ACS Brief

Committee on Trauma Releases Standards for Level IV Trauma Centers

August 11, 2026

The ACS Committee on Trauma (ACS COT) has released new standards for Level IV trauma centers. The resource, Resources for Optimal Care of the Injured Patient: Level IV Trauma Center Standards (2026), can help Level IV trauma centers assess capabilities, identify improvement opportunities, and strengthen trauma care delivery. 

Fellow Leads Robotic Single-Port Mastectomy and Achieves US First

August 11, 2026

A 45-year-old woman with aggressive triple-negative breast cancer has become the first patient in the US outside a clinical trial to undergo a robotic single-port nipple-sparing mastectomy.

The procedure, performed March 9 at Sutter Health’s Alta Bates Summit Medical Center in Oakland, California, demonstrates the expanding application of robotic platforms to oncologic breast surgery while highlighting the potential for improved functional and cosmetic outcomes.

Senate Moves to Block Threat to Surgical Research

August 11, 2026

Earlier this week, the US Senate passed a temporary spending bill that will fund the federal government through December 11. Significantly for surgeons, health and science professionals, and patients, the continuing resolution included language blocking the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) proposed rule that would radically change, and likely harm, federally funded, independent scientific research in the US.

Read this week's entire issue for the latest news on the ACS and the field of surgery.

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