A Mentorship-Based Surgery Clerkship (MBSC) significantly enhances medical students’ surgical experiences, confidence, and perceptions. In a nonrandomized trial with 84 participants, MBSC students reported increased confidence in surgical skills, positive perceptions of surgeons, and greater interest in pursuing surgery compared to the non-mentored group. The innovative program positively impacted students’ perceived meaningfulness, surgeon qualities, and […]
Author: STITCHES Newsletter
US Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgeon Supply Surpasses Demand
Examining 1998-2019 data, this study unveils a potential surplus in the supply of hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) surgeons in the US. In 2019, 37,335 inpatient HPB procedures occurred, with an estimated 905-1191 practicing HPB surgeons. Factoring in centralization and volume-outcome benchmarks, the study projects a possible oversupply by 2030. Without adjustments, the data suggests a risk of […]
Advancing Rectal Cancer Care: Safe Implementation of a Stent-Assisted Ileal Bypass
In a study spanning January 2022 to January 2023, researchers explored the safety and viability of a pioneering stent-assisted ileal bypass for individuals undergoing sphincter-preserving surgery for rectal cancer. With 11 successful cases, the innovative approach, involving a biofragmentable ileal stent and diversion tube, proved safe and feasible. Results indicated potential benefits, including the avoidance […]
Laparoscopic Liver Tunnel for Hepatocaval Confluence Tumors
Researchers present a groundbreaking laparoscopic liver tunnel technique for tumors at the hepatocaval confluence, expanding parenchyma-sparing surgery possibilities. A case study involving synchronous colorectal liver metastases demonstrates the feasibility of this approach, allowing resection of ill-located tumors with complex vascular relationships through minimally invasive means. The method significantly enhances the scope of liver surgery, particularly […]
Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: ASO Guidelines on Surgical and Multimodal Management
Addressing the aggressive nature of pancreatic adenocarcinoma, this study outlines ASO practice guidelines for surgical and multimodal management. Focusing on resectable, borderline resectable, and locally advanced cases, the guidelines aim to equip surgical oncologists with current recommendations. By delving into the supporting data, the study provides a comprehensive framework for effectively managing pancreatic adenocarcinoma, emphasizing […]
Grant Rejection: Strategies for Success and Funding
In addressing the common challenge of rejected grants, researchers explore the crucial decision between revising and resubmitting. With only about 15% of initial submissions securing funding, the study emphasizes a success rate exceeding 30% with proper revision strategies. Recommendations include collaborative consultation, hypothesis modification, and crafting a concise introduction. The article guides investigators through post-rejection […]
Neoadjuvant Therapy Impact on Pancreatic Cancer: Fibrotic Response Variation and Survival Associations
Examining pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cases (1991-2020) with neoadjuvant treatment (NAT), this study categorizes fibrotic responses and explores their links to different NAT strategies (chemotherapy, chemoradiation, or total neoadjuvant therapy, TNT). Major fibrosis, most prevalent in TNT cases, correlates with superior outcomes, including higher rates of downstaging, complete responses, favorable margins, and improved overall and […]
Enhancing Surgical Ergonomics: Literature Review and Practical Illustrations for Open, Laparoscopic, and Robotic-Assisted Surgery
Addressing the high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in surgery, this study reviews existing literature on surgical ergonomics. Collaborating with surgeons, the researchers create practical pictorial reminders for open, laparoscopic, and robotic-assisted surgical settings. These illustrations, derived from evidence-based ergonomic recommendations, are evaluated for practicality by residents and surgeons. The resulting visual guidelines aim to […]
Surgeon Leadership Impact on Teamwork: Utilizing Surgical Safety Checklist for Enhanced Communication
Investigating the surgeon’s role in teamwork, this study explores the effectiveness of the Surgical Safety Checklist (SSC) in practice. Through interviews with operating room staff, engaged use of the SSC by attending surgeons emerged as a crucial factor. Surgeons actively employing the checklist to foster group discussion improved intraoperative teamwork, preventing later tensions. The study […]
Refining Training Guidelines for Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Safety Assessment: Expert Perspectives on “Unsafe” Practices
A multinational study involving 11 expert laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgeons aimed to enhance the Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Critical View of Safety (LC-CVS OPSA). By analyzing ratings of “unsafe” practices, the study identified three major categories: failure to achieve critical view, suboptimal technique despite safe completion, and safe completion with potential future risks. Findings informed modifications to enhance […]