Robots in the operating room — and more
Medical Watch Digest For April 11
Robots in the Operating Room
Robotically assisted surgeries are common but not routinely used for lung transplants.
Now doctors say it’s time.
The International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation reports lung patients deserve the minimally invasive option.
Studies show the procedures are safe with little post operative pain compared to open surgeries. The surgical incision was smaller and patients used fewer pain medications.
For years surgeons feared this option since lungs are the most difficult organs to transplant.
Pregnancy and High Blood Pressure
A pregnancy problem could persist after delivery.
When women experience pregnancy high blood pressure it increases the risk for fatal cardiovascular issues up to a year following the birth of their baby.
Rutgers Health researchers analyzed the impact of hypertensive disorders for expectant mothers.
Gestational diabetes also doubled the risk for heart disease compared to women with healthy pregnancies.
The results of the study are published in the Journal Pediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology.
More Coverage: WGN’s Medical Watch
Dirtiest Place in the Hospital
The dirtiest place in the hospital is not the toilet but the sink.
The risk of multi drug resistant bacteria is highest in hospital sinks according to the association for professionals in infection control.
Looking at efforts to contain a multi series bacteria outbreak, scientists say they noted the vulnerability for contamination through sinks and other water sources.
Even replacing the sinks did not stop the outbreak suggesting the traffic and cross contamination via drains and connected plumbing spreads dangerous, even deadly bacteria.
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