularly for lung cancer patients.
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles: The Best Care for Kids in California and the West Coast
U.S. News has again ranked CHLA as the top children’s hospital in California and in the survey’s Pacific U.S. region—which encompasses Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington. CHLA also made the publication’s annual Honor Roll of Best Children’s Hospitals for the 14th consecutive year—every year since its inception—finishing No. 8 in the United States in this showcase of the nation’s leading destinations for pediatric medical care.
Hospital Infantil de Los Ángeles: La mejor atención para niños en California y el Pacífico de los EE.UU.
U.S. News ha clasificado de nuevo al CHLA como el mejor hospital pediátrico en el estado de California y en el Pacífico de los Estados Unidos, una región que abarca los estados de Alaska, California, Hawái, Oregón y Washington. El CHLA también se encuentra en el cuadro de honor anual de la publicación de los mejores hospitales para niños por decimocuarto año consecutivo, todos los años desde el inicio de la clasificación, en donde obtuvo el puesto n. 8 en los Estados Unidos en esta muestra de los principales destinos del país para la atención médica pediátrica.
Spinal anesthesia associated with more pain, prescription analgesic use after hip surgery compared with general anesthesia
A randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing spinal versus general anesthesia for hip surgery found that spinal anesthesia was associated with worse pain immediately after surgery and higher rates of pain reliever prescriptions at 60 days. However, differences in pain, satisfaction, or mental status between the two interventions seemed to diminish at 60, 180, or 365 days after surgery. The findings are published in Annals of Internal Medicine.
Save the Date! American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress convenes in San Diego, October 16-20
The American College of Surgeons has announced that its annual Clinical Congress will be a hybrid event (held onsite and virtually) and will feature the latest offerings in surgical research and education for today’s busy practicing surgeons and surgical team members.
Prominent Cardiac Surgeons Join UCSF’s Advanced Heart Failure Comprehensive Care Center
UC San Francisco’s Cardiovascular team is welcoming two highly regarded cardiac surgeons to its renowned program. The specialists will join the newly formed Advanced Heart Failure Comprehensive Care Center (AHF CCC).

Study Evaluates How to Eliminate Telemedicine’s Virtual Waiting Room
UC San Diego Health conducted a 10-week study to evaluate how text messaging a link to patients when their doctor is ready provides a way to connect patients and doctors without relying on the virtual waiting room.
Americans More Likely to Seek Surgical Care During a Pandemic if They and Hospital Staff are Vaccinated
Americans are more likely to have surgery during a pandemic such as COVID-19 if they are vaccinated, the hospital staff are vaccinated, the surgery is urgent or lifesaving (as opposed to elective), and the surgery is outpatient (i.e., not requiring an overnight stay), according to a new study published in Vaccine.
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Program at University Hospitals Recognized with Patient Engagement Best Practice Award
An innovative program at University Hospitals is yielding notable results, creating shorter hospital stays, less use of opioids, fewer post-surgical infections and lower costs for patients. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) recently won the Patient Engagement Best Practice Award from the Ohio Patient Safety Institute for 2021.

Delays in surgery for advanced esophageal cancer result in significantly worse survival than early surgery
Delays in surgery for esophageal cancer did not appear to have much impact on patients’ relative survival for early-stage cancer compared with patients who had surgery early, but they did reduce the relative survival rate by almost half for patients with more advanced disease.
New studies show special mental health risks for certain groups of new doctors
First-year surgery residents, and first-year medical residents in all fields who are members of sexual minorities such as LGBTQ, are more likely than others to develop depression during the stressful training period.
CU Innovation Center for Veterinary Clinical Training Provides Simulated Training to Hone Students’ Skills before They Give Real Treatment
Chula opens a state-of-the-art innovation center for veterinary students to practice their clinical skills with a simulated and modern lab classroom to hone students’ skills and develop their expertise and a space for international training to promote veterinary and medical education.
Pain in the Neck? New Surgical Method Could be Game-changing
Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion is widely used to treat spinal disorders. The fusion involves placing a bone graft or “cage” and/or implants where the surgically removed damaged disc was originally located to stabilize and strengthen the area. The risk factors for cage migration are multifactorial and include patient, radiological characteristics, surgical techniques and postoperative factors. A study is the first to evaluate the effect of the range of motion, cage migration and penetration using variable angle screws and cervical spine models. The plate developed and tested by the researchers provided directional stability and excellent fusion, showing promising clinical outcomes for patients with degenerative cervical spine disease.
Novel Drug Delivery Matrix Significantly Extends Pain Relief After Surgery
A novel drug delivery matrix currently in pre-clinical development may offer a narcotic-free alternative for patients experiencing pain after surgery.
Forty Loyola Medicine Physicians Named to Chicago Magazine’s 2021 Top Surgeons List
Forty Loyola Medicine physicians have been named to Chicago magazine’s 2021 Top Surgeons list.
American College of Surgeons announces recipients of matching grants for innovative DEI and anti-racism initiatives
The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Board of Regents Committee on Anti-Racism has announced the recipients of its first-ever matching grant program to fund innovative and impactful research projects and programs addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and anti-racism issues.
New HSS Study Finds Hip Replacements on the Rise Among Adolescents Under 21 Years of Age
A growing number of adolescents in the United States are undergoing total hip replacement surgeries, according to new study findings from researchers at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in New York City. The results were presented today at the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) annual meeting in a poster titled “Use of Total Hip Arthroplasty in Patients Under 21 Years Old: A U.S. Population Analysis” and recently published in The Journal of Arthroplasty.
American College of Surgeons elects new Board of Regents Chair and Vice-Chair for 2021-2022
Anton N. Sidawy, MD, MPH, FACS, MAMSE, was elected Chair, and Linda G. Phillips, MD, FACS, was elected Vice-Chair of the Board of Regents of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) during the virtual ACS Clinical Congress 2021.
MERCY MEDICAL CENTER NAMED AMERICA’S 100 BEST FOR JOINT REPLACEMENT AND SPINE SURGERY
Mercy Medical Center is one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Joint Replacement and Spine Surgery according to new research released by Healthgrades.
New commentary paper highlights costs of defects in surgical care and calls for elimination of defects in value
A commentary, published in the Nov. 3 issue of the journal NEJM Catalyst Innovations in Care Delivery, highlights how defects in surgical care could be diminished or eliminated for the benefit of patients and to lower costs in American health care spending.
Using colorectal surgery to provide examples and national estimates of the costs of defects in surgical care, the paper summarizes a holistic approach to eliminating defects in surgical care and offers a framework for centers of excellence for removing them. The paper estimates that defects in colorectal surgery cost the American health care system more than $12 billion. The authors discuss eight areas (or domains) of defects that waste money and/or contribute to lower value in care for colorectal surgery patients.
Ohio surgeon E. Christopher Ellison, MD, FACS, is new President-Elect of the American College of Surgeons
E. Christopher Ellison, MD, FACS, an esteemed general surgeon from Columbus, Ohio, has been elected to serve as the 2021–2022 President-Elect of the American College of Surgeons.
Jeffrey D. Kerby, MD, PhD, FACS, confirmed as next Chair of ACS Committee on Trauma
The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Board of Regents has confirmed Jeffrey D. Kerby, MD, PhD, FACS, as the next Chair of the ACS Committee on Trauma (COT).
Comprehensive patient blood management program can reduce use of transfusions, improve patient outcomes
A growing number of hospitals have implemented patient blood management programs to reduce unnecessary blood transfusions and costs. A study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings finds that such a program can not only substantially reduce transfusion use, but also reduce length of hospital stays and in-hospital adverse outcomes.
Breast cancer patients can navigate care at home with a new skills kit
With the exception of skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women. This year more than 330,000 new cases of breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed according to the American Cancer Society. The COVID-19 pandemic has further challenged these vulnerable patients as well as the thousands of others currently going through cancer treatment and recovery, making some hesitant to leave their homes for necessary screenings, treatments, and consults.
MERCY MEDICAL CENTER NAMED AMERICA’S 50 BEST FOR SURGICAL CARE
Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, MD, is one of America’s 50 Best Hospitals for Surgical Care according to new research released by Healthgrades, the leading resource that connects consumers, physicians and health systems.
ACS NSQIP recognizes 90 hospitals for achieving meritorious outcomes for surgical patient care
The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP®) has recognized 90 of an eligible 607 hospitals participating in the adult program for achieving meritorious outcomes for surgical patient care in 2020.
New Quality Verification Program for hospitals will benefit participants in ACS NSQIP
Hospitals participating in the American College of Surgeons (ACS) National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP®) now have a new resource available to further improve surgical quality for their patients: the ACS Quality Verification Program (QVP).
Lieutenant General Paul K. Carlton, Jr., MD, FACS, receives ACS Distinguished Military Contribution Award
Retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant General Paul Kendall (P.K.) Carlton, Jr., MD, FACS, received the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Distinguished Military Contribution Award.
Trauma surgeon M. Margaret Knudson, MD, FACS, honored for inspiring women in surgery
M. Margaret Knudson, MD, FACS, San Francisco, California, received the 2021 American College of Surgeons (ACS) Dr. Mary Edwards Walker Inspiring Women in Surgery Award.
Honorary Fellowship in the ACS awarded to 10 prominent surgeons from around the world
Honorary Fellowship in the American College of Surgeons (ACS) was awarded to 10 prominent surgeons from around the world during the virtual Convocation ceremony, which preceded the opening of the virtual ACS Clinical Congress 2021.
Hospitals sustained huge financial losses from lost revenues during COVID-19 pandemic as patients lost timely access to surgical services
Postponement of nonessential surgical procedures early in the coronavirus pandemic not only disrupted surgical care at U.S. hospitals, but also took away a large portion of hospitals’ total income.
Surgery has survival benefits for male Stage IV breast cancer patients who are receptive to systemic therapy
Men with Stage IV breast cancer and known estrogen (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) status benefit from surgical intervention and from trimodal therapy (systemic therapy, surgery, and radiation).
Perceptions of treatment risk vary based on how surgeons communicate risk information to patients
Using quantitative rather than qualitative terms to describe the risks of various treatment options improves communication between surgeons and patients.
Winston-Salem vascular surgeon Dr. Julie A. Freischlag will become next President of the American College of Surgeons
Julie A. Freischlag, MD, FACS, FRCSEd (Hon), DFSVS, an esteemed vascular surgeon from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, will be installed for a one-year term as the 102nd President of the American College of Surgeons (ACS).
Hackensack University Medical Center’s Department of Urology Presented 12 Abstracts at the American Urological Association 2021 Annual Meeting
Hackensack University Medical Center presented 12 abstracts at the American Urological Association’s (AUA) 2021 Annual Meeting, held virtually, September 10-13, 2021.
Lifesaving Trauma Skills Course Quickly and Significantly Sharpens Rarely Used Military Surgeons’ Skills
Military surgeons must maintain a broad set of surgical skills to care for combat-related injuries, but during times of peace, these skills are rarely put to use. However, according to a new JAMA Surgery study, a two-day trauma skills course can significantly improve their proficiency and ensure they are able to continue providing optimal trauma care in combat. The study, “Surgical Skills Training and Assessment of Competency,” was led by researchers at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU) and published Sept. 15.
Surgery, Buprenorphine, and Patients in Recovery from Opioid Use Disorder
With the reintroduction of powerful narcotic opioids to manage acute pain, surgery can be a make-or-break time for patients in recovery from opioid use disorder (OUD). For those using buprenorphine as part of their recovery process, the stress, anxiety and risk can be amplified if, as is often the case, they are directed to stop using the buprenorphine ahead of their surgery.
Increasing Use of Behavioral Care Helps Patients Recover Faster from Surgery
Experts say behavioral medicine works alongside medications and other methods. When patients learn how to manage stress and pain before surgery, they can have better outcomes – including less postsurgical chronic pain and even lower costs.
Surgical patients find virtual follow-up care more convenient without loss of satisfaction
Most patients who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy or cholecystectomy found virtual follow-up care more convenient than traditional in-person appointments, yet equally as satisfying.
Same-day discharge for hip and knee replacement surgery is safe and feasible in high-risk patients, study suggests
Same-day discharge after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) or total hip arthroplasty (THA) is safe in some patients classified as “high risk” – with no increase in complications or other adverse outcomes, reports a study in The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery. The journal is published in the Lippincott portfolio in partnership with Wolters Kluwer.
Smaller breathing tubes are better when intubating singers, everyone
Smaller is better when it comes to the flexible plastic endotracheal tubes placed in the windpipe to help patients breathe, say the medical professionals who treat vocal professionals.
Don and Karen Cohn Give $2.5 Million to UC San Diego Health Neurosurgery Program
After experiencing a medical emergency, Don Cohn is giving back to the department that he credits with saving his life.

UC San Diego Health Launches New Center to Spur Patient-Centered Technologies
From tele-monitoring patients with diabetes to using artificial intelligence to prevent sepsis, the newly launched Center for Health Innovation will seek to develop, test and commercialize technologies that make a real, measurable difference in the lives and wellbeing of patients.
Illinois surgeon David P. Winchester, MD, FACS, will receive Distinguished Service Award from the ACS
Today the American College of Surgeons (ACS) announced that it will present its highest honor given annually, the Distinguished Service Award, to general surgeon David P. Winchester, MD, FACS, who practiced for many years in Evanston, Illinois.
Dr. L.D. Britt to receive the ACS Lifetime Achievement Award on October 24
The American College of Surgeons (ACS) announced the recipient of its Lifetime Achievement Award: L.D. Britt, MD, MPH, DSc (Hon), FACS, FCCM, MAMSE, FRCSEng(Hon), FRCSEd(Hon), FWACS(Hon), FRCSI(Hon), FCS(SA)(Hon), FRCSGlasg(Hon).
Second Breath: Region’s First Double Lung Transplant for COVID-19 Patient
After more than 50 days on advanced life support, a multi-disciplinary team at UC San Diego Health helps a patient who contracted COVID-19 become a candidate for a successful double lung transplant. The transplant surgery was the first in the region performed on a COVID-19 patient.
Apply today for press credentials to cover the virtual American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress 2021
The virtual American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Congress 2021 will convene October 23-27, offering surgeons and guest clinicians both live and on-demand sessions. The conference will offer the finest in continuing education for surgeons across all specialties and throughout all stages of their careers.
New study aims to prioritize the patient recovery experience when determining anesthetic options
Researchers from University of Michigan and Washington University in St. Louis receive $33 million in funding to lead a study comparing anesthetic medications
Organ Transplant Recipients Significantly Protected by COVID-19 Vaccination
UC San Diego researchers report that solid organ transplant recipients who were vaccinated experienced an almost 80 percent reduction in the incidence of symptomatic COVID-19 compared to unvaccinated counterparts during the same time.