Key Highlights
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A large UK trial found that giving the drug simvastatin before and after major chest surgery did not reduce heart and lung complications compared to a placebo. This means doctors should not rely on this common medication to protect patients during these high-risk operations.
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For patients with a chronic blood clot on the brain (subdural haematoma), every day of delay before surgery increases the risk of a poor recovery. The study shows that faster access to surgery is crucial, especially for older patients or those on blood-thinning medication.
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A new, minimally invasive weight-loss procedure called Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) is now approved for use in the UK’s National Health Service. Experts have created a clear roadmap for hospitals to safely offer this treatment, which could help tackle the obesity crisis without major surgery.
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A study of over 2,200 patients with cardiac amyloidosis, a serious heart condition, found that the disease can cause heart failure with any level of heart pumping strength. Combining different heart scan measurements provides a much better picture of a patient’s outlook than just looking at pumping strength alone.
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A major international trial showed that a new oral form of the chemotherapy drug paclitaxel is being studied as an alternative to the standard intravenous version for advanced breast cancer. If successful, this pill could make treatment more convenient and avoid side effects linked to IV infusion.
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