Surgery News and Research

RSS

Metal-on-metal disc, effective alternative to spinal fusion

The neck and arm pain caused by degenerative cervical (neck) disc disease may be eliminated by replacing the problem disc with a metal-on-metal artificial disc, according to the results of a study presented at the annual meeting of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons/CNS Section on Disorders of the Spine & Peripheral Nerves.

22 Mar 2004

Information about Lasik eye surgery, a new technique to treat cataracts

Using an advanced microsurgical technology, called Aqualase(R), a New York eye surgeon is now able to use a procedure to essentially "wash" cataracts away. "By using Aqualase(R) to treat my cataract patients, I am able to dissolve the clouded lens with pulses of warm, naturally balanced salt water solution in order to 'wash away' the lens layer by layer," said Satish Modi, M.D., F.R.C.S. ( C ), a leading ophthalmic surgeon in Poughkeepsie.

22 Mar 2004

Chemotherapy offers new hope for pancreatic cancer patients

Chemotherapy after surgery more than doubles survival rates for pancreatic cancer according to new research published today (18 March 2004) in the New England Journal of Medicine. Scientists from the University of Birmingham and the University of Liverpool have carried out a Europe wide study of more than 280 patients over 10 years.

22 Mar 2004

Radiation therapy for recurring prostate cancer

Men who have their prostates removed may benefit from radiation therapy if their cancer returns, according to a new study. Experts say about 30,000 men in the United States who undergo surgery to have their prostates removed will have their cancer return.

22 Mar 2004

Patch for post-surgical pain

A patch that delivers pain medication through the skin is just as effective and more convenient than medication delivered by an intravenous pump for post-surgical pain, according to a new study.

22 Mar 2004

Side Effects of Diabetes Drugs Involve Unsuspected Brain Region

A brain region involved in emotional and intellectual processes appears to also play an unsuspected role in the body’s visceral response to dangerously low blood sugar levels, according to research at Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis. Low blood sugar, called hypoglycemia, is a common and dangerous side effect of drugs that control insulin levels in people with diabetes.

22 Mar 2004

Improvements needed in breast cancer treatment

Treatment of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a group of abnormal cells confined to the breast ducts, varies widely in the United States. Treatment ranges from potential over-treatment with aggressive surgical therapy to possible under-treatment by not providing radiation.

22 Mar 2004

Government, industry, and academia focus on obesity

Amid shifting scientific data on nutrition and obesity, experts from government, industry, and academia converged on Harvard Medical School last week to discuss obesity's causes and how to craft a coherent public nutritional message.

22 Mar 2004