Early clinical trials show Avotermin’s potential to reduce scarring

In early clinical studies, wounds treated with the drug Avotermin, which was developed to reduce scarring after surgery, were less red, raised and visible than the same wounds treated with a placebo. ... Continue Reading

Growth hormones can prevent loss of muscle mass following bariatric surgery

A new study to be published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism has discovered that growth hormones may be effective in treating morbidly obese patients. ... Continue Reading

Nature’s own antibiotics used to prevent infection during surgery

Researchers have discovered that a synthetic form of a peptide can be coated on the surfaces of such medical devices as surgical implants, catheters, and joint prostheses to prevent infection and rejection. ... Continue Reading

Surgical checklist slashes mortality rate

Surgeons who use a simple surgical checklist whilst conducting major procedures can significantly reduce their patients' risk of complications and death, new research suggests. ... Continue Reading

Flowering plants aid recovery from surgery

Study results suggest that taking a friend or relative flowering plants or flowers when they are in hospital could aid their recovery. ... Continue Reading

Study Compares LASIK And LASEK Eye Surgery

A study led by a researcher at the University of Illinois at Chicago compares the safety, effectiveness and reliability of the two most common types of laser eye surgery, laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK) and laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) in the December 2006, issue of the American Journal of Ophthalmology. ... Continue Reading

Beta-blocker use linked to post-surgery heart attack

A recent study suggests that treating a patient with beta-blockers before non-cardiac surgery may increase their likelihood of having a heart attack or dying shortly afterwards. ... Continue Reading

Gender plays a role in kidney transplantation, study shows

A new study suggests that gender should be taken into consideration when it comes to allocating donor kidneys. ... Continue Reading

Oncologists suggest new therapy for phyllodes breast cancer

Patients diagnosed with a rare form of breast cancer cancer could benefit from a combination of radiation therapy and surgery to prevent recurrence, research suggests. ... Continue Reading

Gastric bypass surgery associated with bone loss

Gastric bypass surgery may cause calcium and vitamin D deficiencies and bone loss, warn researchers. ... Continue Reading

Research paves way for minimally-invasive alternative to bariatric surgery

An alternative to bariatric surgery may soon be available after researchers have discovered a minimally-invasive method of suppressing the so-called “hunger hormone” ghrelin. ... Continue Reading

Surgery survival in elderly dependent upon ZIP code

Study results have revealed that elderly people living in poor areas are significantly more likely to die after undergoing surgery than those living in more affluent areas. ... Continue Reading

Knee arthroscopy ineffective for treatment of arthritis

Knee arthroscopy is no more effective at reducing the symptoms of moderate to severe osteoarthritis than non-surgical treatment options, such as medication and physiotherapy, according to results of a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine. ... Continue Reading

Deaths linked to Botox in Europe

Recently released figures show that Botox has been linked to nearly 30 deaths in Europe. By August 2007, the European Medicines Agency had received more than 600 reports of negative effects linked to treatment with Botox. In 28 of these cases the patient died. ... Continue Reading

Non-invasive liver test developed

Scientists have developed a non-invasive test that accurately identifies advanced liver disease without the need for a biopsy, it has been claimed. ... Continue Reading

Is stroke prevention surgery worth the risk?

Stroke prevention surgical procedures do not equate with the increased surgical dangers high-risk patients face, it has been suggested. ... Continue Reading

Gastric band 'doubles as cure for type 2 diabetes'

Weight-loss surgery used to treat obesity may hold the potential to cure the onset of type 2 diabetes, according to new gastrointestinal findings. ... Continue Reading