ACS Recently Released Four New Checklists for its Strong for Surgery Program
CHICAGO (November 29, 2018):
Strong for Surgery program provides four new tools to help surgical teams improve outcomes for their patients in the form of screening checklists.
[Strong for Surgery Quality Program]
Montreal Surgeon Gerald M. Fried, MD, FACS, FRCSC, Elected Chair of the ACS Board of Regents
CHICAGO (November 26, 2018): Dr. Fried was elected Chair during the College’s annual Clinical Congress in Boston, MA, last month.
Recommendations to Reduce Firearm Injury, Death, and Disability Released by ACS Workgroup
CHICAGO (November 14, 2018): ACS Committee on Trauma Firearm Strategy Team Workgroup released initial set of recommendations to make firearm ownership safer for all Americans.
ACS Academy of Master Surgeon Educators Admits Inaugural Class into Membership
CHICAGO (November 7, 2018): The new American College of Surgeons Academy of Master Surgeon Educators admitted its inaugural class of 91 surgeons from seven countries on October 3.
ACS NSQIP Recognizes 83 Participating Hospitals for Achieving Meritorious Outcomes
CHICAGO (October 31, 2018): The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP®) has recognized 83 of an eligible 568 hospitals participating in its adult program for achieving meritorious outcomes for surgical patient care in 2017. ACS NSQIP-participating hospitals are required to track the outcomes of inpatient and outpatient surgical procedures and then analyze their results. These results direct patient safety initiatives within the hospital and impact the quality of surgical care delivered to patients.
[ACS NSQIP® Quality Program]
ACS National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Demonstrates a Sustained Benefit on Colorectal Surgical Outcomes
BOSTON (Wednesday, October 24, 2018; 6:00 pm EDT): Most complications of colorectal resection procedures steadily decreased and the number of early hospital discharges increased based on a review of 10 years of data in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP®) according to study results presented at the American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress 2018.
ACS Honors Five Members with Surgical Humanitarian and Volunteerism Awards
BOSTON (Wednesday, October 24, 2018; 12:01 am EDT): Last night, five surgeons received the 2018 American College of Surgeons (ACS)/Pfizer Surgical Humanitarian Awards and Surgical Volunteerism Awards in recognition of their selfless efforts as volunteer surgeons who provide care to medically underserved patients.
Trauma Researchers Identify Common Characteristics of Communities Where Mass Shootings Occur
BOSTON (Tuesday October 23, 2018; 6:00 pm EDT): A trauma research team has developed a profile of commonalities among communities where mass shootings have occurred. It includes a shortage of mental health professionals, a relative lack of socialization opportunities, higher rates of income inequality, and relatively high housing costs, according to findings presented today at the American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress 2018.
First Study of Its Kind Identifies County-Level Differences in Pediatric Mortality after Motor Vehicle Collisions
BOSTON (Tuesday, October 23, 2018; 2:30 pm EDT):: A child seriously injured in a motor vehicle collision may not have the same chance of survival as one injured in a different state, or even a neighboring county, where there is a closer proximity to available trauma centers and quicker emergency response times, according to new research findings.
A Method of Multimodal Pain Control is Effective for Outpatient Mastectomy and Minimizes the Need for Postoperative Opioid Use
BOSTON (Tuesday, October 23, 2018; 2:30 pm EDT): A practice-changing pain control protocol developed by a cancer surgeon at the University Medical Center–New Orleans is a safe and effective method to alleviate pain for mastectomy patients, allowing them to be discharged to home the same day of surgery, while also reducing the need for stronger opioids during their recovery, according to new research findings presented at the American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress 2018.
A 2015 Guideline Recommending Removal of Only Half the Thyroid Gland Grows in Use, Benefits Patients with Thyroid Cancer
BOSTON (Monday,October 22, 2018; 6:00 pm EDT): Thyroid cancer is the most rapidly increasing cancer in the United States, with around 63,000 new cases diagnosed annually and more than 600,000 Americans living with a previous diagnosis, the American Cancer Society reports.* Traditionally, the vast majority of these patients undergo complete removal of the thyroid gland—known as a total thyroidectomy—to treat their cancer rather than the less invasive hemithyroidectomy, which involves removal of half of the gland. However, since 2015 the number of patients undergoing a hemithyroidectomy has increased significantly among a large group of hospitals participating in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP®). This shift to less invasive surgical treatment is most likely due in part to a leading medical society in the field revising its clinical guidelines that elevated hemithyroidectomy to an equal status with complete removal of the gland, according to study results presented at the American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress 2018.
Majority of U.S. Humanitarian Surgical NGOs Follow Guideline-Based Practices in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
BOSTON (Monday, October 22, 2018; 5:30 pm EDT): Although there are many U.S.-based surgical organizations providing urgently needed care in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), knowledge of whether these groups are adhering to a U.S. standard of care is noticeably lacking. In one of the first studies to investigate guideline-based practices that U.S. humanitarian surgical non-governmental organizations (NGOs) adhere to, or deviate from, researchers from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, N.J., surveyed 83 U.S.-based NGOs and found that the majority of these groups adhere to U.S. protocols when providing care abroad.
Patients who Undergo Major Operations without Opioids Have Shorter Hospital Stays
BOSTON (Monday, October 22, 2018; 4:00 pm EDT): Opioids have been a mainstay of pain control for patients who undergo major operations, but they can become addictive for some patients, and unused pills have been identified as a major source of pills supplying the opioid epidemic.
Liver Transplant Patients Gain Longer-Term Survival Benefits by Accepting Organs from Older Donors
BOSTON (Monday, October 22, 2018; 4:00 pm EDT): Patients with advanced liver disease who accept liver transplants donated by people over age 70 reduce their long-term risk of death significantly compared with similar patients who decline the same offer.
Poor Access to a Trauma Center Linked to Higher Prehospital Death Rates in More Than Half of U.S. States
BOSTON (Monday, October 22, 2018; 1:00 pm EDT): States with poor access to a comprehensive trauma center have more deaths occurring before injured patients’ arrival at a hospital, compared with states that have better access. Furthermore, this frequency of prehospital deaths contributes to higher overall trauma-related mortality, according to new research findings presented today at the American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress 2018.
Seattle Surgeon Ronald V. Maier, MD, FACS, Installed as New President of the American College of Surgeons
BOSTON (Monday, October 22, 2018; 1:00 am EDT): Ronald V. Maier, MD, FACS, the Jane and Donald D. Trunkey Endowed Chair in Trauma Surgery, vice-chairman, department of surgery, and professor of surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, was installed as the 99th President of the American College of Surgeons
Honorary Fellowship in the American College of Surgeons is Awarded to 12 Prominent Surgeons
BOSTON (Monday, October 22, 2018; 12:01 am EDT): Last night Honorary Fellowship in the American College of Surgeons (ACS) was awarded to 12 prominent surgeons from around the world at the Boston Convention Center.
Honolulu Surgeon Yeu-Tsu Margaret Lee, MD, FACS, Honored for Inspiring Women in Surgery
BOSTON (Monday October 22, 2018; 12:01 am EDT): Yeu-Tsu Margaret Lee, MD, FACS, received the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Dr. Mary Edwards Walker Inspiring Women in Surgery Award last night during the Convocation ceremony that preceded the opening of the College's 2018 Clinical Congress. Dr. Lee, a general surgeon and surgical oncologist, is clinical professor of surgery, University of Hawaii Medical School, Honolulu, Hawaii. The award was developed by the ACS Women in Surgery Committee (WiSC) and recognizes significant contributions to the advancement of women in the field of surgery.
New York City Surgeon Valerie W. Rusch, MD, FACS, Honored with 2018 Distinguished Service Award of the American College of Surgeons
BOSTON (Sunday, October 21, 11:00 p.m. EDT): Valerie W. Rusch, MD, FACS, a thoracic surgeon from New York City, received the 2018 Distinguished Service Award of the American College of Surgeons last night during the Convocation ceremony that preceded the opening of the College’s 2018 Clinical Congress, one of the largest international meetings of surgeons in the world.
American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress Convenes in Boston Next Week
CHICAGO (October 18, 2018): The ACS Clinical Congress 2018, one of the largest international meetings of surgeons in the world, convenes in Boston next week, October 21–25.
Post-Treatment Surveillance Frequency Not Related to Improved Lung Cancer Patient Survival
CHICAGO (October 4, 2018): Study findings sourced by the National Cancer Database and published in Annals of Surgery also do not show that more frequent surveillance improved survival following lung cancer recurrence.
Heidi Nelson, MD, FACS, is Named Medical Director of ACS Cancer Programs
CHICAGO: Dr. Nelson, a colorectal surgeon from Rochester, Minn., is known for her research on improving the quality of life for cancer patients.
Second Volume of Operative Standards for Cancer Surgery Manual Presents Evidence-Based Recommendations for Five New Disease Sites
CHICAGO (August 28, 2018): The second volume of Operative Standards for Cancer Surgery, a collaborative manual from the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology, is now available for print and electronic purchase.
Global Surgeons Provide Value Through Innovation, Professionalism, and Education
CHICAGO (August 20, 2018): A position statement from three global surgery groups advocates for academic health centers supporting the work of global surgeons.
Reducing Opioid Prescriptions for One Operation Can Have a Spillover Effect to Other Procedures
CHICAGO (July 26, 2018): Study results show revised recommendations resulted in about 17 fewer pills being dispensed per patient for four major operations.
ACS Hosts Capitol Hill Briefing on Combat Casualty Care
WASHINGTON, DC (July 23, 2018): The American College of Surgeons (ACS) hosted a Capitol Hill briefing earlier today featuring a panel of experts on military surgical care.
Two Quality Improvement Programs Lead to Fewer Postoperative Complications for Surgical Patients
ORLANDO (July 23, 2018): Two presurgery checklists from the American College of Surgeons Strong for Surgery program that incorporate best practices for engaging patients in preparing for their upcoming operations significantly improved lifestyle factors that pose an increased risk for postoperative complications or help support healing and postoperative recovery.
[Strong for Surgery Quality Program]
Hip Fracture Patients Recover from Operations Faster with an Enhanced Care Recovery Program
ORLANDO (July 23, 2018): The use of an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) approach for hip fracture operations allows patients to return home faster and get back to normal activities sooner, according to new findings presented today by researchers at the American College of Surgeons 2018 Quality and Safety Conference
[ACS NSQIP® data study]
Accredited Bariatric Surgery Center Reduces Postoperative Complications Despite Nearly Doubling its Surgical Volume
ORLANDO (July 23, 2018): An academic medical center’s weight-loss surgery program greatly lowered its rates of several postoperative complications, including rehospitalization in the first month, surgical site and urinary tract infections, and bleeding, despite almost doubling its surgical volume over five years.
[MBSAQIP® Quality Program]
Patients with Right-Sided Colon Cancer Have Poorer Survival Rates than Those with Left-Sided Disease
ORLANDO (July 23, 2018): Patients with colorectal cancer tumors on the right side may have poorer five-year survival rates than those whose tumors are located on the left side. However, a new large-scale retrospective study is the first to demonstrate a potential improvement of these outcomes.
[National Cancer Database (NCDB) data study]
Pilot Program Improves Staff Confidence in Dealing with Airway Emergencies
ORLANDO (July 23, 2018): A patient safety team has restructured their protocols for treating airway failure in such a way that the change has measurably improved staff confidence to handle airway emergencies and can serve as a model for other health systems.
American College of Surgeons Comments on Children and U.S. Immigration Policy
CHICAGO (June 19, 2018): The leadership of the American College of Surgeons calls for immediate change to the current method of enforcement of U.S. immigration policy that separates children from their parents at our nation's borders.
ACS and Rep. Mike Thompson Host Stop the Bleed Training Session for Congressional Staff
WASHINGTON, DC (June 18, 2018): Capitol Hill staff learn bleeding control techniques from Fellows of the American College of Surgeons and are now better equipped to save a life
16 Cancer Care Facilities Receive CoC Outstanding Achievement Award
CHICAGO (June 14, 2018): Biannual Outstanding Achievement Award is granted to accredited cancer programs that exceed compliance expectations of the CoC standards.
Surgical Oncologist Dr. Steven Rosenberg Receives the 2018 Jacobson Innovation Award
CHICAGO (June 11, 2018): Steven A. Rosenberg, MD, PhD, was honored for his role in in developing effective immunotherapies and gene therapies for patients with advanced cancers.
Most Surgical Residents Want Personal Financial Education Offered During Medical Training
CHICAGO (May 31, 2018): Close to 80 percent of resident respondents to one online survey said they think personal financial education is needed during residency.
Military-Civilian Partnerships Aim to Help Meet Military Medical Readiness Needs
CHICAGO (May 23, 2018): A growing partnership between the MHS and civilian trauma institutions will create, for the first time, a fully integrated military-civilian trauma system.
San Francisco-Area Cancer Program is First in the U.S. to Earn Accreditation from NAPRC
CHICAGO (May 22, 2018): John Muir Health’s Rectal Cancer Program was granted a three-year accreditation from the new ACS-administered accreditation program.
[Commission on Cancer Quality Program]
National Cancer Database-Sourced Study Results Focus on Post-Treatment Surveillance
CHICAGO (May 22, 2018): The first findings from a collaborative study within ACS Cancer Programs were published today in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
[National Cancer Database (NCDB) data study]
Safety Program for Surgical Patients Sharply Drops Surgical Site Infections
CHICAGO (May 18, 2018): Hawaii statewide collaborative for surgical patient safety successfully reduces colorectal surgical site infections and improves patient safety culture.
Save the Date: ACS Clinical Congress Convenes in Boston, October 21-25, 2018
CHICAGO (April 30, 2018): The College’s annual conference will include hundreds of scientific sessions and courses for today’s practicing surgeon.
ACS Advocates a Consensus Strategy to Prevent Injury, Disability, and Death from Firearms
CHICAGO (April 19, 2018): Injury prevention strategy developed by Committee on Trauma seeks to bridge political differences and provide a constructive path forward.
[Committee on Trauma Quality Program]
Save the Date: ACS Quality and Safety Conference Convenes in Orlando, July 21-24, 2018
CHICAGO (April 13, 2018): National conference will provide a professional forum on the most recent national and local quality and safety initiatives in the field of surgery
Tourniquet Practice Adopted from the Military Saves Lives and Limbs in Civilians
CHICAGO (April 4, 2018): New study results demonstrate that the use of tourniquets improves survival in civilian trauma victims.
March 31 Is Our Nation’s First Ever National Stop the Bleed Day
CHICAGO (March 28, 2018): The first ever National Stop the Bleed Day will feature training courses around the country to teach bleeding control techniques to the general public.
New Accreditation Program Sets Framework for Rectal Cancer Care in the U.S.
CHICAGO (March 23, 2018): National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer establishes guidelines for a multidisciplinary team approach to help meet its proposed quality measures.
[NAPRC Quality Program]
Burn Specialists Report a Dramatic Increase in Burn Injury Survival Over the Past 30 Years
CHICAGO (March 9, 2018): Advances in burn treatment are associated with reduced mortality rates in people who sustain life-threatening burns, according to Journal of the American College of Surgeons study findings.
Surgeon Scientists Losing Ground to Other Medical Researchers for NIH Funding
CHICAGO (March 5, 2018): Surgeons are less successful in obtaining NIH grants, however the publication impact of surgical research increased about 25 percent over the study period.
ACS Applauds U.S. House of Representatives for Passing the Mission Zero Act (H.R. 880)
WASHINGTON, DC (February 27, 2018): ACS-supported legislation establishes a grant program to assist civilian trauma centers in partnering with military trauma professionals.
Safety-Net Hospital Reports It Achieved Better Esophagectomy Outcomes than National Cohort
CHICAGO (February 20, 2018): Standardized clinical pathway helped ‘hospital of last resort’ achieve consistently superior outcomes for an esophageal procedure.
[ACS NSQIP® data study]
Medicaid Expansion in Kentucky Improves Breast Cancer Care for Women 20 to 64 Years Old
CHICAGO (February 12, 2018): Kentucky researchers report rates of diagnosis of early stage disease and utilization of less invasive operations have increased since 2014.
ACS Commends Congress for Key Physician and Patient Issues in Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018
WASHINGTON, DC (February 9, 2018): ACS commends Congress for the enactment of key legislative priorities that will improve the quality of care for surgical patients.
An Enhanced Recovery Program Reduced Total Hospital Costs and Improved Patient Outcomes
CHICAGO (February 5, 2018): A standardized protocol for managing colorectal surgical patients improved clinical outcomes and reduced overall hospital costs.
[AHRQ Safety Program for ISCR Quality Program]
Patients Who Achieve Short-Term Weight Loss Before Bariatric Surgery Have Better Outcomes
CHICAGO (February 2, 2018): Patients who lose some excess weight prior to weight loss surgery achieve greater weight loss after surgery.
Postoperative Wound Monitoring App Can Reduce Readmissions and Improve Patient Care
CHICAGO (January 19, 2018): A new smartphone app called WoundCare is successfully enabling patients to remotely send images of their surgical wounds for monitoring by nurses.
Patient Education Brochure Provides Low-Cost Solution to Avoid Diversion of Unused Opioids
CHICAGO (January 11, 2018): Surgical patients are twice as likely to throw out leftover pain medication when informed of appropriate methods for disposal.
Many Women Report Not Feeling Completely Informed about Breast Cancer Treatment Options
CHICAGO (Dec. 15, 2017): A web-based decision aid tool may help improve patients’ knowledge and mitigate the sense of urgency they feel when making treatment decisions.
ACS Cautions Congress Against Payment Cuts
WASHINGTON, DC (December 7, 2017) The ACS is cautioning Congress against paying for tax reform and federal government funding legislation through cuts in Medicare.
Trauma Quality Improvement Program Meeting Brings Bleeding Control Message to Chicago
CHICAGO (December 7, 2017): The ACS TQIP annual meeting featured bleeding control training and a keynote speech outlining the progress to date of bleeding control efforts.
[ACS TQIP® Quality Program]
Seattle Surgeon Eileen Metzer Bulger, MD, FACS, Is New Chair of the ACS COT
CHICAGO (December 5 2017): The Board of Regents of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) recently appointed Dr. Bulger as the next Chair of the ACS Committee on Trauma (COT).
[Committee on Trauma Quality Program]
Fewer Urinary Tract Infections Seen Postoperatively at ACS NSQIP®-Participating Hospitals
CHICAGO (December 1, 2017): New study of procedure-specific trends finds that most of 10 types of operations have improved rates of surgical site and bladder infections since 2008.
[ACS NSQIP® Quality Program]
Postsurgery Guideline Could Reduce Opioid Prescriptions by as Much as 40 Percent
CHICAGO (November 30, 2017): A more vigilant prescribing guideline for surgeons could reduce by as much as 40 percent the number of opioid pills prescribed after operations.
Seattle Surgeon Ronald V. Maier, MD, FACS, Is American College of Surgeons President-Elect
CHICAGO (November 15, 2017): Ronald V. Maier, MD, FACS, was elected President-Elect of the ACS at the College’s Annual Business Meeting held during the 2017 Clinical Congress.
Arizona Surgeon Leigh A. Neumayer, MD, FACS, Elected Chair of the ACS Board of Regents
CHICAGO (November 14, 2017): Leigh A. Neumayer, MD, FACS, Tucson, Ariz., was recently elected Chair of the Board of Regents of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) during the College’s annual Clinical Congress, held in San Diego, Calif., October 22-26.
16 Cancer Care Facilities Receive Outstanding Achievement Award from American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer
CHICAGO (November 2017): The Commission on Cancer (CoC) has granted its mid-year 2017 Outstanding Achievement Award to a select group of 16 accredited U.S. cancer programs.
[Commission on Cancer Quality Program]
Surveillance Safe for Non-cancerous Breast Lesion Typically Treated Surgically
CHICAGO (October 31, 2017): New study finds that small percentage of cases of flat epithelial atypia upgrade to cancer at surgery.
Nonoperative Treatment of Appendicitis is Increasing, May Raise Death Risk if an Operation is Not Performed
SAN DIEGO (Thursday, October 26, 11:00 am PDT): Nonoperative Treatment of Appendicitis is Increasing, May Raise Death Risk if an Operation is Not Performed
Belly Fat Measurement Predicts Adverse Outcomes in Emergency Surgery Patients
SAN DIEGO (Thursday, October 26, 11:00 am PDT): Belly Fat Measurement Predicts Adverse Outcomes in Emergency Surgery Patients
Cloth Skull Caps Shown to be More Effective than Bouffant-Style Disposable Caps at Preventing Airborne Contamination in the Operating Room
SAN DIEGO (Wednesday, October 25, 5:45 pm PDT): Cloth Skull Caps Shown to be More Effective than Bouffant-Style Disposable Caps at Preventing Airborne Contamination in the Operating Room
Improving the Readability of Discharge Instructions May Lead to Fewer Follow-Up Phone Calls After Trauma Patients Go Home
SAN DIEGO (Wednesday, October 25, 4:00 pm PDT): Improving the Readability of Discharge Instructions May Lead to Fewer Follow-Up Phone Calls After Trauma Patients Go Home
Partnerships Between Rural Hospitals and Academic Surgery Departments Can Reduce Costs and Patient Transfers
SAN DIEGO (Wednesday, October 25, 4:00 pm PDT): Partnerships Between Rural Hospitals and Academic Surgery Departments Can Reduce Costs and Patient Transfers
A Higher Risk of Breast Cancer Does Not Motivate Many Women to Have Cancer Screening Checks
SAN DIEGO (Wednesday, October 25, 4:00 pm PDT): A Higher Risk of Breast Cancer Does Not Motivate Many Women to Have Cancer Screening Checks
Pilot Study Is the First to Show that Fluorescent Imaging Technique with the Antibody Cetuximab Can Be Used Safely in Patients with Glioblastoma
SAN DIEGO (Wednesday, October 25, 9:30 am PDT): Pilot Study Is the First to Show that Fluorescent Imaging Technique with the Antibody Cetuximab Can Be Used Safely in Patients with Glioblastoma
Weight Loss after Bariatric Surgery Can Improve Heart Health
SAN DIEGO (Tuesday, October 24, 5:30 pm PDT): Weight Loss after Bariatric Surgery Can Improve Heart Health
Automatic Acoustic Gunshot Sensor Technology May Benefit Shooting Victims
SAN DIEGO (Tuesday, October 24, 9:30 am PDT): Automatic Acoustic Gunshot Sensor Technology May Benefit Shooting Victims
Noninvasive Brain Imaging Shows Readiness of Trainees to Perform Operations
SAN DIEGO (Monday, October 23, 5:45 pm PDT): Noninvasive Brain Imaging Shows Readiness of Trainees to Perform Operations
Standardized Ambulatory Surgical Protocol Reduces Unplanned Postoperative Returns
SAN DIEGO (Monday, October 23, 5:30 pm PDT) Standardized Ambulatory Surgical Protocol Reduces Unplanned Postoperative Returns
Bariatric Surgical Patients at Risk for Newly Persistent Opioid Use
SAN DIEGO (Monday, October 23, 4:00 pm PDT): Bariatric Surgical Patients at Risk for Newly Persistent Opioid Use
Surgical Checklist Can Help Prevent Life-Threatening Infections for Patients in Low Resource Settings
SAN DIEGO (Monday, October 23; 1:00 pm PDT): Surgical Checklist Can Help Prevent Life-Threatening Infections for Patients in Low Resource Settings
ACS Honors Five Members with Surgical Humanitarian and Volunteerism Awards
SAN DIEGO (Monday October 23, 2017; 11:15 am PDT): ACS Honors Five Members with Surgical Humanitarian and Volunteerism Awards
Honorary Fellowship in the American College of Surgeons is Awarded to Ten Prominent Surgeons
SAN DIEGO (Monday, October 23, 12:01 am PDT): Honorary Fellowship in the American College of Surgeons is Awarded to Ten Prominent Surgeons
Houston Surgeon SreyRam Kuy, MD, MHS, FACS, Honored for Inspiring Women in Surgery
SAN DIEGO (Monday, October 23, 12:01 am PDT): Houston Surgeon SreyRam Kuy, MD, MHS, FACS, Honored for Inspiring Women in Surgery
Vancouver, BC, Surgeon Richard J. Finley, MD, FACS, FRCSC, Honored with 2017 Distinguished Service Award of the American College of Surgeons
SAN DIEGO (October 23, 2017, 12:01 am PDT): Richard J. Finley, MD, FACS, FRCSC, a general/thoracic surgeon from Vancouver, BC, Canada, received the 2017 Distinguished Service Award of the American College of Surgeons last night during the Convocation ceremony.
Houston Surgeon Barbara Lee Bass, MD, FACS, FRCS (Hon.) Installed as 98th President of the American College of Surgeons
SAN DIEGO (October 22, 2017; 10 pm PDT): Houston Surgeon Barbara Lee Bass, MD, FACS, FRCS (Hon.) Installed as 98th President of the American College of Surgeons
Experts will examine surgical advances in the last 50 years at ACS Clinical Congress
SAN DIEGO (October 20, 2017): During a session celebrating Schwartz’s Principles of Surgery: First Edition, panelists will reflect on the past and speculate on the future of surgery.
66 ACS NSQIP® Participating Hospitals Recognized for Achieving Meritorious Outcomes
CHICAGO (October 18, 2017): ACS NSQIP® has recognized 66 of 680 hospitals participating in the adult program for achieving meritorious outcomes for surgical patient care in 2016.
[ACS NSQIP® Quality Program]
American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress convenes in San Diego next week
SAN DIEGO (October 18, 2017): The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Congress, one of the largest international meetings of surgeons in the world, convenes in San Diego for the week of October 22-26.
NSQIP Geriatric Surgery Pilot Study May Help Improve Outcomes for Older Surgical Patients
CHICAGO (October 17, 2017): New data analysis identifies risk factors important to older adults that are likely predictors of morbidity, mortality, and quality of life.
[ACS NSQIP® Geriatric Pilot Project]
Lawmakers Participate in Bleeding Control Training Hosted by ACS on Capitol Hill
Nearly 40 members of Congress received training from ACS surgeon members in how to stop potentially life-threatening bleeding.
Antibiotics before Low-Risk Operations Do Not Seem to Breed Postop Antibiotic Resistance
CHICAGO (October 10, 2017): Surgical patients who receive antibiotics before certain types of operations are not at an increased risk for antibiotic-resistant infections.
Trastuzumab treatment need not delay breast reconstruction following mastectomy
CHICAGO (October 3, 2017): This form of adjuvant therapy does not increase the risk of surgical site complications for women who undergo breast reconstruction.
Researchers Identify the Most Effective Operating Room Infection Control Practices
CHICAGO (September 14, 2017): A new study of Texas hospitals has determined two areas that work best for operating room infection control procedures.
[ACS NSQIP® data study]
A Pair of Medical Magnets Shows Promise as a New Tool for Creating an Anastomosis
CHICAGO (August 23, 2017): An experimental device that employs a pair of magnets offers surgeons a new safe and simple alternative to standard methods for creating an anastomosis.
Most People Expect Physicians and Nurses to Protect Them From Harm in the Hospital
CHICAGO (August 14, 2017, 10 a.m. CDT): Hartford Consensus survey results also show health care professionals believe they have a duty to protect if an active shooter event erupts in the hospital.
Researchers Identify Recommendations in New Effort to Improve Surgical Patients’ Recovery
CHICAGO (August 8, 2017): The first set of evidence-based recommendations for the national effort presents a care plan for colon and rectal procedures.
[AHRQ Safety Program for ISCR]
ACS Releases New Manual to Guide Surgeons in Leading Quality Improvement Efforts
CHICAGO (August 7, 2017): Optimal Resources for Surgical Quality and Safety Manual introduces key concepts in quality, safety, and reliability.
Mental Health Visits Spike Prior to Burn Injury, Indicating Opportunity for Intervention
CHICAGO (July 31, 2017): Burn injuries may be preventable through increased access to high-quality mental health care, according to a new study.
Enhanced Recovery Pathway for Colorectal Surgical Patients Improves Outcomes, Reduces Cost
NEW YORK (July 24, 2017, 3:00 pm ET): A protocol that standardizes care before, during, and after colorectal operations shortens hospital stays, reduces risk of complications, and cuts costs.
Monitoring Fluid Intake May Help Improve Outcomes for Bariatric Surgery Patients
NEW YORK (July 24, 2017, 11:00 am ET): A well-structured water distribution and documentation process led to increased water intake at one hospital.
“Strong for Surgery” Shows Promise in Reducing Smoking Rates for Patients Facing Surgery
NEW YORK (July 24, 2017, 10:00 am ET): New ACS quality improvement program is linked to a two-thirds decrease in the rate of smoking in patients undergoing cervical and lumbar spine procedures.
[Strong for Surgery Quality Program]
Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy Has Low Rate of Breast Cancer Recurrence
CHICAGO (July 17, 2017): Study investigators say most women with breast cancer are eligible for this type of mastectomy, which leaves the natural nipple in place.
Delaying Lymph Node Biopsy After Melanoma Diagnosis Does Not Affect Survival Rates
CHICAGO (June 28, 2017): Postponing lymph node biopsy more than 30 days after melanoma diagnosis doesn't adversely impact long-term clinical outcomes
Combined Molecular Biology Test Is the First to Distinguish Benign Pancreatic Lesions
CHICAGO (June 22, 2017): With near perfect screening accuracy, this new test may spare patients unnecessary pancreatic cancer operations.
ACS Comments on Introduction of Ensuring Access to General Surgery Act
WASHINGTON, DC (June 15, 2017): The ACS has released comments in support of legislation in the U.S. House and Senate that would help address current and growing shortage of surgeons.
San Francisco Surgeon Dr. Timothy Chuter Receives the 2017 Jacobson Innovation Award
CHICAGO (June 12, 2017): Timothy A.M. Chuter, BM BS, DM, FACS, was honored for his innovative role in the development of endovascular aneurysm repair.
American College of Surgeons and stakeholders address how to train surgeons in the future with advanced simulation technologies
ACS will host Training the Next Generation of Surgeons, a forum to identify best practices and key considerations in simulation training.
Trauma Centers with American College of Surgeons Verification Have Fewer Complications
CHICAGO (June 6, 2017): Major complications from injury are more likely for pediatric and elderly patients at trauma centers not verified by the ACS Committee on Trauma.
[NTDB® data study]
Phone-based Transitional Care Program Has High Engagement Among Surgical Patients
CHICAGO (May 23, 2017): A research team used the framework of a successful phone-based transitional care program adapted to the needs of surgical patients.
American College of Surgeons Supports Developing a National Trauma Action Plan
WASHINGTON, DC (May 16, 2017): The American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma again voiced its strong support for implementing a National Trauma Action Plan.
[Committee on Trauma Quality Program]
Assay of Clotting Ability Accurately Predicts Need for Transfusion in Trauma Patients
CHICAGO (May 15, 2017): In combination with the standard test of clotting time, new laboratory testing method opens the door to personalized resuscitation for trauma patients.
Training Surgeons to Teach the Public Is Effective in Advancing Knowledge of Bleeding Control Techniques
CHICAGO (May 10, 2017): Ninety-three percent of surveyed surgeons believe bleeding control training is appropriate for the public to learn and implement as an emergency response.
Pancreatic Cancer Patients May Live Longer by Traveling to Academic Hospital for Operation
CHICAGO (May 1, 2017): Study findings link traveling to an academic medical center for surgical removal of pancreatic or thyroid cancer with higher quality care for both cancers.
[National Cancer Database (NCDB) data study]
Helpful Tool Allows Physicians to More Accurately Predict Parathyroid Cancer Recurrence
CHICAGO (April 28, 2017): A newly-created prognostic tool reliably predicts the recurrence of parathyroid cancer, enabling physicians to identify patients at the highest risk.
Pregnancy Does Not Increase Expectant Mothers’ Melanoma Risk
CHICAGO (April 27, 2017): Expectant mothers are not more prone to develop melanoma, and will not have a worse prognosis if they do, than women who are not pregnant.
More Patients Can Avoid Hospital Admissions after Emergency Room Visits for Diverticulitis
CHICAGO (April 25, 2017): University of Minnesota researchers reported most patients with uncomplicated diverticulitis could safely go home with oral antibiotics after ER visits.
Outpatient Laparoscopic Appendectomy is Feasible in a Public County Hospital
CHICAGO (April 19, 2017): Outpatient laparoscopic appendectomy is safe for patients and results in shorter hospital stays and decreased health care costs.
San Diego Hosts Annual American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress, October 22-26
CHICAGO (April 12, 2017): The College’s annual conference will include hundreds of panel sessions, postgraduate courses, and more for today’s practicing surgeon.
Surgical team members need emotional intelligence, adaptability to prevent adverse events
ROSEMONT, Ill. (April 12, 2017): Non-technical skills, like adaptability, are critical for surgical teams to prevent adverse events in the OR, according to an article in JAMA Surgery.
ACS NSQIP-Based Pancreatic Fistula Risk Score Identifies At-Risk Patients Before an Operation
CHICAGO (April 10, 2017): A modified Fistula Risk Score based on ACS NSQIP data will help surgeons improve prevention and treatment of fistula.
[ACS NSQIP® data study]
Preliminary Hospital Care Standards Released for Delivering High-Quality Surgical Care to Older Adults
CHICAGO (April 6, 2017): The first comprehensive set of hospital-level surgical care standards for older adults has been released and published on the Annals of Surgery website.
[Coalition for Quality in Geriatric Surgery Quality Program]
ACS NSQIP Surgical Risk Calculator Is Not Affected by Studies Challenging Its Accuracy
CHICAGO (April 4, 2017): The ACS NSQIP risk calculator is effective in providing an estimate of complication risk despite recent studies challenging its accuracy.
[ACS NSQIP® data study]
Brief Module Effective in Teaching Hemorrhage Control Basics to Staff in a Large Workplace
CHICAGO (March 22, 2017): A medical team has developed a way to effectively provide a large group of people with basic hemorrhage control knowledge and skills.
Arkansas Trauma System Saves Lives and Taxpayers’ Money
CHICAGO (March 8, 2017): Implementation of a statewide trauma system in Arkansas saved 79 lives over a 12-month period, authors of a new study estimate.
Predictive Tool Helps Evaluate Likely Outcomes for Elderly Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury
CHICAGO (March 3, 2017): TBI is the leading cause of death for people age 45 and younger in the U.S., but this type of injury is becoming more prevalent in those 75 and older.
In Select Patients with Gunshot Wounds, No Operation is Sometimes a Better Option
CHICAGO (March 1, 2017): Avoiding an operation is an acceptable and effective treatment in select patients with gunshot wounds to the abdomen.
Capitol Hill Lawmakers Participate in Bleeding Control Simulations
WASHINGTON, DC (February 28, 2017): Leaders of the ACS and the ACS Committee on Trauma hosted a Congressional Briefing to highlight the ACS and Hartford Consensus bleeding control program.
[Committee on Trauma Quality Program]
Kidney Transplant Success Rates Improve in Children and Infants
CHICAGO (February 27, 2017): The success of kidney transplants has vastly improved for children over the past half-century, according to Journal of the American College of Surgeons study authors.
22 Cancer Care Facilities Receive CoC Outstanding Achievement Award
CHICAGO (February 23, 2017): The Commission on Cancer (CoC) has granted its year-end 2016 Outstanding Achievement Award to a select group of accredited U.S. cancer programs.
[Commission on Cancer Quality Program]
Regional Chemotherapy Technique for Extremity Sarcoma Salvages Patients’ Limbs from Amputation
CHICAGO (February 15, 2017): Patients with a type of advanced malignant cancer of the arms or legs have typically faced amputation of the afflicted limb as the only treatment option.
Patient Self Checks Are Critical to Avoid Potentially Deadly Melanoma Recurrence
CHICAGO (February 8, 2017): Recurrences of early stage (stage II) melanoma are more often detected by patients and their physicians than by routine imaging tests.
Critically Ill Children Who Undergo Liver Transplantation Achieve the Same Survival Benefit from it as Children in Stable Health
CHICAGO (February 7, 2017): Advancements in critical care make it possible for even the sickest children to successfully undergo liver transplantation, according to a new study.
ACS Will Recruit 750 Hospitals for New Program to Lower Costs, Improve Safety, and Shorten Recovery Times for Surgical Patients
CHICAGO (February 6, 2017): ACS, in collaboration with the Johns Hopkins Medicine Armstrong Institute for Patient Safety and Quality, will implement Enhanced Recovery After Surgery project funded by AHRQ.
[Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) quality program]
Enrollment Is Open for the ACS Children’s Surgery Verification Quality Improvement Program
CHICAGO (January 31, 2017): Hospitals interested in enrolling in ACS Children’s Surgery Verification Quality Improvement Program may now file a Pre-Application for the program.
[Children’s Surgery Verification Quality Program]
Save the Date: ACS Quality and Safety Conference Convenes July 21-24, 2017
CHICAGO (January 30, 2017): The American College of Surgeons 2017 Quality and Safety Conference will take place at the New York Hilton Midtown, New York City, July 21-24, 2017.
Laparoscopic Anti-Reflux Operations for GERD Linked to Fewer Postoperative Complications
CHICAGO (January 26, 2017): Patients with GERD who undergo laparoscopic anti-reflux operations have fewer complications, experience faster recovery, and incur lower health care costs.
Advances in Imaging Detect Blunt Cerebrovascular Injury More Frequently in Trauma Patients
CHICAGO (January 19, 2017): Imaging technology advances have meant more diagnosed blunt cerebrovascular injuries and led to significant declines in stroke and related death rates.
High-Donor-Volume Hospitals Recover More Transplantable Organs per Donor
CHICAGO (January 18, 2017): Hospitals that manage the highest volume of deceased organ donors are 52 percent more likely to recover an above-average number of transplantable organs per donor compared with low-volume hospitals.