October 2009 Briefing - Surgery

Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Surgery for October 2009. This roundup includes the latest research news from journal articles, as well as the FDA approvals and regulatory changes that are the most likely to affect clinical practice.

Endorectal Imaging Benefit Seen in Prostate Cancer

FRIDAY, Oct. 30 (HealthDay News) -- Endorectal magnetic resonance (MR) imaging may be useful in categorizing men with stage T1c prostate cancer for proper treatment management, according to research published in the November issue of Radiology.

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Surgery Not Found to Affect Cognitive Function in Elderly

FRIDAY, Oct. 30 (HealthDay News) -- Non-cardiac surgery and major illness have no long-term effect on cognitive function in the elderly, including those with mild dementia, according to a study in the November issue of Anesthesiology.

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Maternal Ethnicity and Weight Can Affect Pain and Labor

FRIDAY, Oct. 30 (HealthDay News) -- Asian women and heavier women have slower labor and report less pain, but ethnicity and weight do not explain the substantial differences observed between women, according to a study in the November issue of Anesthesiology.

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Additional Recommendations for Imaging on the Rise

THURSDAY, Oct. 29 (HealthDay News) -- Recommendations for additional imaging in radiology reports at one institution increased steeply in recent years, and from 1980 to 2006, radiologic and nuclear medicine procedures increased roughly 10-fold and 2.5 fold, respectively, according to two studies the November issue of Radiology.

Abstract - Sistrom
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Abstract - Mettler
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ACE Inhibitors May Negatively Impact CABG Outcomes

THURSDAY, Oct. 29 (HealthDay News) -- The preoperative use of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor therapy before coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) may increase risk of mortality and other adverse outcomes, according to research published in the Nov. 3 Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

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Prostate-Specific Antigen Velocity Linked to Mortality

THURSDAY, Oct. 29 (HealthDay News) -- Men with unfavorable prostate cancer whose prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels rapidly increase at recurrence have a higher risk of death, but only if they have no or minimal comorbidities, according to a study published online Oct. 26 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

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Overweight Patients May Have Effect on Doctor's Attitude

THURSDAY, Oct. 29 (HealthDay News) -- Physicians have lower respect for patients with high body mass index (BMI), which may have an impact on patient care and outcomes, according to a study published online Sept. 18 in the Journal of General Internal Medicine.

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Male Foreskin Size Can Affect Risk of HIV Infection

THURSDAY, Oct. 29 (HealthDay News) -- Men with larger foreskins are at higher risk of being infected with HIV, according to a study in the Oct. 23 issue of AIDS.

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Importance of ST-Segment Resolution Assessed

WEDNESDAY, Oct. 28 (HealthDay News) -- In patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), ST-segment resolution at four hours after treatment may predict outcomes after fibrinolysis, but has limited prognostic value after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI), according to the DANish trial in Acute Myocardial Infarction-2 (DANAMI-2) substudy published in the Nov. 3 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

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Majority of Americans Within Two Hours of a Burn Center

TUESDAY, Oct. 27 (HealthDay News) -- Seventy-nine percent of Americans are within two hours of an American Burn Association-verified care center, but access varies considerably by region and state, according to a study in the Oct. 28 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

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Vaginal Hysterectomy Found to Be Ideal for Benign Issues

MONDAY, Oct. 26 (HealthDay News) -- Hysterectomies for benign disease should be performed via the vaginal route when possible, according to an opinion statement from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists published in the November issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology.

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Medical School Enrollment Continues to Expand

MONDAY, Oct. 26 (HealthDay News) -- Almost 18,400 students enrolled in medical school in the United States in 2009, a 2 percent increase over the previous year, but even more expansion is needed to meet future demand, according to an Oct. 20 report from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC).

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H1N1 Can Be Particular Threat to Transplant Recipients

MONDAY, Oct. 26 (HealthDay News) -- Cardiothoracic surgeons should be vigilant for signs of the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus among their patients as the flu season approaches, and aggressively treat any cases, according to an article published online Oct. 26 in the Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation.

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Death After Bariatric Surgery in Extremely Obese Examined

FRIDAY, Oct. 23 (HealthDay News) -- In patients who undergo bariatric surgery, extreme obesity and a high burden of chronic disease is associated with an increased risk of death within one year post-surgery, according to a study in the October issue of the Archives of Surgery.

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Researchers Evaluate New Prostate Specific Antigen Test

FRIDAY, Oct. 23 (HealthDay News) -- A new test for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels is considerably more sensitive than commercial assays and allows better monitoring for recurrence after prostatectomy for early-stage prostate cancer, according to a study published online Oct. 19 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

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Dutch Trial Does Not Appear to Sway View on Tonsil Surgery

FRIDAY, Oct. 23 (HealthDay News) -- A 2004 trial finding equal benefits from adenotonsillectomy and watchful waiting in children moderately affected by throat infections or adenotonsillar enlargement had little effect on Dutch doctors' beliefs regarding the surgery, and tonsillectomy can treat vocal nasalance, according to two studies in the October Archives of Otolaryngology -- Head & Neck Surgery.

Abstract - Rovers
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Abstract - Subramaniam
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Pediatric Post-Tonsillectomy Antibiotic Courses Compared

FRIDAY, Oct. 23 (HealthDay News) -- Pediatric tonsillectomy patients who received three days of postoperative antibiotics needed no more pain medication and resumed normal activity as soon as patients who received a seven-day course, according to a study in the October issue of the Archives of Otolaryngology -- Head & Neck Surgery.

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Risks Associated With Thyroid Surgery in the Elderly Explored

FRIDAY, Oct. 23 (HealthDay News) -- Compared with more youthful patients, thyroid surgery presents few additional risks when performed in elderly patients, according to a study in the October issue of the Archives of Otolaryngology -- Head & Neck Surgery.

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Rough Microdermabrasion May Be Better for Skin Remodeling

FRIDAY, Oct. 23 (HealthDay News) -- Using a coarse-grit hand piece to conduct microdermabrasion prompts sun-damaged skin to remodel itself in a process similar to wound healing, and may be more effective in dermal remodeling than medium-grit use, according to a study in the October issue of the Archives of Dermatology.

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Article Reviews Techniques for Idiopathic Clubfoot Correction

THURSDAY, Oct. 22 (HealthDay News) -- The techniques for performing the Ponseti and French functional methods of treating idiopathic clubfeet were the focus of an article in a supplement to the October Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery.

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Statins Not Associated With Surgical Site Infections

THURSDAY, Oct. 22 (HealthDay News) -- In elderly patients who undergo elective surgery, statin use is not associated with an increased or decreased risk of surgical site infection, according to a study in the October issue of the Archives of Surgery.

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Review Evaluates Systems of Care for STEMI Patients

THURSDAY, Oct. 22 (HealthDay News) -- In Europe and North America, improvements in systems of care may improve outcomes in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), according to a state-of-the-art paper published in the October issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology: Cardiovascular Interventions.

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Radiation for Prostate Linked to Later Pelvic Cancer

THURSDAY, Oct. 22 (HealthDay News) -- Radiation following radical surgery for prostate cancer may increase the risk of late primary pelvic second primary cancer, according to research published in the October issue of Urology.

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Some Hospital Staff Predicted to Be Infection Superspreaders

THURSDAY, Oct. 22 (HealthDay News) -- Hospital staff such as therapists and radiologists who are in contact with all patients have the potential to be superspreaders of infection if they fail to wash their hands regularly, according to a study published online Oct. 19 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

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Pulmonary Embolism Found to Be Often Unrelated to DVT

THURSDAY, Oct. 22 (HealthDay News) -- In patients with pulmonary embolism, only a few have deep venous thrombosis (DVT) of the pelvic or proximal lower extremity veins, suggesting that pulmonary embolism originates in the lungs, according to a study in the October issue of the Archives of Surgery.

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Benefit of BRCA Testing in Ovarian Cancer Examined

THURSDAY, Oct. 22 (HealthDay News) -- Testing women with ovarian cancer for the BRCA mutation if they have a personal history of breast cancer, a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, or are of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry, is a cost-effective strategy that may prevent cancers in first degree relatives (FDR), according to a study published online Oct. 19 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

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Heart Attack Outcomes May Be Better With On-Site Surgery

THURSDAY, Oct. 22 (HealthDay News) -- Patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) have better outcomes if they present to a hospital with on-site cardiac surgery, according to a study in the October issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology: Cardiovascular Interventions.

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Cisplatin Alone Effective in Children With Hepatoblastoma

WEDNESDAY, Oct. 21 (HealthDay News) -- Cisplatin alone is just as effective as, but less toxic than, cisplatin plus doxorubicin in children with standard-risk hepatoblastoma, according to a study in the Oct. 22 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

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Higher Intensity Kidney Therapies Show Mixed Results

WEDNESDAY, Oct. 21 (HealthDay News) -- In critically ill adults with acute renal injury, higher-intensity renal-replacement therapy does not reduce mortality; however, in children with chronic kidney disease, higher-intensity blood-pressure control has beneficial effects on renal function, according to two studies in the Oct. 22 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

Abstract - Bellomo
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Abstract - Wühl
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Diabetes May Not Influence Heart Disease Outcomes

WEDNESDAY, Oct. 21 (HealthDay News) -- Diabetes mellitus does not affect outcomes in patients with unprotected left main coronary artery stenosis treated with drug-eluting stents or coronary artery bypass, according to a study in the October issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology: Cardiovascular Interventions.

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Supervised Exercise Found Helpful in Treating Knee Pain

WEDNESDAY, Oct. 21 (HealthDay News) -- A program of supervised exercise is more effective than usual care in treating patellofemoral pain syndrome, according to a study published online Oct. 20 in BMJ.

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Sources Find Different Numbers of Active Physicians

WEDNESDAY, Oct. 21 (HealthDay News) -- Estimates from U.S. Census Bureau surveys find fewer older physicians remaining active compared with the American Medical Association Physician Masterfile data, according to research published in the Oct. 21 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

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Cardiovascular Disease Linked to Hip Fracture Risk

TUESDAY, Oct. 20 (HealthDay News) -- The risk of hip fracture is much higher for people who have a diagnosis of cardiovascular disease (CVD), according to a study among Swedish twins reported in the Oct. 21 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

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Review Discusses Brachial Plexus Birth Palsy Procedure

MONDAY, Oct. 19 (HealthDay News) -- The surgical technique for tendon transfers to the rotator cuff and open glenohumeral reduction in patients with joint deformity from brachial plexus birth palsy is discussed in an article in the Oct. 1 supplement to the Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery.

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Article Reviews Technique for Cervical Disc Arthroplasty

MONDAY, Oct. 19 (HealthDay News) -- Cervical disc arthroplasty -- which research has suggested is equivalent to arthrodesis for cervical myelopathy with single-level abnormalities in the disc space -- is the focus of a surgical technique article in a supplement to the Oct. 1 issue of the Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery.

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Electrical Stimulation Not Linked to Better Spinal Fusion

FRIDAY, Oct. 16 (HealthDay News) -- Electrical stimulation following spinal fusion surgery wasn't effective in improving fusion rates in older patients, but was associated with a tendency toward better functional outcome, according to two articles published in the Oct. 1 issue of Spine.

Abstract - Part 1
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Abstract - Part 2
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Role of Blood Transfusions for Bleed Complications Studied

FRIDAY, Oct. 16 (HealthDay News) -- Blood transfusions used for the treatment of hematocrit level drops due to bleeding after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) do not result in improved mortality or myocardial infarction outcomes, according to a study in the Oct. 15 issue of the American Journal of Cardiology.

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Coronary Angiography Found Safe in Chronic Kidney Disease

FRIDAY, Oct. 16 (HealthDay News) -- Screening coronary angiography does not reduce renal function in high-risk patients with advanced chronic kidney disease awaiting a kidney transplant, according to a study published online Oct. 15 in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.

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FDA Launches Drug Disposal Advice Web Page

FRIDAY, Oct. 16 (HealthDay News) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has launched a new Web page for consumers to educate them on the safe disposal of certain medicines that can be dangerous or even fatal if they end up in the wrong hands.

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Prediction Model Can Benefit Bladder Cancer Patients

THURSDAY, Oct. 15 (HealthDay News) -- In the management of bladder cancer patients who have undergone cystectomy, use of a multivariate prediction model ("bladder nomogram") for referral to adjuvant chemotherapy may lead to better outcomes than the use of pathologic stage, according to a study published online Oct. 12 in Cancer.

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Corticosteroid Shot Helpful in Post-Pregnancy Back Pain

THURSDAY, Oct. 15 (HealthDay News) -- Corticosteroid injections in the ischial spine can help relieve long-standing sacral low back pain that begins during pregnancy, according to research published in the Oct. 1 issue of Spine.

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Study Finds Endoscopists Can Safely Sedate With Propofol

THURSDAY, Oct. 15 (HealthDay News) -- Endoscopists can safely sedate patients with propofol during gastroenterological procedures, according to a study in the October issue of Gastroenterology.

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Normal-Tension Glaucoma Treatment Options Explored

THURSDAY, Oct. 15 (HealthDay News) -- Untreated intraocular pressure and zone β variables of peripapillary atrophy may serve as risk factors for normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) in young individuals with moderate to severe vision loss, according to a study in the October issue of the Archives of Ophthalmology.

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Anesthesia Problems More Likely Early in Academic Year

WEDNESDAY, Oct. 14 (HealthDay News) -- Undesirable events are more common among anesthesia trainees at the beginning of the academic year, even in those with more clinical experience, according to research published Oct. 13 in BMJ.

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No Reduction Noted in Surgical Infection After High Oxygen

TUESDAY, Oct. 13 (HealthDay News) -- Administering high levels of oxygen during and after abdominal surgery does not reduce the rate of infection or other complications, according to a study in the Oct. 14 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

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Mixed Outcomes Seen for Less Invasive Prostate Surgery

TUESDAY, Oct. 13 (HealthDay News) -- Although minimally invasive radical prostatectomy (MIRP) may be associated with some benefits compared to retropubic radical prostatectomy (RRP), it is also associated with more genitourinary complications, according to research published in the Oct. 14 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

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Breast-Conserving Surgery, Mastectomy Rates Surveyed

TUESDAY, Oct. 13 (HealthDay News) -- Breast-conserving surgery (BCS) is attempted in the majority of patients, with factors linked to mastectomy including surgeon recommendation, personal decision and failure of BCS, according to results of a survey published in the Oct. 14 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

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Endovascular Aneurysm Repair May Reduce Early Mortality

TUESDAY, Oct. 13 (HealthDay News) -- Endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) reduced procedure time, hospital stay, and early postoperative mortality compared to open surgery, according to a study in the Oct. 14 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

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Physician Complication Rate Higher After Limited Sleep

TUESDAY, Oct. 13 (HealthDay News) -- Complication rates are higher for attending physicians who have to work again less than six hours after the end of their shift the night before, according to a study in the Oct. 14 issue of Journal of the American Medical Association.

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Standards of Care Evolving for Uncommon Uterine Cancer

TUESDAY, Oct. 13 (HealthDay News) -- Uterine papillary serous carcinoma (UPSC), the less common form of endometrial cancer, causes a disproportionate number of deaths, and more clinical trials are needed to develop evidence-based management strategies, according to a literature review in the October issue of Gynecologic Oncology.

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Study Evaluates Hospital Quality and Mortality Rates

TUESDAY, Oct. 13 (HealthDay News) -- Hospital mortality rates in the United States have improved, although major differences in quality still exist between the best and worst hospitals, according to a report published Oct. 13 by HealthGrades.

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Preoperative Biomarker Levels May Predict Cardiac Events

TUESDAY, Oct. 13 (HealthDay News) -- Patients with high preoperative levels of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) or N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) may be at a higher risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes within 30 days of non-cardiac surgery, according to a systematic review published in the Oct. 20 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

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Brain Seems to Play Role in Resveratrol's Diabetes Effect

MONDAY, Oct. 12 (HealthDay News) -- Resveratrol appears to exert an anti-diabetic effect in mice via the brain, with intracerebroventricular treatment improving hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia, according to research published online Oct. 9 in Endocrinology.

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Survey Assesses Management of Liver Transplant Patients

MONDAY, Oct. 12 (HealthDay News) -- Hepatologists overwhelmingly agree that primary care physicians should play a more active part in the management of common metabolic complications in liver transplant patients, according to a study published in the October issue of Liver Transplantation.

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Text Message Alerts May Improve Drug Adherence

MONDAY, Oct. 12 (HealthDay News) -- A text messaging reminder service may help young people better adhere to their immunosuppressant regimen following liver transplantation, according to research published online Oct. 12 in Pediatrics.

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Cytokines Linked to Knee Pain With Meniscal Injury

FRIDAY, Oct. 9 (HealthDay News) -- Several inflammatory cytokines may play a role in the pain that develops following meniscal injuries in the knee, according to research published in the Oct. 1 issue of the Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery.

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Health Care Disparities Among States Found to Be Widening

FRIDAY, Oct. 9 (HealthDay News) -- Increasing health care costs and growing disparities in coverage among U.S. states point to the urgent need for national health care reform, according to an Oct. 8 state-by-state report card from the Commonwealth Fund Commission, a private foundation supporting research on the health care system.

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Organ Donor Family Consent Request Protocols Compared

FRIDAY, Oct. 9 (HealthDay News) -- Organ donation using collaborative requesting instead of routine requesting by a patient's clinician may not provide increases in consent rates, according to an unblinded, multi-center, randomized controlled trial performed in the United Kingdom published Oct. 8 in BMJ.

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Miscarriage Management Type Not Found to Affect Fertility

FRIDAY, Oct. 9 (HealthDay News) -- Women who have a miscarriage can be reassured that the type of miscarriage management they choose will not have an impact on their future fertility, according to a study published Oct. 8 in BMJ.

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Cardiac Rehabilitation Underused but Beneficial

FRIDAY, Oct. 9 (HealthDay News) -- Although cardiac rehabilitation, a medically supervised program to help heart patients recover and improve their functioning, is often not seen as an important component of comprehensive cardiac care and is underused, studies have shown clear benefits, according to a review published online Oct. 8 in Heart.

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Study Supports Surgery for Osgood-Schlatter Disease

FRIDAY, Oct. 9 (HealthDay News) -- Surgical treatment of unresolved Osgood-Schlatter disease in young adults typically results in excellent or good functional outcomes, with rare reoperations, according to research published in the Oct. 1 issue of the Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery.

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Study Explores Thrombus Healing by Plaque Type

THURSDAY, Oct. 8 (HealthDay News) -- Thrombus healing in sudden cardiac death victims may depend on the presence of plaque ruptures or erosions, and, in some patients, call for different treatment approaches, according to research published online Oct. 7 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

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ACS Education May Not Reduce Prehospital Delay

THURSDAY, Oct. 8 (HealthDay News) -- In patients at high risk for acute coronary syndrome (ACS), educational and counseling intervention may not lead to decreased hospital arrival times or increased emergency medical services (EMS) use after the onset of symptoms, according to a study published online Oct. 6 in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.

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Cancer Patients at Risk of Jaw Necrosis After Treatment

THURSDAY, Oct. 8 (HealthDay News) -- Cancer patients treated with bisphosphonates have a higher risk of developing osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) if they have had dental extractions or dentures, according to a study published online Oct. 5 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

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Roundtable Discussion Tackles Health Care Reform

WEDNESDAY, Oct. 7 (HealthDay News) -- The health care payment system, the role of consumers in responsible health care spending, and the use of comparative-effectiveness research were topics covered in a roundtable discussion with several health economics experts published in the Oct. 8 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

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Perspective - Cutler

Study Reports Lacking Benefit of ICD Early After Heart Attack

WEDNESDAY, Oct. 7 (HealthDay News) -- An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) does not reduce the risk of death when given to high-risk patients within a month after a heart attack, according to a study in the Oct. 8 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

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Medical Students Want More Practice of Medicine Training

WEDNESDAY, Oct. 7 (HealthDay News) -- Medical students in the United States perceive that they are not getting enough training in the practice of medicine, particularly in medical economics, according to a study in the September issue of Academic Medicine.

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Many Chronic Low Back Pain Patients Recover Within a Year

WEDNESDAY, Oct. 7 (HealthDay News) -- Contrary to common wisdom that patients with chronic low back pain can rarely recover, one-third of patients will recover in nine months, and four in 10 patients will recover within a year, according to a study published Oct. 6 in BMJ.

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Effectiveness and Cost Help to Make Coverage Decisions

TUESDAY, Oct. 6 (HealthDay News) -- Countries using evidence-based cost-effectiveness and effectiveness to help make drug coverage decisions show how these factors can successfully support decision making and can also be adapted to the specific conditions of other countries, according to a study in the Oct. 7 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

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Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstructions Increasing

MONDAY, Oct. 5 (HealthDay News) -- During the period of 1997 to 2006, the rate of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction significantly increased, and subsequent knee surgery was required more often among younger patients and those treated by a lower-volume surgeon or at a lower-volume hospital, according to a study published in the Oct. 1 issue of the Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery.

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Combination May Improve Prostate Cancer Prediction

MONDAY, Oct. 5 (HealthDay News) -- Combining endorectal MRI, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and a low free-to-total prostate-specific antigen (PSA) ratio is highly accurate in predicting prostate cancer in men with high PSA levels, according to a European study in the October issue of Radiology.

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Use of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Sports Medicine Increasing

MONDAY, Oct. 5 (HealthDay News) -- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is being increasingly used in sports medicine, even though minimal clinical evidence exists that it can enhance healing, according to a review in the October issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

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MRI Deemed Accurate for Diagnosing Endometriosis

MONDAY, Oct. 5 (HealthDay News) -- Pelvic MRI is a highly accurate and noninvasive way to diagnose and map endometriosis preoperatively in women suspected of having the condition, according to a study in the October issue of Radiology.

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Resynchronization Can Slow Heart Failure Progression

FRIDAY, Oct. 2 (HealthDay News) -- Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) improves clinical outcomes, as well as left ventricular function and size, in patients with asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic left ventricular dysfunction, according to a study published online Sept. 30 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

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Procedure May Be Helpful in Diagnosing Prostate Cancer

FRIDAY, Oct. 2 (HealthDay News) -- Transurethral prostate resection may be a useful addition to prostate biopsy in detecting cancer in men whose prostate-specific antigen (PSA) remains a concern after previous negative biopsies, according to research published in the October issue of the Journal of Urology.

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Technique Found Effective for Intracranial Aneurysms

FRIDAY, Oct. 2 (HealthDay News) -- Stent-assisted coil embolization is a safe and effective treatment for wide-necked intracranial aneurysms occurring during subarachnoid hemorrhage that are difficult to treat by other techniques, according to a study in the October issue of Radiology.

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Use of Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair Increasing

FRIDAY, Oct. 2 (HealthDay News) -- The use of endovascular repair (EVAR) has increased over open repair (OAR) for the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) during this decade in the United States, which is associated with better outcomes, according to a study in the October Journal of Vascular Surgery.

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Drug Tied to Lower Colectomy Rate in Ulcerative Colitis

FRIDAY, Oct. 2 (HealthDay News) -- In patients with moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis, treatment with infliximab is associated with a significantly lower likelihood of undergoing colectomy within one year, according to a study published in the October Gastroenterology.

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Low Late Toxicity With Radiation Post Prostatectomy

THURSDAY, Oct. 1 (HealthDay News) -- Men with prostate cancer who receive salvage external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) after radical prostatectomy have a low risk of severe late toxicity, according to a study published online Sept. 22 in Radiotherapy & Oncology.

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Surgical Masks Found to Be Non-Inferior to Respirators

THURSDAY, Oct. 1 (HealthDay News) -- Surgical masks may be no less effective than N95 respirators in preventing influenza in health care workers, according to a study published online Oct. 1 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

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CDC Says States Not Meeting Fruit and Veggie Objectives

THURSDAY, Oct. 1 (HealthDay News) -- In a Sept. 29 press release, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says no U.S. state is currently meeting the national Healthy People 2010 objectives for fruit and vegetable consumption.

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Physicians May Fail to Act on Electronic Alerts Quickly

THURSDAY, Oct. 1 (HealthDay News) -- Physicians using a system with electronic medical records and computerized alerts may not acknowledge or act upon critical imaging results in a timely manner, according to research published in the Sept. 28 Archives of Internal Medicine.

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