Robotic novices showed comparable improvements in tissue handling skills after both virtual reality (VR) and robotic system training. However, participants required significantly fewer repetitions to reach proficiency in tasks when trained on the robotic system compared to the VR simulator. This suggests that while VR training is effective, training on a real robotic system may […]
Author: STITCHES Newsletter
Robotic gastrectomy versus laparoscopic gastrectomy in overweight patients with gastric cancer
Robotic gastrectomy provided comparable outcomes to laparoscopic gastrectomy in overweight patients with gastric cancer, including similar blood loss, complication rates, postoperative recovery, lymph node dissection, and oncologic outcomes. Both groups had similar initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy, overall survival, and disease-free survival at 3 years. Robotic gastrectomy may be a reliable option for this patient population. […]
Shorter Operative Times and Hospital Stays with 3D Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery Compared to 2D.
Six studies with 629 patients compared 2D and 3D laparoscopic bariatric surgery. 3D laparoscopy showed significantly shorter operative times and hospital stays during gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy procedures. It also indicated potential benefits in preventing complications. Surgeons may find 3D laparoscopy advantageous in bariatric surgery despite limited evidence. Review by Peltrini R, Esposito MD […]
Extraverted Surgical Residency Applicants Receive Higher 360-Degree Evaluations.
Extraversion was significantly correlated with higher 360-degree assessment scores among surgical residency applicants. Personality profiles of applicants showed higher ratings in emotional stability, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness compared to the norm. However, these assessments did not correlate with objective measures of technical skill using laparoscopic simulators. Objective measures should be incorporated in assessments alongside personality […]
More Negative Lymph Nodes Correlate with Better Gastric Cancer Prognosis.
Expanding loco-regional nodes harvesting expected to increase survival in gastric cancer patients. Results from 830 patients undergoing gastrectomy show extended lymphadenectomies lead to better overall survival. Simulation to “offer 26 nodes” reveals no significant impact of stage migration. The number of negative nodes, even in large dissections, emerges as an independent prognostic factor, emphasizing their […]
Recommendations for Surgery in Advanced Small Bowel Neuroendocrine Tumours
Experts from the European Society of Endocrine Surgeons provide evidence-based recommendations for surgery in advanced small bowel neuroendocrine tumours, addressing key controversial topics such as primary tumour resection, cytoreduction, lymph node clearance, and management of unknown primary tumours. The recommendations, based on a systematic literature review of 84 papers due to lack of randomized controlled […]
Three-Year Outcomes of Oral Antibiotics vs Intravenous and Oral Antibiotics for Uncomplicated Acute Appendicitis
Current short-term evidence suggests that oral antibiotics alone can successfully treat uncomplicated acute appendicitis. A study comparing oral antibiotic monotherapy with combined IV and oral antibiotics over a longer-term follow-up found no significant difference in treatment success rate at year 3. While a slightly higher appendectomy rate was observed with oral antibiotic monotherapy, noninferiority could […]
Effectiveness of Outpatient Follow-Up in Reducing Emergency Department Use and Readmission after Trauma
After traumatic injury, a study found that outpatient follow-up did not significantly decrease emergency department visits or readmission rates. Factors associated with increased emergency department use included non-white race, depression, anxiety, substance use disorder, discharge disposition, and being discharged with lines or drains. Future research should focus on supporting trauma patients with mental health comorbidities […]
Impact of Placebo Control in Randomized Trials of Procedural Interventions
Placebo-controlled trials of procedural interventions showed reduced effectiveness compared to unblinded trials for exercise-related outcomes, quality of life, and health professional-assessed endpoints. The placebo effect explained a substantial portion of the observed effect size differences. No significant differences were found for patient-reported outcomes, blood pressure, mortality, pain, or recurrent bleeding events. The study emphasizes the […]
Nonoperative management of traumatic bile duct injury with endoscopic stent placement.
Endoscopic stent placement is a viable option for traumatic bile duct injury, with a success rate of 70%. In patients with complete bile duct transection, approximately 60% can avoid surgery by implementing this nonoperative approach. Adverse events related to stent placement were minimal, suggesting that endoscopic management is a promising alternative to surgery in selected […]