Trade Associations
Here's a look at documents from national and international trade associations
Featured Stories
IGFA and the National Park Service Work Together to Connect People to Parks Through Recreational Fishing
DANIA BEACH, Florida, Sept. 26 -- The International Game Fish Association issued the following news:
* * *
Let's Go Fishing!
IGFA and the National Park Service Work Together to Connect People to Parks Through Recreational Fishing
The IGFA completed another stellar year of angling education events in National Park Service (NPS) locations across the country, thanks to the continued support from the National Park Foundation.
-
Building on more than seven years of collaboration with the pilot program launching in 2019, our collaboration with National Park Service (NPS) locations across the country, ... Show Full Article DANIA BEACH, Florida, Sept. 26 -- The International Game Fish Association issued the following news: * * * Let's Go Fishing! IGFA and the National Park Service Work Together to Connect People to Parks Through Recreational Fishing The IGFA completed another stellar year of angling education events in National Park Service (NPS) locations across the country, thanks to the continued support from the National Park Foundation. - Building on more than seven years of collaboration with the pilot program launching in 2019, our collaboration with National Park Service (NPS) locations across the country,through continued support from the National Park Foundation, continues to advance the Junior Ranger: Let's Go Fishing! initiative as an effective pathway for connecting youth, families, and park communities with public lands and waters through responsible and ethical angling.
To date, the IGFA has supported 35 NPS sites through the distribution of Passports to Fishing (P2F) toolkits, in-person Learn-to-Fish events, and staff training, reaching more than 27,200 Junior Ranger Anglers nationwide. Lessons learned from this work highlight the importance of pairing tangible resources with comprehensive training, particularly for staff, interns, and volunteers without prior angling experience. Over the past seven years, IGFA has expanded our role to include in-person and virtual training, digital education tools, and sustained partnerships with community organizations, including working with Ebony Anglers again this year at Cape Lookout National Seashore in North Carolina.
This year, we focused on teaching and training people to enjoy national public lands through recreational fishing and ethical angling practices. Key activities included equipping new park sites with P2F toolkits, launching a permanent online training resource, supporting Fish & Feathers intern training in collaboration with Environment for the Americas, and delivering a multi-session virtual training workshop.
To start, the IGFA hosted two live virtual webinars in April covering topics for "Fishing Different Bodies of Water" and "Fishing Fundamentals" for Junior Ranger Angler grantees as a two-part training workshop preparing them for the busy spring and summer seasons of fishing programming and event facilitation. The first introduced participants to the various bodies of water that could be found in public lands across the country and basic gear and rigs to fish them, as well as an introduction to what game fish species could be found in each. The second took a deeper dive into the fundamentals of recreational fishing and ways to teach those concepts. Such topics as tying basic fishing knots, how to teach someone to cast a spincast and a spinning combo, what safety tips to keep in mind while hosting angling education events, and why conservation and stewardship are important to teach the next generation of ethical anglers were covered.
In May, the IGFA set out for Rocky Mountain National Park again in Colorado. There, we worked with Environment for the Americas to train the 2026 Fish & Feathers interns on learning to spin fish and how to teach others to spin fish. IGFA Education Manager, Nick DeGennaro, taught 24 interns this year about the fundamentals of recreational spinning gear and walked them through presentations on how to fish different bodies of water and how to identify certain game fish they could find at their park sites.
Along with the interns learning how to fish themselves, many learning for the first time, they also led a public fishing event where they turned into the instructors who were teaching others to fish, and again, many were learning how to fish for the first time. Their newly acquired skills were put to the test to relay the concepts and activities of the Passports to Fishing stations to all participants, where the average age of those who attended was 5 or 6 years old. IGFA Education Director, Lisa Morse took the interns through the stations before the event, and every year, the interns knock it out of the park! They do such a great job and make the evening quite enjoyable for all who attend.
After this week-long training workshop in May, the interns are then dispersed to various parks nationwide where they conduct their own fishing and birding programs for members and visitors. Covering a variety of fishing techniques and game fish species can prove difficult as the United States has a plethora of waters and angling opportunities. However, the interns remain engaged and interested in learning all they can and continue to maintain communication with the IGFA throughout their 12-week summer internship. Some also request to obtain Passports to Fishing toolkits for their site to help their fishing programming, in which four kits have been distributed to Obed Wild & Scenic River in Tennessee, Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park in Kentucky, Fort Washington Park in Maryland, and Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens in Washington, DC. Another request was just received from Christiansted National Historic Site in St. Croix, Virgin Islands, which is already in transit!
Kat A., who was the F&F intern at Rocky Mountain National Park this year, had this to say about programs where she took part over the summer: "During the program, I taught young anglers about trout stewardship and what it means to fish responsibly. One of the most important lessons we discussed was that being a good angler is about much more than catching the biggest fish. It means respecting wildlife, handling fish carefully, practicing ethical catch-and-release techniques, and helping protect aquatic ecosystems so future generations can enjoy them as well. Experiences like this made me realize how much I enjoy connecting people with my favorite hobby and being able to educate them on it."
The IGFA also enjoys connecting people with national public lands through recreational fishing. In fact, wherever our travels took us over the last few years, we brought a camera to record strategic educational tutorials to build online training resources. On September 1, 2026, we launched the Fishing National Public Lands online course to teach anyone how to fish safely and responsibly in public lands, not just in National Parks. This course is available at no cost and is also for anyone who would like to host an angling education event, with safety, conservation, and ethical angling practices as key components of their events, and how they can utilize the IGFA as a resource, especially with the use of the Passports to Fishing program in their efforts.
National public lands encompass about 640 million acres of land collectively owned by all citizens of the United States, and within this land, a plethora of game fish inhabit a variety of waterways that it is our duty to conserve and protect as ethical anglers. Another intern who attended the training workshop in Rocky Mountain National Park interned at Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge in New York. This is what Grace had to say about the program at her public land site: "To cap off my week, Saturday, June 6th, we hosted a family fishing day. I was very excited for this day because I was able to get the Passports to Fishing Kit from the IGFA for our refuge. The stations for the passports helped out a lot, as not everyone knew the basics of fishing. Participants were especially interested in learning how to tie the knots. I was happy I was able to get this wonderful resource for our refuge. Thank you, IGFA!" The IGFA Passports to Fishing program is just one avenue working to educate new generations about game fish conservation and ethical angling practices, and it is not only distributed to recipients in the United States but around the world as tangible tools with the core mission of teaching the fundamentals of our sport and the need for responsible, ethical angling and the sustainable use of our natural resources.
Thank You for Your Continued Support!
If you are interested in the Passports to Fishing program or to donate to this work that must continue, please contact IGFA Education Director, Lisa Morse, at lmorse@igfa.org.
The Passports to Fishing program and Junior Ranger Angler initiative started around the same time in 2019, and it is exciting to see these two programs still going strong, reaching thousands of youth every year across the United States and beyond. To all our supporters, we cannot thank you enough, especially to the National Park Foundation for this specific project. It has been a pleasure working with National Park Service staff, volunteers, and interns throughout the years and having the privilege to visit some of our national treasures.
To our grant funders, donors, and Corporate Partners who support the IGFA Education Initiatives, we thank you as well for gifting youth and families these opportunities to experience the joys of fishing and to build a passion for venturing outside, where they create memories and lifelong bonds to the sport and to our beloved game fish. We would like to give a shoutout to our partners at Bass Pro Shops for outfitting our staff with the proper gear to withstand various weather conditions and waterways we fished in these national treasures.
Don't forget to sign up and explore Fishing National Public Lands! It's free! Also, National Public Lands Day and National Hunting and Fishing Day both fall on September 26, 2026, this year. So, after you learn, head outside to explore, learn, protect, and to do some fishing. We'll see you out there!
* * *
Original text here: https://igfa.org/2026/09/24/igfa-and-the-national-park-service-connecting-people-to-parks-through-recreational-fishing/
[Category: Environment]
* * *
Let's Go Fishing!
IGFA and the National Park Service Work Together to Connect People to Parks Through Recreational Fishing
The IGFA completed another stellar year of angling education events in National Park Service (NPS) locations across the country, thanks to the continued support from the National Park Foundation.
-
Building on more than seven years of collaboration with the pilot program launching in 2019, our collaboration with National Park Service (NPS) locations across the country, ... Show Full Article DANIA BEACH, Florida, Sept. 26 -- The International Game Fish Association issued the following news: * * * Let's Go Fishing! IGFA and the National Park Service Work Together to Connect People to Parks Through Recreational Fishing The IGFA completed another stellar year of angling education events in National Park Service (NPS) locations across the country, thanks to the continued support from the National Park Foundation. - Building on more than seven years of collaboration with the pilot program launching in 2019, our collaboration with National Park Service (NPS) locations across the country,through continued support from the National Park Foundation, continues to advance the Junior Ranger: Let's Go Fishing! initiative as an effective pathway for connecting youth, families, and park communities with public lands and waters through responsible and ethical angling.
To date, the IGFA has supported 35 NPS sites through the distribution of Passports to Fishing (P2F) toolkits, in-person Learn-to-Fish events, and staff training, reaching more than 27,200 Junior Ranger Anglers nationwide. Lessons learned from this work highlight the importance of pairing tangible resources with comprehensive training, particularly for staff, interns, and volunteers without prior angling experience. Over the past seven years, IGFA has expanded our role to include in-person and virtual training, digital education tools, and sustained partnerships with community organizations, including working with Ebony Anglers again this year at Cape Lookout National Seashore in North Carolina.
This year, we focused on teaching and training people to enjoy national public lands through recreational fishing and ethical angling practices. Key activities included equipping new park sites with P2F toolkits, launching a permanent online training resource, supporting Fish & Feathers intern training in collaboration with Environment for the Americas, and delivering a multi-session virtual training workshop.
To start, the IGFA hosted two live virtual webinars in April covering topics for "Fishing Different Bodies of Water" and "Fishing Fundamentals" for Junior Ranger Angler grantees as a two-part training workshop preparing them for the busy spring and summer seasons of fishing programming and event facilitation. The first introduced participants to the various bodies of water that could be found in public lands across the country and basic gear and rigs to fish them, as well as an introduction to what game fish species could be found in each. The second took a deeper dive into the fundamentals of recreational fishing and ways to teach those concepts. Such topics as tying basic fishing knots, how to teach someone to cast a spincast and a spinning combo, what safety tips to keep in mind while hosting angling education events, and why conservation and stewardship are important to teach the next generation of ethical anglers were covered.
In May, the IGFA set out for Rocky Mountain National Park again in Colorado. There, we worked with Environment for the Americas to train the 2026 Fish & Feathers interns on learning to spin fish and how to teach others to spin fish. IGFA Education Manager, Nick DeGennaro, taught 24 interns this year about the fundamentals of recreational spinning gear and walked them through presentations on how to fish different bodies of water and how to identify certain game fish they could find at their park sites.
Along with the interns learning how to fish themselves, many learning for the first time, they also led a public fishing event where they turned into the instructors who were teaching others to fish, and again, many were learning how to fish for the first time. Their newly acquired skills were put to the test to relay the concepts and activities of the Passports to Fishing stations to all participants, where the average age of those who attended was 5 or 6 years old. IGFA Education Director, Lisa Morse took the interns through the stations before the event, and every year, the interns knock it out of the park! They do such a great job and make the evening quite enjoyable for all who attend.
After this week-long training workshop in May, the interns are then dispersed to various parks nationwide where they conduct their own fishing and birding programs for members and visitors. Covering a variety of fishing techniques and game fish species can prove difficult as the United States has a plethora of waters and angling opportunities. However, the interns remain engaged and interested in learning all they can and continue to maintain communication with the IGFA throughout their 12-week summer internship. Some also request to obtain Passports to Fishing toolkits for their site to help their fishing programming, in which four kits have been distributed to Obed Wild & Scenic River in Tennessee, Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park in Kentucky, Fort Washington Park in Maryland, and Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens in Washington, DC. Another request was just received from Christiansted National Historic Site in St. Croix, Virgin Islands, which is already in transit!
Kat A., who was the F&F intern at Rocky Mountain National Park this year, had this to say about programs where she took part over the summer: "During the program, I taught young anglers about trout stewardship and what it means to fish responsibly. One of the most important lessons we discussed was that being a good angler is about much more than catching the biggest fish. It means respecting wildlife, handling fish carefully, practicing ethical catch-and-release techniques, and helping protect aquatic ecosystems so future generations can enjoy them as well. Experiences like this made me realize how much I enjoy connecting people with my favorite hobby and being able to educate them on it."
The IGFA also enjoys connecting people with national public lands through recreational fishing. In fact, wherever our travels took us over the last few years, we brought a camera to record strategic educational tutorials to build online training resources. On September 1, 2026, we launched the Fishing National Public Lands online course to teach anyone how to fish safely and responsibly in public lands, not just in National Parks. This course is available at no cost and is also for anyone who would like to host an angling education event, with safety, conservation, and ethical angling practices as key components of their events, and how they can utilize the IGFA as a resource, especially with the use of the Passports to Fishing program in their efforts.
National public lands encompass about 640 million acres of land collectively owned by all citizens of the United States, and within this land, a plethora of game fish inhabit a variety of waterways that it is our duty to conserve and protect as ethical anglers. Another intern who attended the training workshop in Rocky Mountain National Park interned at Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge in New York. This is what Grace had to say about the program at her public land site: "To cap off my week, Saturday, June 6th, we hosted a family fishing day. I was very excited for this day because I was able to get the Passports to Fishing Kit from the IGFA for our refuge. The stations for the passports helped out a lot, as not everyone knew the basics of fishing. Participants were especially interested in learning how to tie the knots. I was happy I was able to get this wonderful resource for our refuge. Thank you, IGFA!" The IGFA Passports to Fishing program is just one avenue working to educate new generations about game fish conservation and ethical angling practices, and it is not only distributed to recipients in the United States but around the world as tangible tools with the core mission of teaching the fundamentals of our sport and the need for responsible, ethical angling and the sustainable use of our natural resources.
Thank You for Your Continued Support!
If you are interested in the Passports to Fishing program or to donate to this work that must continue, please contact IGFA Education Director, Lisa Morse, at lmorse@igfa.org.
The Passports to Fishing program and Junior Ranger Angler initiative started around the same time in 2019, and it is exciting to see these two programs still going strong, reaching thousands of youth every year across the United States and beyond. To all our supporters, we cannot thank you enough, especially to the National Park Foundation for this specific project. It has been a pleasure working with National Park Service staff, volunteers, and interns throughout the years and having the privilege to visit some of our national treasures.
To our grant funders, donors, and Corporate Partners who support the IGFA Education Initiatives, we thank you as well for gifting youth and families these opportunities to experience the joys of fishing and to build a passion for venturing outside, where they create memories and lifelong bonds to the sport and to our beloved game fish. We would like to give a shoutout to our partners at Bass Pro Shops for outfitting our staff with the proper gear to withstand various weather conditions and waterways we fished in these national treasures.
Don't forget to sign up and explore Fishing National Public Lands! It's free! Also, National Public Lands Day and National Hunting and Fishing Day both fall on September 26, 2026, this year. So, after you learn, head outside to explore, learn, protect, and to do some fishing. We'll see you out there!
* * *
Original text here: https://igfa.org/2026/09/24/igfa-and-the-national-park-service-connecting-people-to-parks-through-recreational-fishing/
[Category: Environment]
American College of Surgeons: Underweight Patients Face 92% Increased Odds of Death After Emergency General Surgery
CHICAGO, Illinois, Sept. 26 (TNSxrep) -- The American College of Surgeons issued the following news release:
* * *
Underweight Patients Face 92% Increased Odds of Death After Emergency General Surgery
Researchers analyzing ACS NSQIP data from more than 334,000 patients find that underweight patients face the highest risk of death, and that those who are both underweight and frail have the worst outcomes, including longer hospital stays and higher readmission rates
September 25, 2026
Key Takeaways
* Patients who are underweight prior to emergency general surgery are at increased risk of death ... Show Full Article CHICAGO, Illinois, Sept. 26 (TNSxrep) -- The American College of Surgeons issued the following news release: * * * Underweight Patients Face 92% Increased Odds of Death After Emergency General Surgery Researchers analyzing ACS NSQIP data from more than 334,000 patients find that underweight patients face the highest risk of death, and that those who are both underweight and frail have the worst outcomes, including longer hospital stays and higher readmission rates September 25, 2026 Key Takeaways * Patients who are underweight prior to emergency general surgery are at increased risk of deathfollowing the surgical procedure.
* Patients who are both frail and underweight have the worst clinical outcomes after emergency general surgery, with a mortality rate of nearly 10%.
* Frailty reduces the protective effect of excess weight known as the obesity paradox: compared with normal-weight patients who were not frail, frail patients with obesity had 10% to 65% increased odds of death.
* These findings will be presented at the American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress 2026 in Washington, Sept. 26-29.
-
WASHINGTON -- Underweight patients are more likely to die after emergency general surgery than patients who are normal weight or overweight, and patients who are both frail and underweight face an even higher risk of death and other adverse clinical outcomes, according to new research findings. The study drew on the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP(R)) database, which covers more than 334,000 adults who had emergency general surgery between 2019 and 2024.
The research will be presented at the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Congress 2026 in Washington, Sept. 26-29, where thousands of surgeons will convene to advance surgical quality, patient safety, and access to care.
"Our study shows that patients who are both underweight and frail have the worst outcomes. We also saw that frailty reduces the positive impact of the obesity paradox -- the finding that patients who are overweight, but not at the extremes of obesity, tend to have better outcomes. That protective effect is lost if a patient is frail," said lead study author Ellen Cohn, MD, MPH, a third-year general surgery resident at the University of Chicago.
"What we take away from this study is that risk can be mitigated. We can make real-world changes to body mass index (BMI), and physical therapy can reduce frailty. What is unique about our study is that we were able to look at the impact of BMI and frailty together," she said.
Using the ACS NSQIP database, researchers identified all adults, age 18 and older, in the U.S. who had emergency general surgery procedures between 2019 and 2024. ACS NSQIP is the leading nationally validated, risk-adjusted, outcomes-based program to measure and improve the quality of surgical care in hospitals. More than 600 hospitals participate in the ACS NSQIP adult program, which began enrolling private sector hospitals beginning in 2004.
The ACS NSQIP data allowed researchers to evaluate the relationship between BMI and level of frailty on outcomes including death, hospital length of stay, and readmission rates 30 days after initial admission, as well as the interaction between BMI and frailty and their combined associated risk on these outcomes. Frailty was assessed on a scale with values from one to five, with one indicating patients who had one comorbidity such as diabetes or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and five indicating patients who had five diseases and were severely frail.
Study Results
Among 334,278 patients included in the analysis, 37.6% were frail, more than one in three.
After adjusting for clinical factors, underweight patients had the highest risk of death, with 92% increased odds compared with normal-weight, non-frail patients. In contrast, obese patients had lower odds of death than normal-weight patients: 43% lower at a BMI of 30.0-34.9 and 27% lower at 35.0-39.9. At a BMI of 40 or higher, there was no significant difference.
Frailty alone was associated with 59% increased odds of death.
Compared to patients who were normal weight and not frail, those who were both underweight and frail had the worst outcomes across all measures: 9.8% mortality, 15.8% readmission rates, an average length of stay of 8.2 days, and an 88.5% discharge-to-home rate. For comparison, non-frail patients had a discharge to home rate of 96.9% and normal weight patients 90.3%.
Frailty reduced the protective effect of obesity on mortality. People who were both frail and obese faced 22% increased odds of death, whereas those who were obese but not frail remained 7% less likely to die after emergency general surgery.
"While the focus of our study was on underweight and frail patients, we were surprised to find that obese patients did better," said study co-author Justin S. Hatchimonji, MD, assistant professor of surgery in the section of trauma and acute care surgery at the University of Chicago.
"I think recognizing the importance of not only underweight status, but also frailty, helps emergency general surgeons plan for postoperative outcomes and think about how to best manage these patients over the long term."
Dr. Cohn said the findings can be used to improve postoperative outcomes regardless of frailty scores.
"Thinking about older patients, it's important to focus on what we can affect: nutrition, making sure protein goals are met, bone health, and vitamins," she said. "Keeping patients healthy that way can have a bigger impact on outcomes than the other comorbidities that make up the frailty score. We know that you can change underweight status and as a result get a better outcome."
A limitation of the study is that a large database study cannot prove cause and effect, only an association.
Co-authors are Hans Strobl, MD; Phillip Dowzicky, MD, FACS; Abid D. Khan, MD, FACS; and Diane N. Haddad, MD.
Disclosures: Authors have no disclosures to report.
Citation: Cohn E, et al. The Synergistic Risk of Underweight Status and Frailty in Emergency General Surgery. Scientific Forum, American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Congress 2026.
Note: Research abstracts presented at the ACS Clinical Congress Scientific Forum are reviewed and selected by a program committee but are not yet peer reviewed.
* * *
About the American College of Surgeons
The American College of Surgeons is a scientific and educational organization of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical practice and improve the quality of care for all surgical patients. The College is dedicated to the ethical and competent practice of surgery. Its achievements have significantly influenced the course of scientific surgery in America and have established it as an important advocate for all surgical patients. The College has approximately 95,000 members and is the largest organization of surgeons in the world. "FACS" designates that a surgeon is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.facs.org/media-center/press-releases/2026/underweight-patients-face-92-increased-odds-of-death-after-emergency-general-surgery/
[Category: Medical]
* * *
Underweight Patients Face 92% Increased Odds of Death After Emergency General Surgery
Researchers analyzing ACS NSQIP data from more than 334,000 patients find that underweight patients face the highest risk of death, and that those who are both underweight and frail have the worst outcomes, including longer hospital stays and higher readmission rates
September 25, 2026
Key Takeaways
* Patients who are underweight prior to emergency general surgery are at increased risk of death ... Show Full Article CHICAGO, Illinois, Sept. 26 (TNSxrep) -- The American College of Surgeons issued the following news release: * * * Underweight Patients Face 92% Increased Odds of Death After Emergency General Surgery Researchers analyzing ACS NSQIP data from more than 334,000 patients find that underweight patients face the highest risk of death, and that those who are both underweight and frail have the worst outcomes, including longer hospital stays and higher readmission rates September 25, 2026 Key Takeaways * Patients who are underweight prior to emergency general surgery are at increased risk of deathfollowing the surgical procedure.
* Patients who are both frail and underweight have the worst clinical outcomes after emergency general surgery, with a mortality rate of nearly 10%.
* Frailty reduces the protective effect of excess weight known as the obesity paradox: compared with normal-weight patients who were not frail, frail patients with obesity had 10% to 65% increased odds of death.
* These findings will be presented at the American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress 2026 in Washington, Sept. 26-29.
-
WASHINGTON -- Underweight patients are more likely to die after emergency general surgery than patients who are normal weight or overweight, and patients who are both frail and underweight face an even higher risk of death and other adverse clinical outcomes, according to new research findings. The study drew on the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP(R)) database, which covers more than 334,000 adults who had emergency general surgery between 2019 and 2024.
The research will be presented at the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Congress 2026 in Washington, Sept. 26-29, where thousands of surgeons will convene to advance surgical quality, patient safety, and access to care.
"Our study shows that patients who are both underweight and frail have the worst outcomes. We also saw that frailty reduces the positive impact of the obesity paradox -- the finding that patients who are overweight, but not at the extremes of obesity, tend to have better outcomes. That protective effect is lost if a patient is frail," said lead study author Ellen Cohn, MD, MPH, a third-year general surgery resident at the University of Chicago.
"What we take away from this study is that risk can be mitigated. We can make real-world changes to body mass index (BMI), and physical therapy can reduce frailty. What is unique about our study is that we were able to look at the impact of BMI and frailty together," she said.
Using the ACS NSQIP database, researchers identified all adults, age 18 and older, in the U.S. who had emergency general surgery procedures between 2019 and 2024. ACS NSQIP is the leading nationally validated, risk-adjusted, outcomes-based program to measure and improve the quality of surgical care in hospitals. More than 600 hospitals participate in the ACS NSQIP adult program, which began enrolling private sector hospitals beginning in 2004.
The ACS NSQIP data allowed researchers to evaluate the relationship between BMI and level of frailty on outcomes including death, hospital length of stay, and readmission rates 30 days after initial admission, as well as the interaction between BMI and frailty and their combined associated risk on these outcomes. Frailty was assessed on a scale with values from one to five, with one indicating patients who had one comorbidity such as diabetes or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and five indicating patients who had five diseases and were severely frail.
Study Results
Among 334,278 patients included in the analysis, 37.6% were frail, more than one in three.
After adjusting for clinical factors, underweight patients had the highest risk of death, with 92% increased odds compared with normal-weight, non-frail patients. In contrast, obese patients had lower odds of death than normal-weight patients: 43% lower at a BMI of 30.0-34.9 and 27% lower at 35.0-39.9. At a BMI of 40 or higher, there was no significant difference.
Frailty alone was associated with 59% increased odds of death.
Compared to patients who were normal weight and not frail, those who were both underweight and frail had the worst outcomes across all measures: 9.8% mortality, 15.8% readmission rates, an average length of stay of 8.2 days, and an 88.5% discharge-to-home rate. For comparison, non-frail patients had a discharge to home rate of 96.9% and normal weight patients 90.3%.
Frailty reduced the protective effect of obesity on mortality. People who were both frail and obese faced 22% increased odds of death, whereas those who were obese but not frail remained 7% less likely to die after emergency general surgery.
"While the focus of our study was on underweight and frail patients, we were surprised to find that obese patients did better," said study co-author Justin S. Hatchimonji, MD, assistant professor of surgery in the section of trauma and acute care surgery at the University of Chicago.
"I think recognizing the importance of not only underweight status, but also frailty, helps emergency general surgeons plan for postoperative outcomes and think about how to best manage these patients over the long term."
Dr. Cohn said the findings can be used to improve postoperative outcomes regardless of frailty scores.
"Thinking about older patients, it's important to focus on what we can affect: nutrition, making sure protein goals are met, bone health, and vitamins," she said. "Keeping patients healthy that way can have a bigger impact on outcomes than the other comorbidities that make up the frailty score. We know that you can change underweight status and as a result get a better outcome."
A limitation of the study is that a large database study cannot prove cause and effect, only an association.
Co-authors are Hans Strobl, MD; Phillip Dowzicky, MD, FACS; Abid D. Khan, MD, FACS; and Diane N. Haddad, MD.
Disclosures: Authors have no disclosures to report.
Citation: Cohn E, et al. The Synergistic Risk of Underweight Status and Frailty in Emergency General Surgery. Scientific Forum, American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Congress 2026.
Note: Research abstracts presented at the ACS Clinical Congress Scientific Forum are reviewed and selected by a program committee but are not yet peer reviewed.
* * *
About the American College of Surgeons
The American College of Surgeons is a scientific and educational organization of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical practice and improve the quality of care for all surgical patients. The College is dedicated to the ethical and competent practice of surgery. Its achievements have significantly influenced the course of scientific surgery in America and have established it as an important advocate for all surgical patients. The College has approximately 95,000 members and is the largest organization of surgeons in the world. "FACS" designates that a surgeon is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.facs.org/media-center/press-releases/2026/underweight-patients-face-92-increased-odds-of-death-after-emergency-general-surgery/
[Category: Medical]
American College of Surgeons: Prostate Cancer Surgery and Radiation Have Different Long-Term Effects on Urinary, Sexual, and Survival Outcomes
CHICAGO, Illinois, Sept. 26 (TNSxrep) -- The American College of Surgeons issued the following news release:
* * *
Prostate Cancer Surgery and Radiation Have Different Long-Term Effects on Urinary, Sexual, and Survival Outcomes
Surgery was linked to more urinary and sexual side effects, while radiation was associated with certain urinary complications and higher all-cause mortality, national study finds
September 25, 2026
Key Takeaways
* A national study of more than 20,000 men with prostate cancer compared long-term outcomes after radiation therapy or surgical removal of the prostate, with ... Show Full Article CHICAGO, Illinois, Sept. 26 (TNSxrep) -- The American College of Surgeons issued the following news release: * * * Prostate Cancer Surgery and Radiation Have Different Long-Term Effects on Urinary, Sexual, and Survival Outcomes Surgery was linked to more urinary and sexual side effects, while radiation was associated with certain urinary complications and higher all-cause mortality, national study finds September 25, 2026 Key Takeaways * A national study of more than 20,000 men with prostate cancer compared long-term outcomes after radiation therapy or surgical removal of the prostate, withfollow-up of up to 20 years.
* Men who underwent surgery had higher rates of urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction. In contrast, men treated with radiation had higher rates of certain urinary complications and higher all-cause mortality, corresponding to a 45% higher rate of death from any cause during follow-up. Researchers could not determine whether treatment contributed to the difference in deaths.
* Neither treatment was free of long-term consequences, and the authors emphasize that risks, benefits, and side effects of the options should be discussed carefully with patients.
* The findings will be presented at the American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress 2026 in Washington, Sept. 26-29.
-
WASHINGTON -- Men with prostate cancer face different long-term risks depending on whether they choose surgery or radiation therapy, with surgery linked to higher rates of urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction and radiation linked to higher all-cause mortality, according to a national analysis of more than 20,000 men followed for up to 20 years.
The research will be presented at the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Congress 2026 in Washington, Sept. 26-29, where thousands of surgeons will convene to advance surgical quality, patient safety, and access to care.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in men after skin cancer, with more than 300,000 men expected to be diagnosed this year. For men whose cancer has not spread beyond the prostate, radiation therapy and surgical removal of the prostate, known as radical prostatectomy, are two common treatment options. Choosing between them can involve weighing potential effects on urinary and sexual function and other long-term health outcomes.
"Treatment for prostate cancer can be life changing for many men, whichever option they choose," said Jeffrey P. Weiss, MD, PhD, FACS, professor and chair of urology at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, and senior author of the abstract. "Both of these treatments can affect urinary and sexual function, though those risks are balanced against the potential for a cure."
Researchers analyzed medical records from more than 20,000 men in the TriNetX Research Network who underwent either radiation therapy or radical prostatectomy (including both open and laparoscopic/robotic surgical approaches). Patients were followed for up to 20 years, with a median follow-up of five years.
Each treatment group included more than 10,000 men and about 17% of patients were Black, making the study population more reflective of the demographics of men diagnosed with prostate cancer today than many earlier studies, noted Juliana Viola, first author of the study and a medical student at SUNY Downstate College of Medicine. Researchers also closely matched patients based on demographic and health characteristics to make the two treatment groups as comparable as possible.
Study Findings
Urinary and sexual side effects: Men who underwent surgery had higher rates of urinary incontinence (28.5% vs. 6.1%) and erectile dysfunction (35% vs. 13.9%). Urinary tract infections (7.4% vs. 4.7%) and obstructive urinary complications (3.6% vs. 2.6%) were also more common after surgery.
All-cause mortality: Men treated with radiation had higher all-cause mortality during follow-up than men who underwent surgery (7.8% vs. 6.5%). In a time-to-event analysis, radiation was associated with a 45% higher rate of death from any cause at any given point during follow-up. Because the study measured deaths from any cause, researchers could not determine whether treatment contributed to the difference.
Other urinary complications: Men treated with radiation had higher rates of urinary retention (4.4% vs. 4.1%), bladder inflammation (4.3% vs. 3.5%), blood in the urine (11% vs. 10.1%), and inflammation and pain of the prostate gland (0.49% vs. 0.17%).
While researchers closely matched the two treatment groups, other differences between patients may have influenced the results. As an observational study, the research cannot show that the treatments caused the outcomes.
"The treatment choice matters in prostate cancer. Patients should understand how the main options differ before they decide," Dr. Weiss said. "Clinicians need to recognize that these treatments differ in significant ways. The specific risks, benefits, and side effects should be discussed carefully with each patient."
The authors noted that future research could examine prostate cancer-specific survival, recurrence, and other long-term outcomes.
"In prostate cancer, clinicians and patients tend to be driven by avoiding side effects, but we need to better understand the long-term outcomes of each of these treatment options," Dr. Weiss said.
Co-authors are Myles Goliger, BS; Robert Adler, BA; Michael Kozlov, BA; Nikolaos Karanikolas, MD, FACS; and Andrew G. Winer, MD, FACS.
Disclosures: Authors have no disclosures to report.
Citation: Viola J, et al. Radiation Therapy versus Radical Prostatectomy: A Propensity-Matched Analysis of Mortality and Long-Term Urologic Sequelae. Scientific Forum, American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Congress 2026.
Note: Research abstracts presented at the ACS Clinical Congress Scientific Forum are reviewed and selected by a program committee but are not yet peer reviewed.
* * *
About the American College of Surgeons
The American College of Surgeons is a scientific and educational organization of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical practice and improve the quality of care for all surgical patients. The College is dedicated to the ethical and competent practice of surgery. Its achievements have significantly influenced the course of scientific surgery in America and have established it as an important advocate for all surgical patients. The College has approximately 95,000 members and is the largest organization of surgeons in the world. "FACS" designates that a surgeon is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.facs.org/media-center/press-releases/2026/prostate-cancer-surgery-and-radiation-have-different-long-term-effects-on-urinary-sexual-and-survival-outcomes/
[Category: Medical]
* * *
Prostate Cancer Surgery and Radiation Have Different Long-Term Effects on Urinary, Sexual, and Survival Outcomes
Surgery was linked to more urinary and sexual side effects, while radiation was associated with certain urinary complications and higher all-cause mortality, national study finds
September 25, 2026
Key Takeaways
* A national study of more than 20,000 men with prostate cancer compared long-term outcomes after radiation therapy or surgical removal of the prostate, with ... Show Full Article CHICAGO, Illinois, Sept. 26 (TNSxrep) -- The American College of Surgeons issued the following news release: * * * Prostate Cancer Surgery and Radiation Have Different Long-Term Effects on Urinary, Sexual, and Survival Outcomes Surgery was linked to more urinary and sexual side effects, while radiation was associated with certain urinary complications and higher all-cause mortality, national study finds September 25, 2026 Key Takeaways * A national study of more than 20,000 men with prostate cancer compared long-term outcomes after radiation therapy or surgical removal of the prostate, withfollow-up of up to 20 years.
* Men who underwent surgery had higher rates of urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction. In contrast, men treated with radiation had higher rates of certain urinary complications and higher all-cause mortality, corresponding to a 45% higher rate of death from any cause during follow-up. Researchers could not determine whether treatment contributed to the difference in deaths.
* Neither treatment was free of long-term consequences, and the authors emphasize that risks, benefits, and side effects of the options should be discussed carefully with patients.
* The findings will be presented at the American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress 2026 in Washington, Sept. 26-29.
-
WASHINGTON -- Men with prostate cancer face different long-term risks depending on whether they choose surgery or radiation therapy, with surgery linked to higher rates of urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction and radiation linked to higher all-cause mortality, according to a national analysis of more than 20,000 men followed for up to 20 years.
The research will be presented at the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Congress 2026 in Washington, Sept. 26-29, where thousands of surgeons will convene to advance surgical quality, patient safety, and access to care.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in men after skin cancer, with more than 300,000 men expected to be diagnosed this year. For men whose cancer has not spread beyond the prostate, radiation therapy and surgical removal of the prostate, known as radical prostatectomy, are two common treatment options. Choosing between them can involve weighing potential effects on urinary and sexual function and other long-term health outcomes.
"Treatment for prostate cancer can be life changing for many men, whichever option they choose," said Jeffrey P. Weiss, MD, PhD, FACS, professor and chair of urology at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, and senior author of the abstract. "Both of these treatments can affect urinary and sexual function, though those risks are balanced against the potential for a cure."
Researchers analyzed medical records from more than 20,000 men in the TriNetX Research Network who underwent either radiation therapy or radical prostatectomy (including both open and laparoscopic/robotic surgical approaches). Patients were followed for up to 20 years, with a median follow-up of five years.
Each treatment group included more than 10,000 men and about 17% of patients were Black, making the study population more reflective of the demographics of men diagnosed with prostate cancer today than many earlier studies, noted Juliana Viola, first author of the study and a medical student at SUNY Downstate College of Medicine. Researchers also closely matched patients based on demographic and health characteristics to make the two treatment groups as comparable as possible.
Study Findings
Urinary and sexual side effects: Men who underwent surgery had higher rates of urinary incontinence (28.5% vs. 6.1%) and erectile dysfunction (35% vs. 13.9%). Urinary tract infections (7.4% vs. 4.7%) and obstructive urinary complications (3.6% vs. 2.6%) were also more common after surgery.
All-cause mortality: Men treated with radiation had higher all-cause mortality during follow-up than men who underwent surgery (7.8% vs. 6.5%). In a time-to-event analysis, radiation was associated with a 45% higher rate of death from any cause at any given point during follow-up. Because the study measured deaths from any cause, researchers could not determine whether treatment contributed to the difference.
Other urinary complications: Men treated with radiation had higher rates of urinary retention (4.4% vs. 4.1%), bladder inflammation (4.3% vs. 3.5%), blood in the urine (11% vs. 10.1%), and inflammation and pain of the prostate gland (0.49% vs. 0.17%).
While researchers closely matched the two treatment groups, other differences between patients may have influenced the results. As an observational study, the research cannot show that the treatments caused the outcomes.
"The treatment choice matters in prostate cancer. Patients should understand how the main options differ before they decide," Dr. Weiss said. "Clinicians need to recognize that these treatments differ in significant ways. The specific risks, benefits, and side effects should be discussed carefully with each patient."
The authors noted that future research could examine prostate cancer-specific survival, recurrence, and other long-term outcomes.
"In prostate cancer, clinicians and patients tend to be driven by avoiding side effects, but we need to better understand the long-term outcomes of each of these treatment options," Dr. Weiss said.
Co-authors are Myles Goliger, BS; Robert Adler, BA; Michael Kozlov, BA; Nikolaos Karanikolas, MD, FACS; and Andrew G. Winer, MD, FACS.
Disclosures: Authors have no disclosures to report.
Citation: Viola J, et al. Radiation Therapy versus Radical Prostatectomy: A Propensity-Matched Analysis of Mortality and Long-Term Urologic Sequelae. Scientific Forum, American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Congress 2026.
Note: Research abstracts presented at the ACS Clinical Congress Scientific Forum are reviewed and selected by a program committee but are not yet peer reviewed.
* * *
About the American College of Surgeons
The American College of Surgeons is a scientific and educational organization of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical practice and improve the quality of care for all surgical patients. The College is dedicated to the ethical and competent practice of surgery. Its achievements have significantly influenced the course of scientific surgery in America and have established it as an important advocate for all surgical patients. The College has approximately 95,000 members and is the largest organization of surgeons in the world. "FACS" designates that a surgeon is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.facs.org/media-center/press-releases/2026/prostate-cancer-surgery-and-radiation-have-different-long-term-effects-on-urinary-sexual-and-survival-outcomes/
[Category: Medical]
American College of Surgeons: Metastatic Colorectal Cancer is More Advanced in Younger Patients Than Older Ones, But They Survive Longer With the Disease, Study Finds
CHICAGO, Illinois, Sept. 26 (TNSxrep) -- The American College of Surgeons issued the following news release:
* * *
Metastatic Colorectal Cancer is More Advanced in Younger Patients than Older Ones, but They Survive Longer with the Disease, Study Finds
Researchers urge a lower threshold for colonoscopy in patients aged 45 years and younger who have persistent gastrointestinal symptoms
September 25, 2026
Key Takeaways
* Patients aged 45 years and younger -- a group in which metastatic colorectal cancer continues to increase -- had advanced disease and received chemoradiation more often than ... Show Full Article CHICAGO, Illinois, Sept. 26 (TNSxrep) -- The American College of Surgeons issued the following news release: * * * Metastatic Colorectal Cancer is More Advanced in Younger Patients than Older Ones, but They Survive Longer with the Disease, Study Finds Researchers urge a lower threshold for colonoscopy in patients aged 45 years and younger who have persistent gastrointestinal symptoms September 25, 2026 Key Takeaways * Patients aged 45 years and younger -- a group in which metastatic colorectal cancer continues to increase -- had advanced disease and received chemoradiation more often thanolder patients, though the study was not designed to formally compare the two age groups.
* Ten-year survival in younger patients significantly exceeds that of older patients (17.8% vs. 11.4%) but "remains quite grim."
* Clinicians may need to lower their threshold for colonoscopy when younger patients have persistent gastrointestinal symptoms.
* The findings will be presented at the American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress 2026 in Washington, Sept. 26-29.
-
WASHINGTON -- Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) continues to increase in patients aged 45 years or younger, and their longer survival and different disease patterns compared with older patients may warrant more aggressive scrutiny of gastrointestinal symptoms, according to new study findings.
The research will be presented at the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Congress 2026 in Washington, Sept. 26-29, where thousands of surgeons will convene to advance surgical quality, patient safety, and access to care.
"Unfortunately, our study shows that 10-year survival remains quite grim for younger patients, which was the most important thing we learned," said study co-author Winifred M. Lo, MD, FACS, assistant professor of general surgery at Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University in Norfolk.
The retrospective cohort study used the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Program database from 2004 to 2024. It included 50,802 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), 4,256 (8.4%) of whom were aged 45 years and younger. Younger patients had longer median disease-specific survival (32 months vs. 22 months) and a higher rate of 10-year survival (17.8% vs. 11.4%) than those 45 years and older.
"That's valuable data to share with patients who are building families, planning for college, and getting married - all of these important life events," Dr. Lo said. "It's important to know what the average patient might face, even if the answer is terrible."
The study focused on mCRC in younger patients because few studies have done so, according to co-author Mary Green, DO, a resident physician at Virginia Health Sciences. "We wanted to know whether the patterns we see in older patients still hold in younger ones, and to look at other prognostic factors for anything new we could learn, given the increase in colorectal cancer," she said.
She noted the younger patients were more often female, of Black or Asian descent, and more likely to live in metropolitan areas. The nature of their cancer also differed notably from their older counterparts, Dr. Green said. They more frequently had tumors in the left-sided colon (47.8% vs. 39.8%) and rectum (28.4% vs. 18.7%).
The study also demonstrated a pattern toward a higher incidence of N2 disease (disease that has spread to four or more lymph nodes) in younger patients, although the study was not powered to compare the two cohorts. "It was interesting that both chemoradiation and advanced disease were more common in the younger population," Dr. Green said.
Based on her clinical experience, Dr. Lo said it seems younger patients with mCRC tend to have more advanced disease when they are first diagnosed compared with older patients. Younger patients who otherwise feel healthy may downplay their common, nonspecific symptoms of colorectal cancer and clinicians need to be attuned to that, she noted.
"My big recommendation is for primary care doctors and gastroenterologists. When a patient has nonspecific bloating, rectal pain, bleeding, or other unusual GI symptoms you wouldn't expect from everyday living, that person should have a very low threshold for colonoscopy," Dr. Lo added.
Disclosures: Authors have no disclosures to report.
Citation: Green M, Lo WM, et al. Young Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Experience Longer Disease-Specific Survival than the Typical Population Despite Advanced Disease: A SEER Database Analysis. Scientific Forum, American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Congress 2026.
Note: Research abstracts presented at the ACS Clinical Congress Scientific Forum are reviewed and selected by a program committee but are not yet peer reviewed.
* * *
About the American College of Surgeons
The American College of Surgeons is a scientific and educational organization of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical practice and improve the quality of care for all surgical patients. The College is dedicated to the ethical and competent practice of surgery. Its achievements have significantly influenced the course of scientific surgery in America and have established it as an important advocate for all surgical patients. The College has approximately 95,000 members and is the largest organization of surgeons in the world. "FACS" designates that a surgeon is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.facs.org/media-center/press-releases/2026/metastatic-colorectal-cancer-is-more-advanced-in-younger-patients-than-older-ones-but-they-survive-longer-with-the-disease-study-finds/
[Category: Medical]
* * *
Metastatic Colorectal Cancer is More Advanced in Younger Patients than Older Ones, but They Survive Longer with the Disease, Study Finds
Researchers urge a lower threshold for colonoscopy in patients aged 45 years and younger who have persistent gastrointestinal symptoms
September 25, 2026
Key Takeaways
* Patients aged 45 years and younger -- a group in which metastatic colorectal cancer continues to increase -- had advanced disease and received chemoradiation more often than ... Show Full Article CHICAGO, Illinois, Sept. 26 (TNSxrep) -- The American College of Surgeons issued the following news release: * * * Metastatic Colorectal Cancer is More Advanced in Younger Patients than Older Ones, but They Survive Longer with the Disease, Study Finds Researchers urge a lower threshold for colonoscopy in patients aged 45 years and younger who have persistent gastrointestinal symptoms September 25, 2026 Key Takeaways * Patients aged 45 years and younger -- a group in which metastatic colorectal cancer continues to increase -- had advanced disease and received chemoradiation more often thanolder patients, though the study was not designed to formally compare the two age groups.
* Ten-year survival in younger patients significantly exceeds that of older patients (17.8% vs. 11.4%) but "remains quite grim."
* Clinicians may need to lower their threshold for colonoscopy when younger patients have persistent gastrointestinal symptoms.
* The findings will be presented at the American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress 2026 in Washington, Sept. 26-29.
-
WASHINGTON -- Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) continues to increase in patients aged 45 years or younger, and their longer survival and different disease patterns compared with older patients may warrant more aggressive scrutiny of gastrointestinal symptoms, according to new study findings.
The research will be presented at the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Congress 2026 in Washington, Sept. 26-29, where thousands of surgeons will convene to advance surgical quality, patient safety, and access to care.
"Unfortunately, our study shows that 10-year survival remains quite grim for younger patients, which was the most important thing we learned," said study co-author Winifred M. Lo, MD, FACS, assistant professor of general surgery at Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University in Norfolk.
The retrospective cohort study used the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Program database from 2004 to 2024. It included 50,802 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), 4,256 (8.4%) of whom were aged 45 years and younger. Younger patients had longer median disease-specific survival (32 months vs. 22 months) and a higher rate of 10-year survival (17.8% vs. 11.4%) than those 45 years and older.
"That's valuable data to share with patients who are building families, planning for college, and getting married - all of these important life events," Dr. Lo said. "It's important to know what the average patient might face, even if the answer is terrible."
The study focused on mCRC in younger patients because few studies have done so, according to co-author Mary Green, DO, a resident physician at Virginia Health Sciences. "We wanted to know whether the patterns we see in older patients still hold in younger ones, and to look at other prognostic factors for anything new we could learn, given the increase in colorectal cancer," she said.
She noted the younger patients were more often female, of Black or Asian descent, and more likely to live in metropolitan areas. The nature of their cancer also differed notably from their older counterparts, Dr. Green said. They more frequently had tumors in the left-sided colon (47.8% vs. 39.8%) and rectum (28.4% vs. 18.7%).
The study also demonstrated a pattern toward a higher incidence of N2 disease (disease that has spread to four or more lymph nodes) in younger patients, although the study was not powered to compare the two cohorts. "It was interesting that both chemoradiation and advanced disease were more common in the younger population," Dr. Green said.
Based on her clinical experience, Dr. Lo said it seems younger patients with mCRC tend to have more advanced disease when they are first diagnosed compared with older patients. Younger patients who otherwise feel healthy may downplay their common, nonspecific symptoms of colorectal cancer and clinicians need to be attuned to that, she noted.
"My big recommendation is for primary care doctors and gastroenterologists. When a patient has nonspecific bloating, rectal pain, bleeding, or other unusual GI symptoms you wouldn't expect from everyday living, that person should have a very low threshold for colonoscopy," Dr. Lo added.
Disclosures: Authors have no disclosures to report.
Citation: Green M, Lo WM, et al. Young Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Experience Longer Disease-Specific Survival than the Typical Population Despite Advanced Disease: A SEER Database Analysis. Scientific Forum, American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Congress 2026.
Note: Research abstracts presented at the ACS Clinical Congress Scientific Forum are reviewed and selected by a program committee but are not yet peer reviewed.
* * *
About the American College of Surgeons
The American College of Surgeons is a scientific and educational organization of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical practice and improve the quality of care for all surgical patients. The College is dedicated to the ethical and competent practice of surgery. Its achievements have significantly influenced the course of scientific surgery in America and have established it as an important advocate for all surgical patients. The College has approximately 95,000 members and is the largest organization of surgeons in the world. "FACS" designates that a surgeon is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.facs.org/media-center/press-releases/2026/metastatic-colorectal-cancer-is-more-advanced-in-younger-patients-than-older-ones-but-they-survive-longer-with-the-disease-study-finds/
[Category: Medical]
American College of Surgeons: Deaths Linked to Treatable Emergency Surgical Conditions Are Rising in the U.S.
CHICAGO, Illinois, Sept. 26 (TNSxrep) -- The American College of Surgeons issued the following news release:
* * *
Deaths Linked to Treatable Emergency Surgical Conditions Are Rising in the US
National death rate was about 50% higher in 2020 than in 1999 and 86% higher in rural communities
September 25, 2026
Key Takeaways
* Death rates associated with three common emergency general surgery conditions, which are rarely fatal when treated promptly, rose about 50% over two decades among U.S. adults ages 18 to 64, according to a national analysis of nearly 20,000 deaths.
* The difference was ... Show Full Article CHICAGO, Illinois, Sept. 26 (TNSxrep) -- The American College of Surgeons issued the following news release: * * * Deaths Linked to Treatable Emergency Surgical Conditions Are Rising in the US National death rate was about 50% higher in 2020 than in 1999 and 86% higher in rural communities September 25, 2026 Key Takeaways * Death rates associated with three common emergency general surgery conditions, which are rarely fatal when treated promptly, rose about 50% over two decades among U.S. adults ages 18 to 64, according to a national analysis of nearly 20,000 deaths. * The difference wasgreater in rural communities, where the death rate was 86% higher in 2020 than in 1999, compared with 49% higher in urban communities.
* Researchers examined deaths involving appendicitis, acute cholecystitis, and abdominal wall hernia with obstruction or gangrene, which are common emergency conditions that typically have low death rates when treated promptly.
* The findings will be presented at the American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress 2026 in Washington, Sept. 26-29.
-
WASHINGTON -- Death rates associated with three common, treatable emergency general surgery conditions rose about 50% among U.S. adults ages 18 to 64 between 1999 and 2020 -- and rose nearly twice as fast in rural communities as in urban ones, according to a national analysis of nearly 20,000 deaths.
The research will be presented at the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Congress 2026 in Washington, Sept. 26-29, where thousands of surgeons will convene to advance surgical quality, patient safety, and access to care.
"These are conditions surgeons treat every day, and patients usually do well when they reach the operating room in time," said Vishnu Mani, MBBS, FACS, first author of the abstract, emergency general surgery medical director, and vice chair of surgery for OSF HealthCare in Peoria, Illinois. "What we found is that more working-age adults are dying with these conditions than two decades ago, which raises important questions about whether patients are getting to surgical care in time, especially in rural communities, and whether workforce shortages or other pressures are contributing."
Study Details
Led by a team at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, researchers analyzed data from the CDC WONDER Multiple Cause of Death database. The analysis included adults ages 18 to 64 whose deaths were associated with appendicitis, acute cholecystitis, or an abdominal wall hernia with obstruction or gangrene. These common emergency general surgery conditions generally have low mortality when treated promptly.
The conditions were documented on death certificates as contributing to the death but were not necessarily the primary cause. As a result, the analysis could not establish that the emergency surgical condition itself caused the death.
Among 19,601 deaths associated with the three emergency surgical conditions included in the analysis:
* The national death rate was about 50% higher in 2020 than in 1999, increasing from 0.4 to 0.6 deaths per 100,000 people. In rural communities, the rate was 86% higher in 2020 than in 1999, compared with 49% higher in urban communities.
* More recent data showed that the number of deaths remained elevated, increasing from 938 in 2021 to 973 in 2024, a 3.7% increase. Deaths increased 6.1% in rural communities compared with 3.2% in metropolitan communities. These figures reflect total deaths rather than population-based death rates.
* Death rates were consistently higher among males than females and increased with age, peaking among adults ages 55 to 64.
The study was not designed to determine what caused the increase or whether timely access to emergency surgical care contributed to the findings. Additionally, the analysis used unadjusted death rates, meaning the findings may not account for changes in the age or other characteristics of the population over time. The COVID-19 pandemic may also have influenced mortality during some years included in the analysis, but the study did not separately evaluate its impact.
Further research is needed to understand what may be driving the increase, including whether timely access to emergency surgical care, workforce availability, underlying health conditions, or other factors may have contributed to the findings.
"We saw increases across sex, age, region, and geography, which tells us this is not one group of patients or one corner of the country," said Faran Bokhari, MD, MBA, FACS, FCCP, chair of surgery at OSF HealthCare, trauma medical director, and senior author of the abstract. "The next question is why. We need to understand whether gaps in timely access to surgical care, workforce capacity, underlying health, or other factors are driving what we are seeing. That is exactly the kind of question the surgical community should be taking on together."
Co-authors are Samreen Rizwan Shaikh, MD; Arshpreet Kaur, MBBS, MS; Shugofta Aziz, MBBS; and Anoosh Farooqui, MBBS, MPH.
Disclosures: Authors have no relevant disclosures to report.
Citation: Mani V, et al. Failure of Timely Surgical Access? Rising Mortality from Treatable Emergency Conditions in U.S. Working-Age Adults -- a CDC WONDER Analysis 1999-2020; 2018-2024. Scientific Forum, American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Congress 2026.
Note: Research abstracts presented at the ACS Clinical Congress Scientific Forum are reviewed and selected by a program committee but are not yet peer reviewed.
* * *
About the American College of Surgeons
The American College of Surgeons is a scientific and educational organization of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical practice and improve the quality of care for all surgical patients. The College is dedicated to the ethical and competent practice of surgery. Its achievements have significantly influenced the course of scientific surgery in America and have established it as an important advocate for all surgical patients. The College has approximately 95,000 members and is the largest organization of surgeons in the world. "FACS" designates that a surgeon is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.facs.org/media-center/press-releases/2026/deaths-linked-to-treatable-emergency-surgical-conditions-are-rising-in-the-us/
[Category: Medical]
* * *
Deaths Linked to Treatable Emergency Surgical Conditions Are Rising in the US
National death rate was about 50% higher in 2020 than in 1999 and 86% higher in rural communities
September 25, 2026
Key Takeaways
* Death rates associated with three common emergency general surgery conditions, which are rarely fatal when treated promptly, rose about 50% over two decades among U.S. adults ages 18 to 64, according to a national analysis of nearly 20,000 deaths.
* The difference was ... Show Full Article CHICAGO, Illinois, Sept. 26 (TNSxrep) -- The American College of Surgeons issued the following news release: * * * Deaths Linked to Treatable Emergency Surgical Conditions Are Rising in the US National death rate was about 50% higher in 2020 than in 1999 and 86% higher in rural communities September 25, 2026 Key Takeaways * Death rates associated with three common emergency general surgery conditions, which are rarely fatal when treated promptly, rose about 50% over two decades among U.S. adults ages 18 to 64, according to a national analysis of nearly 20,000 deaths. * The difference wasgreater in rural communities, where the death rate was 86% higher in 2020 than in 1999, compared with 49% higher in urban communities.
* Researchers examined deaths involving appendicitis, acute cholecystitis, and abdominal wall hernia with obstruction or gangrene, which are common emergency conditions that typically have low death rates when treated promptly.
* The findings will be presented at the American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress 2026 in Washington, Sept. 26-29.
-
WASHINGTON -- Death rates associated with three common, treatable emergency general surgery conditions rose about 50% among U.S. adults ages 18 to 64 between 1999 and 2020 -- and rose nearly twice as fast in rural communities as in urban ones, according to a national analysis of nearly 20,000 deaths.
The research will be presented at the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Congress 2026 in Washington, Sept. 26-29, where thousands of surgeons will convene to advance surgical quality, patient safety, and access to care.
"These are conditions surgeons treat every day, and patients usually do well when they reach the operating room in time," said Vishnu Mani, MBBS, FACS, first author of the abstract, emergency general surgery medical director, and vice chair of surgery for OSF HealthCare in Peoria, Illinois. "What we found is that more working-age adults are dying with these conditions than two decades ago, which raises important questions about whether patients are getting to surgical care in time, especially in rural communities, and whether workforce shortages or other pressures are contributing."
Study Details
Led by a team at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, researchers analyzed data from the CDC WONDER Multiple Cause of Death database. The analysis included adults ages 18 to 64 whose deaths were associated with appendicitis, acute cholecystitis, or an abdominal wall hernia with obstruction or gangrene. These common emergency general surgery conditions generally have low mortality when treated promptly.
The conditions were documented on death certificates as contributing to the death but were not necessarily the primary cause. As a result, the analysis could not establish that the emergency surgical condition itself caused the death.
Among 19,601 deaths associated with the three emergency surgical conditions included in the analysis:
* The national death rate was about 50% higher in 2020 than in 1999, increasing from 0.4 to 0.6 deaths per 100,000 people. In rural communities, the rate was 86% higher in 2020 than in 1999, compared with 49% higher in urban communities.
* More recent data showed that the number of deaths remained elevated, increasing from 938 in 2021 to 973 in 2024, a 3.7% increase. Deaths increased 6.1% in rural communities compared with 3.2% in metropolitan communities. These figures reflect total deaths rather than population-based death rates.
* Death rates were consistently higher among males than females and increased with age, peaking among adults ages 55 to 64.
The study was not designed to determine what caused the increase or whether timely access to emergency surgical care contributed to the findings. Additionally, the analysis used unadjusted death rates, meaning the findings may not account for changes in the age or other characteristics of the population over time. The COVID-19 pandemic may also have influenced mortality during some years included in the analysis, but the study did not separately evaluate its impact.
Further research is needed to understand what may be driving the increase, including whether timely access to emergency surgical care, workforce availability, underlying health conditions, or other factors may have contributed to the findings.
"We saw increases across sex, age, region, and geography, which tells us this is not one group of patients or one corner of the country," said Faran Bokhari, MD, MBA, FACS, FCCP, chair of surgery at OSF HealthCare, trauma medical director, and senior author of the abstract. "The next question is why. We need to understand whether gaps in timely access to surgical care, workforce capacity, underlying health, or other factors are driving what we are seeing. That is exactly the kind of question the surgical community should be taking on together."
Co-authors are Samreen Rizwan Shaikh, MD; Arshpreet Kaur, MBBS, MS; Shugofta Aziz, MBBS; and Anoosh Farooqui, MBBS, MPH.
Disclosures: Authors have no relevant disclosures to report.
Citation: Mani V, et al. Failure of Timely Surgical Access? Rising Mortality from Treatable Emergency Conditions in U.S. Working-Age Adults -- a CDC WONDER Analysis 1999-2020; 2018-2024. Scientific Forum, American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Congress 2026.
Note: Research abstracts presented at the ACS Clinical Congress Scientific Forum are reviewed and selected by a program committee but are not yet peer reviewed.
* * *
About the American College of Surgeons
The American College of Surgeons is a scientific and educational organization of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical practice and improve the quality of care for all surgical patients. The College is dedicated to the ethical and competent practice of surgery. Its achievements have significantly influenced the course of scientific surgery in America and have established it as an important advocate for all surgical patients. The College has approximately 95,000 members and is the largest organization of surgeons in the world. "FACS" designates that a surgeon is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.facs.org/media-center/press-releases/2026/deaths-linked-to-treatable-emergency-surgical-conditions-are-rising-in-the-us/
[Category: Medical]
American College of Surgeons: Artificial Intelligence Model Predicts Pancreatic Cancer Risk Three Years Before Diagnosis
CHICAGO, Illinois, Sept. 26 (TNSxrep) -- The American College of Surgeons issued the following news release:
* * *
Artificial Intelligence Model Predicts Pancreatic Cancer Risk 3 Years Before Diagnosis
Mayo Clinic researchers found the model reliably separated at-risk from low-risk individuals using routine health records, in findings to be presented at the American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress 2026
September 24, 2026
Key Takeaways
* Pancreatic cancer is relatively rare on a population level but highly fatal because it is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage.
* An artificial ... Show Full Article CHICAGO, Illinois, Sept. 26 (TNSxrep) -- The American College of Surgeons issued the following news release: * * * Artificial Intelligence Model Predicts Pancreatic Cancer Risk 3 Years Before Diagnosis Mayo Clinic researchers found the model reliably separated at-risk from low-risk individuals using routine health records, in findings to be presented at the American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress 2026 September 24, 2026 Key Takeaways * Pancreatic cancer is relatively rare on a population level but highly fatal because it is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage. * An artificialintelligence model that drew on comprehensive health data from nearly 40,000 patients aimed at identifying subtle clues of pancreatic cancer early.
* The model showed a high accuracy to distinguish between people at risk for pancreatic cancer and those with low risk up to three years before diagnosis.
* These findings will be presented at the American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress 2026 in Washington, Sept. 26-29.
-
WASHINGTON -- Researchers at Mayo Clinic have designed an artificial intelligence model that can potentially predict an individual's risk of developing pancreatic cancer years before diagnosis.
The research will be presented at the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Congress 2026 in Washington, Sept. 26-29, where thousands of surgeons will convene to advance surgical quality, patient safety, and access to care.
Pancreatic cancer is relatively rare but highly deadly, with about 67,000 new diagnoses and 52,000 deaths in 2026, according to the American Cancer Society. Its share of cancer deaths is outsized: pancreatic cancer accounts for about 3% of all new cancers but 8% of all cancer deaths.
"Pancreatic cancer can be curable, but only when we catch it early -- and fewer than one in five patients is diagnosed in time," said study co-author Cornelius Thiels, DO, MBA, FACS, a surgical oncologist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. "As a result, survival for many patients is still measured in months, not years."
Unfortunately, universal screening for pancreatic cancer isn't feasible, Dr. Thiels said, so his team set out to develop an AI model that can identify patients at greatest risk of developing cancer of the pancreas.
"We know that pancreatic cancer forms over five to seven years, but the things that a clinician or patient sees don't happen until it's too late," he said.
The model Dr. Thiels, lead study author Chris Varghese, MBChB, and their team developed used individual patients' longitudinal health history -- essentially the detailed, comprehensive patient information in a patient's electronic health record to get a full picture of a patient's health over time -- from the Mayo Clinic system. The model combined that data with results of routine laboratory tests obtained over an average of a decade or more.
The study dataset included 6,066 individuals with pancreatic cancer and 33,396 controls with 7.5 to 19 years of clinical histories. The goal was to identify subtle clues that could point to a risk of pancreatic cancer early on, Dr. Thiels said.
To test the model's effectiveness at predicting pancreatic cancer three years prior to diagnosis, the researchers calculated area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve to distinguish between people at risk for pancreatic cancer and those with low risk. The AUROC was 0.853, on a scale where 1.0 would represent perfect discrimination and 0.5 would be no better than chance. The model also showed a strong ability to identify patients truly at risk while limiting false positives, with an area under the precision-recall curve (AUPRC) of 0.712.
The study also showed the model was well calibrated on the calibration curve, a measure of how closely a model's predicted risk matches what actually happens, with a calibration plot slope of 1.08. "Our model showed that a greater than 50% risk of pancreas cancer predicted by our model indicated an 88% likelihood of being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in one year," said Dr. Varghese, a surgical data scientist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester.
"We built this to be as generalizable, scalable, and easy to put into practice as possible," Dr. Varghese added. The data inputs the model relies on are captured almost universally in hospital systems worldwide, Dr. Varghese said. "If it's shown to work, it could be used in almost any setting," he added.
The researchers are deploying the model on a research basis, Dr. Thiels said. "We're proving that we can move this from a retrospective research tool into our clinical environment and run it prospectively for validation," he said.
They are also working to further validate the model within Mayo prospectively and, this year, at a non-Mayo system, Dr. Thiels said. "We are also working on developing more advanced machine learning architectures, which appear to improve the performance even more," he added.
Study co-authors with Dr. Thiels and Dr. Varghese are Leo Yan Li-Han, PhD; Tanios S. Bekaii-Saab, MD; Richa Bisht, MD; Ajit H. Goenka, MD; John D. Halamka, MD, MS; Ellen L. Larson, MD; Frank G. Lee, MD; Michael L. Kendrick, MD, FACS; Shounak Majumder, MD; Hojjat Salehinejad, PhD; and Mark J. Truty, MD, MS.
Disclosures: Authors have no disclosures to report.
Citation: Varghese C, et al. Enabling Digital Screening for Pancreatic Cancer using Artificial Intelligence Analysis of Disease Trajectories. Scientific Forum, American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Congress 2026.
Note: Research abstracts presented at the ACS Clinical Congress Scientific Forum are reviewed and selected by a program committee but are not yet peer reviewed.
* * *
About the American College of Surgeons
The American College of Surgeons is a scientific and educational organization of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical practice and improve the quality of care for all surgical patients. The College is dedicated to the ethical and competent practice of surgery. Its achievements have significantly influenced the course of scientific surgery in America and have established it as an important advocate for all surgical patients. The College has approximately 95,000 members and is the largest organization of surgeons in the world. "FACS" designates that a surgeon is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.facs.org/media-center/press-releases/2026/artificial-intelligence-model-predicts-pancreatic-cancer-risk-3-years-before-diagnosis/
[Category: Medical]
* * *
Artificial Intelligence Model Predicts Pancreatic Cancer Risk 3 Years Before Diagnosis
Mayo Clinic researchers found the model reliably separated at-risk from low-risk individuals using routine health records, in findings to be presented at the American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress 2026
September 24, 2026
Key Takeaways
* Pancreatic cancer is relatively rare on a population level but highly fatal because it is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage.
* An artificial ... Show Full Article CHICAGO, Illinois, Sept. 26 (TNSxrep) -- The American College of Surgeons issued the following news release: * * * Artificial Intelligence Model Predicts Pancreatic Cancer Risk 3 Years Before Diagnosis Mayo Clinic researchers found the model reliably separated at-risk from low-risk individuals using routine health records, in findings to be presented at the American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress 2026 September 24, 2026 Key Takeaways * Pancreatic cancer is relatively rare on a population level but highly fatal because it is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage. * An artificialintelligence model that drew on comprehensive health data from nearly 40,000 patients aimed at identifying subtle clues of pancreatic cancer early.
* The model showed a high accuracy to distinguish between people at risk for pancreatic cancer and those with low risk up to three years before diagnosis.
* These findings will be presented at the American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress 2026 in Washington, Sept. 26-29.
-
WASHINGTON -- Researchers at Mayo Clinic have designed an artificial intelligence model that can potentially predict an individual's risk of developing pancreatic cancer years before diagnosis.
The research will be presented at the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Congress 2026 in Washington, Sept. 26-29, where thousands of surgeons will convene to advance surgical quality, patient safety, and access to care.
Pancreatic cancer is relatively rare but highly deadly, with about 67,000 new diagnoses and 52,000 deaths in 2026, according to the American Cancer Society. Its share of cancer deaths is outsized: pancreatic cancer accounts for about 3% of all new cancers but 8% of all cancer deaths.
"Pancreatic cancer can be curable, but only when we catch it early -- and fewer than one in five patients is diagnosed in time," said study co-author Cornelius Thiels, DO, MBA, FACS, a surgical oncologist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. "As a result, survival for many patients is still measured in months, not years."
Unfortunately, universal screening for pancreatic cancer isn't feasible, Dr. Thiels said, so his team set out to develop an AI model that can identify patients at greatest risk of developing cancer of the pancreas.
"We know that pancreatic cancer forms over five to seven years, but the things that a clinician or patient sees don't happen until it's too late," he said.
The model Dr. Thiels, lead study author Chris Varghese, MBChB, and their team developed used individual patients' longitudinal health history -- essentially the detailed, comprehensive patient information in a patient's electronic health record to get a full picture of a patient's health over time -- from the Mayo Clinic system. The model combined that data with results of routine laboratory tests obtained over an average of a decade or more.
The study dataset included 6,066 individuals with pancreatic cancer and 33,396 controls with 7.5 to 19 years of clinical histories. The goal was to identify subtle clues that could point to a risk of pancreatic cancer early on, Dr. Thiels said.
To test the model's effectiveness at predicting pancreatic cancer three years prior to diagnosis, the researchers calculated area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve to distinguish between people at risk for pancreatic cancer and those with low risk. The AUROC was 0.853, on a scale where 1.0 would represent perfect discrimination and 0.5 would be no better than chance. The model also showed a strong ability to identify patients truly at risk while limiting false positives, with an area under the precision-recall curve (AUPRC) of 0.712.
The study also showed the model was well calibrated on the calibration curve, a measure of how closely a model's predicted risk matches what actually happens, with a calibration plot slope of 1.08. "Our model showed that a greater than 50% risk of pancreas cancer predicted by our model indicated an 88% likelihood of being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in one year," said Dr. Varghese, a surgical data scientist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester.
"We built this to be as generalizable, scalable, and easy to put into practice as possible," Dr. Varghese added. The data inputs the model relies on are captured almost universally in hospital systems worldwide, Dr. Varghese said. "If it's shown to work, it could be used in almost any setting," he added.
The researchers are deploying the model on a research basis, Dr. Thiels said. "We're proving that we can move this from a retrospective research tool into our clinical environment and run it prospectively for validation," he said.
They are also working to further validate the model within Mayo prospectively and, this year, at a non-Mayo system, Dr. Thiels said. "We are also working on developing more advanced machine learning architectures, which appear to improve the performance even more," he added.
Study co-authors with Dr. Thiels and Dr. Varghese are Leo Yan Li-Han, PhD; Tanios S. Bekaii-Saab, MD; Richa Bisht, MD; Ajit H. Goenka, MD; John D. Halamka, MD, MS; Ellen L. Larson, MD; Frank G. Lee, MD; Michael L. Kendrick, MD, FACS; Shounak Majumder, MD; Hojjat Salehinejad, PhD; and Mark J. Truty, MD, MS.
Disclosures: Authors have no disclosures to report.
Citation: Varghese C, et al. Enabling Digital Screening for Pancreatic Cancer using Artificial Intelligence Analysis of Disease Trajectories. Scientific Forum, American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Congress 2026.
Note: Research abstracts presented at the ACS Clinical Congress Scientific Forum are reviewed and selected by a program committee but are not yet peer reviewed.
* * *
About the American College of Surgeons
The American College of Surgeons is a scientific and educational organization of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical practice and improve the quality of care for all surgical patients. The College is dedicated to the ethical and competent practice of surgery. Its achievements have significantly influenced the course of scientific surgery in America and have established it as an important advocate for all surgical patients. The College has approximately 95,000 members and is the largest organization of surgeons in the world. "FACS" designates that a surgeon is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.facs.org/media-center/press-releases/2026/artificial-intelligence-model-predicts-pancreatic-cancer-risk-3-years-before-diagnosis/
[Category: Medical]
American College of Surgeons: Appendectomy for Appendicitis Associated With 58% Lower Colorectal Cancer Risk Than Antibiotics Alone
CHICAGO, Illinois, Sept. 26 (TNSxrep) -- The American College of Surgeons issued the following news release:
* * *
Appendectomy for Appendicitis Associated with 58% Lower Colorectal Cancer Risk Than Antibiotics Alone
In a matched study of more than 30,000 patients, colorectal cancer was later diagnosed in 0.7% of those who had surgery for acute appendicitis compared with 1.7% of those treated with antibiotics alone
September 25, 2026
Key Takeaways
* In a matched cohort of more than 30,000 appendicitis patients, appendectomy was associated with a 58% lower relative risk of a later colorectal ... Show Full Article CHICAGO, Illinois, Sept. 26 (TNSxrep) -- The American College of Surgeons issued the following news release: * * * Appendectomy for Appendicitis Associated with 58% Lower Colorectal Cancer Risk Than Antibiotics Alone In a matched study of more than 30,000 patients, colorectal cancer was later diagnosed in 0.7% of those who had surgery for acute appendicitis compared with 1.7% of those treated with antibiotics alone September 25, 2026 Key Takeaways * In a matched cohort of more than 30,000 appendicitis patients, appendectomy was associated with a 58% lower relative risk of a later colorectalcancer diagnosis (0.7% vs. 1.7%).
* Age, family history, genetic predisposition, and other established colorectal cancer risk factors may ultimately help inform patient selection and follow-up.
* Exact mechanisms behind the association are unknown, but could be tied to earlier detection of an underlying cancer, removal of a source of inflammation, and the appendix's potential role in the intestinal microbiome and immune system.
* The findings will be presented at the American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress 2026 in Washington, Sept. 26-29.
-
WASHINGTON -- Patients who underwent an appendectomy for acute appendicitis had a significantly lower subsequent risk of colorectal cancer than similar patients treated with antibiotics alone, according to new research.
The research will be presented at the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Congress 2026 in Washington, Sept. 26-29, where thousands of surgeons will convene to advance surgical quality, patient safety, and access to care.
Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix, a small, narrow organ located near the junction of the small and large intestines. The removal of the appendix, or appendectomy, is one of the most common surgeries in the United States. In select patients, appendicitis can also be managed with antibiotics rather than surgery.
"The management of acute appendicitis has changed significantly over the last decade, and antibiotic therapy is now an accepted option," said senior author Valentine Nfonsam, MD, MS, FACS, FASCRS, professor and executive vice chair of the department of surgery at Morehouse School of Medicine. "However, most of the discussion has focused on short-term outcomes: avoiding surgery, recurrence, complications, and quality of life. We wanted to ask a different question: Are there potential long-term oncologic implications of leaving the appendix in place after appendicitis?"
Researchers performed a retrospective cohort study using the TriNetX Global Collaborative Network, which included data from 168 health care organizations. The investigators identified patients diagnosed with acute appendicitis who were treated with either an appendectomy or antibiotics alone.
After matching the groups by characteristics, each treatment group included 15,774 patients. Once patients with a colorectal cancer diagnosis before the study's outcome period were excluded, there were 15,616 appendectomy patients and 15,295 patients treated with antibiotics.
Using retrospective data, the researchers found that colorectal cancer was diagnosed in 110 patients who underwent appendectomy, or 0.7%, compared with 254 patients treated with antibiotics alone, or 1.7%. Appendectomy was associated with a 58% lower relative risk of a subsequent colorectal cancer diagnosis.
"These results should not be interpreted to mean that everyone with appendicitis needs an appendectomy to prevent cancer," Dr. Nfonsam said. "Antibiotic management remains an important option. But when we discuss nonoperative management, we should also think beyond the immediate episode of appendicitis and consider potential long-term oncologic risk and appropriate monitoring."
"Useless" Organ or Small but Mighty?
The appendix was once widely viewed as a useless organ, simply a leftover from evolution. Emerging research, however, suggests that it may play a role in the intestinal immune system and the gut microbiome, the community of bacteria and other microorganisms living in the digestive tract.
According to Dr. Nfonsam, the appendix contains a substantial amount of lymphoid tissue that is thought to contribute to immune system functioning. Changes in inflammation and the microbial environment have been linked to processes involved in colorectal cancer, so the appendix's biological functions represent one possible area for further investigation.
The authors say that an inflamed appendix could be a symptom of a larger problem in the digestive system, such as colorectal cancer. Removing the appendix gives surgeons a chance to examine the health of the digestive system directly and eliminates a source of inflammation.
"The appendix is more than a vestigial organ," said Dr. Nfonsam. "It is rich in lymphoid tissue and participates in the intestinal microbiome and immune system in that area. Whether persistent inflammation or changes in the local microbial environment contribute to the development of cancer is biologically plausible, but our study cannot answer that question."
In some patients, appendicitis may be an early sign of an undiagnosed colorectal cancer rather than a cause of a future cancer. For example, an occult right-sided colorectal tumor may obstruct drainage from the appendix and initially present as acute appendicitis.
Appendectomy also allows the removed appendix to undergo pathologic examination. Findings from that examination may prompt additional diagnostic testing. Patients treated with antibiotics alone do not have the same immediate opportunity for tissue analysis.
"Treatment should not be one size fits all," Dr. Nfonsam said. "Age, genetic predisposition, family history, and other colorectal cancer risk factors may all be relevant as we study how to select patients and plan follow-up."
Co-authors are Meghana Akula, BS; Syed Fahad Gillani, MD; Miriannie Rivera Valerio, MD, MS; Ahmad Zeineddin, MD; Cassie Bowers, BS; Miriam Michael, MD; Quyen D. Chu, MD, MBA, FACS; Christine E. Nembhard, MD, FACS; and May C. Tee, MD, MPH, FACS.
Disclosures: Authors have no disclosures to report.
Citation: Akula M, et al. Risk of Colorectal Cancer Following Appendectomy. Scientific Forum, American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Congress 2026.
Note: Research abstracts presented at the ACS Clinical Congress Scientific Forum are reviewed and selected by a program committee but are not yet peer reviewed.
* * *
About the American College of Surgeons
The American College of Surgeons is a scientific and educational organization of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical practice and improve the quality of care for all surgical patients. The College is dedicated to the ethical and competent practice of surgery. Its achievements have significantly influenced the course of scientific surgery in America and have established it as an important advocate for all surgical patients. The College has approximately 95,000 members and is the largest organization of surgeons in the world. "FACS" designates that a surgeon is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.facs.org/media-center/press-releases/2026/appendectomy-for-appendicitis-associated-with-58-lower-colorectal-cancer-risk-than-antibiotics-alone/
[Category: Medical]
* * *
Appendectomy for Appendicitis Associated with 58% Lower Colorectal Cancer Risk Than Antibiotics Alone
In a matched study of more than 30,000 patients, colorectal cancer was later diagnosed in 0.7% of those who had surgery for acute appendicitis compared with 1.7% of those treated with antibiotics alone
September 25, 2026
Key Takeaways
* In a matched cohort of more than 30,000 appendicitis patients, appendectomy was associated with a 58% lower relative risk of a later colorectal ... Show Full Article CHICAGO, Illinois, Sept. 26 (TNSxrep) -- The American College of Surgeons issued the following news release: * * * Appendectomy for Appendicitis Associated with 58% Lower Colorectal Cancer Risk Than Antibiotics Alone In a matched study of more than 30,000 patients, colorectal cancer was later diagnosed in 0.7% of those who had surgery for acute appendicitis compared with 1.7% of those treated with antibiotics alone September 25, 2026 Key Takeaways * In a matched cohort of more than 30,000 appendicitis patients, appendectomy was associated with a 58% lower relative risk of a later colorectalcancer diagnosis (0.7% vs. 1.7%).
* Age, family history, genetic predisposition, and other established colorectal cancer risk factors may ultimately help inform patient selection and follow-up.
* Exact mechanisms behind the association are unknown, but could be tied to earlier detection of an underlying cancer, removal of a source of inflammation, and the appendix's potential role in the intestinal microbiome and immune system.
* The findings will be presented at the American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress 2026 in Washington, Sept. 26-29.
-
WASHINGTON -- Patients who underwent an appendectomy for acute appendicitis had a significantly lower subsequent risk of colorectal cancer than similar patients treated with antibiotics alone, according to new research.
The research will be presented at the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Congress 2026 in Washington, Sept. 26-29, where thousands of surgeons will convene to advance surgical quality, patient safety, and access to care.
Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix, a small, narrow organ located near the junction of the small and large intestines. The removal of the appendix, or appendectomy, is one of the most common surgeries in the United States. In select patients, appendicitis can also be managed with antibiotics rather than surgery.
"The management of acute appendicitis has changed significantly over the last decade, and antibiotic therapy is now an accepted option," said senior author Valentine Nfonsam, MD, MS, FACS, FASCRS, professor and executive vice chair of the department of surgery at Morehouse School of Medicine. "However, most of the discussion has focused on short-term outcomes: avoiding surgery, recurrence, complications, and quality of life. We wanted to ask a different question: Are there potential long-term oncologic implications of leaving the appendix in place after appendicitis?"
Researchers performed a retrospective cohort study using the TriNetX Global Collaborative Network, which included data from 168 health care organizations. The investigators identified patients diagnosed with acute appendicitis who were treated with either an appendectomy or antibiotics alone.
After matching the groups by characteristics, each treatment group included 15,774 patients. Once patients with a colorectal cancer diagnosis before the study's outcome period were excluded, there were 15,616 appendectomy patients and 15,295 patients treated with antibiotics.
Using retrospective data, the researchers found that colorectal cancer was diagnosed in 110 patients who underwent appendectomy, or 0.7%, compared with 254 patients treated with antibiotics alone, or 1.7%. Appendectomy was associated with a 58% lower relative risk of a subsequent colorectal cancer diagnosis.
"These results should not be interpreted to mean that everyone with appendicitis needs an appendectomy to prevent cancer," Dr. Nfonsam said. "Antibiotic management remains an important option. But when we discuss nonoperative management, we should also think beyond the immediate episode of appendicitis and consider potential long-term oncologic risk and appropriate monitoring."
"Useless" Organ or Small but Mighty?
The appendix was once widely viewed as a useless organ, simply a leftover from evolution. Emerging research, however, suggests that it may play a role in the intestinal immune system and the gut microbiome, the community of bacteria and other microorganisms living in the digestive tract.
According to Dr. Nfonsam, the appendix contains a substantial amount of lymphoid tissue that is thought to contribute to immune system functioning. Changes in inflammation and the microbial environment have been linked to processes involved in colorectal cancer, so the appendix's biological functions represent one possible area for further investigation.
The authors say that an inflamed appendix could be a symptom of a larger problem in the digestive system, such as colorectal cancer. Removing the appendix gives surgeons a chance to examine the health of the digestive system directly and eliminates a source of inflammation.
"The appendix is more than a vestigial organ," said Dr. Nfonsam. "It is rich in lymphoid tissue and participates in the intestinal microbiome and immune system in that area. Whether persistent inflammation or changes in the local microbial environment contribute to the development of cancer is biologically plausible, but our study cannot answer that question."
In some patients, appendicitis may be an early sign of an undiagnosed colorectal cancer rather than a cause of a future cancer. For example, an occult right-sided colorectal tumor may obstruct drainage from the appendix and initially present as acute appendicitis.
Appendectomy also allows the removed appendix to undergo pathologic examination. Findings from that examination may prompt additional diagnostic testing. Patients treated with antibiotics alone do not have the same immediate opportunity for tissue analysis.
"Treatment should not be one size fits all," Dr. Nfonsam said. "Age, genetic predisposition, family history, and other colorectal cancer risk factors may all be relevant as we study how to select patients and plan follow-up."
Co-authors are Meghana Akula, BS; Syed Fahad Gillani, MD; Miriannie Rivera Valerio, MD, MS; Ahmad Zeineddin, MD; Cassie Bowers, BS; Miriam Michael, MD; Quyen D. Chu, MD, MBA, FACS; Christine E. Nembhard, MD, FACS; and May C. Tee, MD, MPH, FACS.
Disclosures: Authors have no disclosures to report.
Citation: Akula M, et al. Risk of Colorectal Cancer Following Appendectomy. Scientific Forum, American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Congress 2026.
Note: Research abstracts presented at the ACS Clinical Congress Scientific Forum are reviewed and selected by a program committee but are not yet peer reviewed.
* * *
About the American College of Surgeons
The American College of Surgeons is a scientific and educational organization of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical practice and improve the quality of care for all surgical patients. The College is dedicated to the ethical and competent practice of surgery. Its achievements have significantly influenced the course of scientific surgery in America and have established it as an important advocate for all surgical patients. The College has approximately 95,000 members and is the largest organization of surgeons in the world. "FACS" designates that a surgeon is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.facs.org/media-center/press-releases/2026/appendectomy-for-appendicitis-associated-with-58-lower-colorectal-cancer-risk-than-antibiotics-alone/
[Category: Medical]