The hottest Surgery Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health & Wellness Topics

The Evidence that Established Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery is Worth Studying

Sensible Medicine • 3459 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Surgery Cardiology
  1. Some old trials showed no significant survival advantage of coronary artery bypass surgery over medical therapy for stable coronary disease.
  2. Subgroup analyses and crossovers in these trials may have influenced the perception of bypass surgery's effectiveness.
  3. A meta-analysis combining data from these trials showed a significant mortality reduction with bypass surgery, especially in certain patient subgroups.

Resources to Fight BMI-Based Denials for Lumbar Spinal Surgery

Weight and Healthcare • 778 implied HN points • 06 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Surgery Obesity Healthcare Body positivity
  1. BMI-based denials of care hold healthcare hostage for weight loss, making it inaccessible for many people.
  2. Studies show that being overweight or obese should not be a reason to deny lumbar spinal surgery.
  3. Healthcare systems should adapt to fit patients of all body types, rather than excluding higher-weight individuals from care.

Large study shows high BMI not associated with serious top-surgery complications

Weight and Healthcare • 479 implied HN points • 15 Nov 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Healthcare Studies Weight Surgery BMI
  1. A large study indicated that a high BMI is not linked to serious complications in top surgery.
  2. The study suggested reevaluation of BMI cutoffs for patients undergoing chest masculinization surgery.
  3. Surgeons and patients should engage in shared decision-making conversations to discuss potential risks with higher BMI, without holding healthcare hostage for weight loss.

Serious Issues With the American Academy of Pediatrics Guidelines For Higher-Weight Children and Adolescents

Weight and Healthcare • 938 implied HN points • 14 Jan 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Guidelines Interventions Surgery Health Issues
  1. The American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines for higher-weight children and adolescents focus on intensive behavioral interventions, drugs, and surgeries, which may not have long-term benefits and can have serious side effects.
  2. The guidelines pathologize higher-weight bodies and promote weight loss as a solution, without enough evidence to support the efficacy or safety of these interventions on a long-term basis.
  3. There are ethical concerns about recommending weight loss surgeries for adolescents as young as 13, considering the significant risks, lack of long-term follow-up, and potential impact on the mental and physical health of the individuals.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Weight Loss Surgery and Kids Part 1

Weight and Healthcare • 519 implied HN points • 29 Jul 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Weight Loss Children Surgery Healthcare Obesity
  1. The study questions the effectiveness of nonsurgical weight management programs in children and emphasizes the need for long-term outcome data, especially regarding weight loss surgery.
  2. The conflict of interest with the authors, who have significant ties to weight loss companies and surgery programs, raises concerns about the objectivity of the study's findings.
  3. Lack of control groups, short follow-up periods, and small sample sizes in the research undermine the conclusions supporting weight loss surgery for children.

Weight Loss Surgery and Kids - Part 3

Weight and Healthcare • 399 implied HN points • 02 Sep 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Weight Loss Nutrition Surgery Adolescents Research
  1. The study on gastric bypass surgeries in adolescents had limited sample diversity and was done using an original technique which affects the generalizability of the findings.
  2. The follow-up period for surgical outcomes was insufficient considering the lifelong impact of the surgery on adolescents, leading to potential nutritional deficiencies and adverse events.
  3. Short-term and long-term complications post-surgery, including additional surgeries, show the high risk and necessity for ongoing monitoring and support in adolescents who undergo weight loss surgery.

Weight Loss Surgery and Kids - Part 4

Weight and Healthcare • 339 implied HN points • 09 Sep 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Obesity Surgery Pediatrics Healthcare Research
  1. Conflicts of interest exist among authors and funders, and data sources used lack adequate subjects and follow-up time to support recommendations.
  2. Surgery recommendations based on correlation between weight and health issues, rather than exploring confounding variables or comparing surgical interventions to health-supporting behaviors.
  3. Long-term safety and efficacy of bariatric surgery for children and adolescents is not fully supported by the limited data available, raising concerns about the validity of the recommendations.

Weight Loss Surgery and Kids Part 2

Weight and Healthcare • 299 implied HN points • 12 Aug 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Weight Loss Surgery Children Research Obesity
  1. The study on weight loss surgeries did not focus on pediatric populations, making its relevance to children in question. The short follow-up periods in the study are concerning for assessing long-term implications of surgeries.
  2. The study authors' potential conflicts of interest raise concerns about the objectivity of their research, especially when making recommendations for surgical treatments, including for children.
  3. The study's methodology and statistical analysis may not present a comprehensive view of the risks and effectiveness of weight loss surgeries, potentially downplaying negative outcomes and psychological impacts.

To breast or not to breast

The Global Jigsaw • 138 implied HN points • 03 Nov 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Surgery Body Image Women's Health Emotional Well-being
  1. There is societal pressure and fetishization surrounding female breasts, impacting personal decisions and experiences.
  2. Breast reconstruction procedures post-mastectomy can have high rates of complications, but are aggressively promoted by doctors and society.
  3. Patients should be informed and have autonomy in decisions regarding reconstructive surgery, being respected even if they opt out.

A caesarean section in 18th-century Ireland

The Quack Doctor • 19 implied HN points • 17 May 24
💾 History Medical Practices Women's Health Ireland Surgery
  1. In 18th-century Ireland, midwife Mary Donally performed the first known successful caesarean section, saving a woman's life and her child's life.
  2. The story showcases the resilience and strength of women, like Mrs. O'Neal and the woman from Augher, who endured unimaginable hardships with courage and fortitude.
  3. Medical cases from history, like those described, highlight the remarkable toughness of the human body, particularly women's bodies, in facing challenges and continuing to persevere.

Good Vibrations, Bad Virus

Ladyparts • 259 implied HN points • 06 Jul 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Healthcare Well-being Medicine Surgery
  1. Be cautious of the new Covid strain BA.5, which experts compare to viral meningitis and can lead to hospitalizations and deaths. Stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect yourself.
  2. Understand the potential impacts of BA.5 on the brain, including blood-brain barrier crossing, clot formation, inflammation, and neuronal damage. It's crucial to be aware of these risks for your health.
  3. Seek medical attention promptly if you experience hearing issues due to Covid or other reasons. Consulting a specialist like Dr. Babak Sadoughi can provide effective treatments like steroids and surgical interventions to restore hearing.

Quick update: I know I haven't posted in a few days - I have a good excuse. I had surgery last Friday

Unreported Truths • 88 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Surgery Personal Experience Treatment Options Recovery
  1. Back surgery should be carefully considered, especially for issues like foot drops, and timing is crucial for optimal results
  2. Medical decisions can be complex and involve balancing risks and benefits, especially when it comes to surgery
  3. Health insurance and administrative delays can impact timely medical interventions

Alien invasion...in my leg

The ZIPster • 53 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Recovery Surgery Physical therapy Healthcare system
  1. The author underwent hip surgery and describes the post-operative experience as feeling like an alien invasion in their leg.
  2. The author reflects on the healthcare system and the challenges of navigating medical services as a patient.
  3. The author's recovery post-surgery includes staying at a facility for physiotherapy and recuperation, providing insights into the institutionalized routine.

A distinguished bloodline: the medicinal leech

The Quack Doctor • 19 implied HN points • 01 Sep 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Natural remedies Medicine History Surgery
  1. Leeches have been used in healthcare for thousands of years, appearing in medical texts dating back to ancient civilizations like the Ancient Egyptians and Greeks.
  2. In the 19th century, leech therapy was not just about balancing humors but also about reducing inflammation and maintaining pulse, showcasing the gentle and practical nature of medicinal leeches.
  3. The use of leeches in modern medicine has shifted towards their anticoagulant properties, making them valuable in cases like reconstructive surgery to prevent venous congestion.