Globally, acute appendicitis has an estimated lifetime risk of 7–8%. However, there are numerous controversies surrounding the management of acute appendicitis, and the best treatment approach depends on patient characteristics. Non-operative management (NOM), which involves the utilization of antibiotics and aggressive intravenous hydration, and surgical appendectomy are valid treatment options for healthy adults. NOM is also ideal for poor surgical candidates. Another important consideration is the timing of surgery, i.e., the role of interval appendectomy (IA) and the possibility of delaying surgery for a few hours on index admission. IA refers to surgical removal of the appendix 8–12 weeks after the initial diagnosis of appendicitis. It is ideal in patients with a contained appendiceal perforation on initial presentation, wherein an initial nonoperative approach is preferred. Furthermore, IA can help distinguish malignant and non-malignant causes of acute appendicitis, while reducing the risk of recurrence. On the contrary, a decision to delay appendectomy for a few hours on index admission should be made based on the patients’ baseline health status and severity of appendicitis. Post-operatively, surgical drain placement may help reduce postoperative complications; however, it carries an increased risk of drain occlusion, fistula formation, and paralytic ileus. Furthermore, one of the most critical aspects of appendectomy is the closure of the appendiceal stump, which can be achieved with the help of endoclips, sutures, staples, and endoloops. In this review, we discuss different aspects of management of acute appendicitis, current controversies in management, and the potential role of endoscopic appendectomy as a future treatment option.

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are a significant vascular pathology in older adults, often asymptomatic but with high mortality upon rupture. Despite advancements in diagnostic imaging and surgical interventions, AAAs remain a public health concern. This research letter analyzed CDC WONDER data on AAA-related deaths (ICD-10 I71.3 and I71.4) among US adults aged 65+ from 1999 to 2020. Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) and annual percent change (APC) were calculated by year, gender, age group, race/ethnicity, geography, and urbanization status. Between 1999 and 2020, there were 180,037 reported deaths in older adults due to AAA. The overall AAMR decreased from 32.6 to 13.2 per 100,000, with a significant decline from 2014 to 2020 (APC: −1.66; 95% CI: −2.48 to −0.48). Older men had a significantly higher AAMR than older women (31.2 vs. 12). Among racial and ethnic groups, Non-Hispanic (NH) Whites had the highest AAMR at 21.7, followed by NH American Indian or Alaska Native (14.5), NH Black (12.6), NH Asian or Pacific Islander (10.1), and Hispanic populations (8.4). Additionally, non-metropolitan areas exhibited higher AAMRs compared to metropolitan areas (23.9 vs. 18.7). While mortality rates have declined, disparities remain, with higher rates among older men, NH Whites, and non-metropolitan residents, highlighting the need for targeted and equitable interventions. Export

Background: Cardiogenic shock (CS) is a severe complication of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) with high mortality rates. While mechanical circulatory support devices like intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) and Impella are used to manage CS, their comparative effectiveness remains unclear. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Impella in the treatment of AMI-associated CS. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed across PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar, SCOPUS, and Web of Science. The primary efficacy endpoint was 6-month all-cause mortality. Secondary efficacy endpoints included 30-day mortality, major bleeding, limb ischemia, sepsis, and left ventricular ejection fraction. Pooled odds ratios (OR) and standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using the random-effects model via Revman version 5.4. Statistical significance was determined at P < .05. Results: Four RCTs with a total of 442 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled analysis showed that the odds of 6-month all-cause mortality were significantly lower with Impella compared to standard of care (OR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.43–0.95; P value: .03). However, 30-day mortality reported no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups (OR: 1.03; 95% CI: 0.43–2.48; P = .95). Our analysis found that the use of impella is associated with a statistically significant increase in the odds of major bleeding (OR: 3.61; 95% CI: 1.14–11.40; P = .03), limb ischemia (OR: 4.91; 95% CI: 1.37–17.59; P = .01), and sepsis (OR: 2.75; 95% CI: 1.25–6.08; P = .01). No statistical significance was found in left ventricular ejection fraction at follow-up between the 2 groups (SMD: −0.35; 95% CI: −0.78 to 0.07; P = .11). Conclusion: Impella significantly reduces 6-month all-cause mortality in patients with CS following AMI compared to standard of care. However, this survival benefit is offset by a substantial increase in major bleeding, limb ischemia, and sepsis risks associated with Impella. Future large scale trials are needed to validate these findings and refine clinical guidelines for the optimal use of Impella in treating CS.

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Vasomotor symptoms (VMS) are a common and distressing experience during menopause, affecting a significant portion of women. Hormone therapy (HT) has been the traditional treatment, but its limitations and potential risks have led to the search foar non‐hormonal alternatives. Recently, the FDA approved Veozah (Fezolinetant) as a promising nonhormonal solution for moderate to severe VMS in menopause. Veozah, an innovative neurokinin 3 (NK3) receptor antagonist, targets the disrupted thermoregulation underlying VMS. It modulates neural activity within the thermoregulatory center by crossing the blood‐brain barrier, offering relief from hot flashes and night sweats. Clinical trials, including SKYLIGHT 1TM, SKYLIGHT 2TM, and SKYLIGHT 4TM, have established Fezolinemtant's efficacy and safety profile. The recommended dosage of one 45 mg tablet per day demonstrates proportional pharmacokinetics, with generally mild side effects that require regular monitoring. Fezolinetant's oral availability makes it a convenient and accessible option for women seeking relief from VMS, potentially improving their overall well‐being.