David J. Boughanem , Sudeep Gorla , Melissa A. Kendall , Tyler Zander , Rachel L. Wolansky , Shamir Harry , Paul C. Kuo , Joseph Sujka
{"title":"Distinct paths of impact: A bibliometric analysis of research trends in surgery, medicine, and biology (1980–2020)","authors":"David J. Boughanem , Sudeep Gorla , Melissa A. Kendall , Tyler Zander , Rachel L. Wolansky , Shamir Harry , Paul C. Kuo , Joseph Sujka","doi":"10.1016/j.amjsurg.2025.116798","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.amjsurg.2025.116798","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>This study characterizes temporal trends (1980–2020) of Surgery (SUR) research impact compared to Medicine (MED) and Biology (BIO) using Relative Citation Ratio (RCR), Field Citation Ratio (FCR), and Altmetric Attention Score. We hypothesize MED demonstrates significantly higher impact metrics than SUR.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The 1000 most cited papers in SUR, MED, and BIO were retrieved for each decade (1980–2020) using Web of Science. RCR was generated via iCite; FCR and Attention Score from Dimensions AI API. Keywords were classified using UMLS Semantic Network subjects with MetaMap and entropy metrics assessed topic diversity.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>All metrics increased significantly in MED and BIO, while SUR RCR and FCR remained unchanged from 1980 to 1989. MED demonstrated greater collaboration and funding proportions than SUR. Entropy analysis revealed MED and BIO diversified research topics over time, while SUR concentrated in specialized areas.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>SUR research shows declining broad relevance with concentrated influence compared to MED and BIO.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7771,"journal":{"name":"American journal of surgery","volume":"254 ","pages":"Article 116798"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146074919","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Negar Nekooei , Angela Tang-Tan , Anaar E. Siletz , Kazuhide Matsushima , Kenji Inaba , Joseph J. Dubose , Matthew J. Martin
{"title":"Impact of systemic anticoagulation on traumatic cervical arterial repairs: An analysis of the PROspective Observational Vascular Injury Trial (PROOVIT) registry","authors":"Negar Nekooei , Angela Tang-Tan , Anaar E. Siletz , Kazuhide Matsushima , Kenji Inaba , Joseph J. Dubose , Matthew J. Martin","doi":"10.1016/j.amjsurg.2026.116850","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.amjsurg.2026.116850","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>Systemic anticoagulation (SAC) is standard in elective arterial repairs but controversial in trauma due to bleeding risks, with unclear benefits in this population. This is the first study to investigate SAC's impact on cervical artery repairs.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Using the PROOVIT database (2012–2023), we included all cervical arterial injuries (common carotid, internal/external carotid, or vertebral) who underwent surgical or endovascular repair, categorized by intraoperative SAC use. Primary outcomes included in-hospital complications; secondary outcomes were re-intervention, stroke, 24-h packed red blood cell (pRBC) transfusions, and length of stay (LOS).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>One hundred forty patients met inclusion criteria. Median age was 34, and 79 % were male. 67.1 % sustained penetrating trauma, and 77 % had moderate to severe head trauma. SAC was used in 41 (29.3 %) patients. SAC use was more common in patients with higher Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores and those undergoing primary surgical repair. Univariate analysis showed similar complication, re-intervention, and stroke rates. Multivariate analysis (adjusted for age, sex, mechanism, ISS, SBP <90, and GCS, see Figure) revealed SAC was associated with higher re-intervention rates (aOR = 3.9, 95 % CI: 1–13, p = 0.03) but not with overall complications (aOR = 2.4, p = 0.07), stroke (aOR = 1.6, p = 0.35), 24-h PRBC transfusions (B = −2.6, p = 0.27), or LOS (B = −4.5, p = 0.40).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>SAC during cervical arterial repair was associated with increased re-intervention rates without impacting complications, stroke, or LOS. Further research is needed to clarify its risk-benefit balance in trauma care.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7771,"journal":{"name":"American journal of surgery","volume":"254 ","pages":"Article 116850"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146074931","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Almunthir Alyahya , Yousef Albegamy , Mansour Ahmed Albalawi , Ali Elkarouri , Shroog Alanazi , Lamis Alshehri , Rakan Almokhlef , Jenan Fayez Almutairi , Abdulaziz Alqarni , Najd Alanazi , Abdullah Altamimi , Laksh Kumar , Adarsh Raja
{"title":"Trends in mortality from High-Risk surgical procedures: National burden of Transplants, Implants, and Organ removal from 1999 to 2024 in United States","authors":"Almunthir Alyahya , Yousef Albegamy , Mansour Ahmed Albalawi , Ali Elkarouri , Shroog Alanazi , Lamis Alshehri , Rakan Almokhlef , Jenan Fayez Almutairi , Abdulaziz Alqarni , Najd Alanazi , Abdullah Altamimi , Laksh Kumar , Adarsh Raja","doi":"10.1016/j.amjsurg.2026.116825","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.amjsurg.2026.116825","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Surgery remains a major contributor to healthcare costs and mortality from perioperative complications, yet long term national mortality trends are poorly defined.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A population based analysis of U.S. mortality data (1999–2024) was conducted using the CDC WONDER database. High risk surgical deaths were identified by ICD-10 code Y83. Age adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) were calculated, and Joinpoint regression estimated annual percentage changes (APCs).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Among 470,098 deaths, men comprised 54.7 %, with 76.0 % occurring in medical facilities. National AAMR declined from 8.1 (1999) to 3.4 (2015), rose to 7.9 (2021), then fell to 3.2 (2024). Mortality was highest among men, non Hispanic Black and American Indian/Alaska Native groups, and in non-metropolitan areas; Marked state level variation was observed, with the highest AAMRs in Mississippi, New Mexico, Wyoming, North Dakota, and West Virginia.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>U.S. surgical mortality showed a three phase pattern of decline, rise, and reduction, with persistent demographic and state/regional disparities requiring targeted policy action.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7771,"journal":{"name":"American journal of surgery","volume":"254 ","pages":"Article 116825"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145986689","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Arkadii Sipok , Sophia Dort , Saima Shafique , Jonathan M. Dort
{"title":"Opioids add risk without improving outcomes after outpatient inguinal hernia surgery: A prospective cohort study","authors":"Arkadii Sipok , Sophia Dort , Saima Shafique , Jonathan M. Dort","doi":"10.1016/j.amjsurg.2026.116823","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.amjsurg.2026.116823","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Opioids are often prescribed after outpatient inguinal hernia repair despite limited evidence of benefit and well-documented risks. We evaluated their impact on complications and patient-reported outcomes.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This prospective observational study enrolled adults undergoing outpatient inguinal hernia repair (June 2022–October 2024) at a single institution. Pain, satisfaction, hernia-related quality of life (HerQLes), and early (≤1 week) and late (12 weeks) complications were assessed. Opioid use was quantified in morphine milligram equivalents. Logistic regression adjusted for age and comorbidity estimated complication risk.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Among 110 patients, 16 (14.5 %) used opioids. Opioid use was associated with higher early (50 % vs 43.6 %) and late (43.8 % vs 40 %) complications (AOR 1.12, p = .018), with no improvement in pain, medication satisfaction, or quality of life over time.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Even after low-risk surgery, opioids may add harm without benefit. Opioid-sparing regimens should be prioritized for outpatient inguinal hernia repair.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7771,"journal":{"name":"American journal of surgery","volume":"254 ","pages":"Article 116823"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146027820","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yuki Liu , Yu-Hsiang Kao , Naomi C. Hamm , Feibi Zheng , Michael A. Edwards
{"title":"Robotic assisted versus laparoscopic duodenal switch procedures: A nationwide propensity score matched analysis","authors":"Yuki Liu , Yu-Hsiang Kao , Naomi C. Hamm , Feibi Zheng , Michael A. Edwards","doi":"10.1016/j.amjsurg.2025.116766","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.amjsurg.2025.116766","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Research comparing the outcomes of robotic-assisted and laparoscopic duodenal switch (DS) procedures in the US have relied primarily on the same data source and have not considered economic outcomes. Studies using alternative data sources are needed to better understand the health and economic impact of surgery modality for patients receiving DS procedures.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To compare perioperative outcomes and cost between robotic-assisted and laparoscopic DS procedures.</div></div><div><h3>Setting</h3><div>Data from the Premier Healthcare Database (PHD), a multi-center, hospital-based database.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A retrospective cohort study from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2023, including primary robotic-assisted or laparoscopic elective DS procedures. Propensity score matched analysis was performed. Perioperative and 30-day complications and cost were compared.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The study cohort included 4221 DS patients, 36 % robotic and 64 % laparoscopic. Patients receiving an R-DS had a higher BMI and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). After matching, 1073 patients per cohort were analyzed. R-DS procedures had a longer median operative time (230 min vs. 186 min, p < .001) and less gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding (0.2 % vs. 0.9 %, p = .0021). All other adverse outcomes were comparable. For the matched cohort, there was a significant decrease in 30-day cost (p < .001) and complication rates (p < .001) for R-DS, but not L-DS. Median 30-day perioperative costs were similar for R-DS and L-DS in 2023 ($17,156 and $16,476 for R-DS and L-DS, respectively).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>R-DS and L-DS have comparable outcomes and costs. Overall complications and costs associated with DS procedures are decreasing. R-DS procedures have longer operation time and lower risk of GI bleeding.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7771,"journal":{"name":"American journal of surgery","volume":"253 ","pages":"Article 116766"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145838745","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The proverbial glass ceiling: You might need a new tool when it's seemingly made of concrete","authors":"Alana L. Beres MDCM, MPH, FRCSC, FACS, FAAP","doi":"10.1016/j.amjsurg.2025.116814","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.amjsurg.2025.116814","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":7771,"journal":{"name":"American journal of surgery","volume":"253 ","pages":"Article 116814"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145916572","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Peter Abraham MD, MSPH, Sophie Dream MD, MPH, FACS
{"title":"Pushing the Envelope: Expanding the use of thermal ablative techniques for small papillary thyroid carcinomas","authors":"Peter Abraham MD, MSPH, Sophie Dream MD, MPH, FACS","doi":"10.1016/j.amjsurg.2025.116780","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.amjsurg.2025.116780","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":7771,"journal":{"name":"American journal of surgery","volume":"253 ","pages":"Article 116780"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145792794","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Annie Tang, Katherine Schulz-Costello, Veronica Jones, Jennifer Tseng
{"title":"Germline pathogenic variants in Asian American/Pacific Islander women with breast cancer","authors":"Annie Tang, Katherine Schulz-Costello, Veronica Jones, Jennifer Tseng","doi":"10.1016/j.amjsurg.2025.116786","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.amjsurg.2025.116786","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>In 2024, the American Cancer Society reported that Asian American/Pacific Islander (AAPI) women have a rising breast cancer incidence that has surpassed other ethnicities. We aimed to identify the prevalence of pathogenic variants (PV) in the AAPI population with breast cancer and the implications for treatment.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted a prospective cohort study of AAPI women diagnosed with breast cancer between 2020 and 2024 who underwent germline testing.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Of the 797 AAPI women with breast cancer underwent germline testing, 21.6 % were found to have PVs. Patients with PVs had more aggressive luminal B or triple negative breast cancers (45.3 % vs 16.8 %, p = 0.002) and were more likely to choose contralateral risk-reducing mastectomy (30.2 % vs 15.8 %, p < 0.001). AAPI women with breast cancer and PVs often have dense breast tissue but less frequently personal risk factors for breast cancer.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>As one in five AAPI women with breast cancer can be found to have a germline pathogenic variant, genetic testing is an influential aspect of surgical and oncologic care. Efforts should be made to improve patient access.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7771,"journal":{"name":"American journal of surgery","volume":"253 ","pages":"Article 116786"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145882039","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Rachel M. Russo , Janine F. Elliott , Tandis Soltani , Asanthi Ratnasekera , Mecker G. Möller , Pauline K. Park , Association of Women Surgeons Publications Committee
{"title":"Women in surgical innovation (part II): Getting to know yourself, your customer, and your product","authors":"Rachel M. Russo , Janine F. Elliott , Tandis Soltani , Asanthi Ratnasekera , Mecker G. Möller , Pauline K. Park , Association of Women Surgeons Publications Committee","doi":"10.1016/j.amjsurg.2025.116653","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.amjsurg.2025.116653","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":7771,"journal":{"name":"American journal of surgery","volume":"253 ","pages":"Article 116653"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145290619","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Charlotte L. Harrington , Clara M. Bosco , Sean C. Wightman , Baddr A. Shakhsheer
{"title":"The ethical problems with informed consent: How inconsistencies undermine patient autonomy","authors":"Charlotte L. Harrington , Clara M. Bosco , Sean C. Wightman , Baddr A. Shakhsheer","doi":"10.1016/j.amjsurg.2026.116821","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.amjsurg.2026.116821","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To identify inconsistencies in informed consent (IC) and evaluate how these variations impact patient autonomy.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A review of IC policies at different institutions and literature was conducted, analyzing variations in consent practices.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Significant variability exists in IC implementation. Thresholds for consent often seem arbitrary, with comparable-risk procedures requiring different approaches (e.g., arterial lines needing written consent while peripheral IVs do not). Context also drives disclosure; the risk of nerve injury may be emphasized before a mastectomy but not a cardiac procedure. Bundled consents, such as ICU admission forms covering multiple interventions, can obscure individual risks. Efficiency pressures can dictate who obtains consent, leading less experienced providers to perform it. Witness requirements are inconsistent, varying between phone and in-person discussions.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Current IC practices are fragmented, influenced by factors beyond patient-centered care. These inconsistencies result in gaps in the support of patient decision-making. Standardized, patient-centered policies are needed to protect patient autonomy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7771,"journal":{"name":"American journal of surgery","volume":"253 ","pages":"Article 116821"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145973560","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}