Biotissue models improve psychomotor skills for abdominal surgery training, crucial for surgical proficiency. Repeated practice with biotissue models cut operative time by 7.5 minutes (p < 0.0001). Objective skill assessment scores (OSATS) increased by 4.41 points (p < 0.0001). Incorporating these models into training curricula could offer an effective and budget-friendly solution for laparoscopic and […]

A new scheduling system significantly reduces waiting times for surgeries, enhancing efficiency and patient care. ORCAL cut average waiting times by 7.5 days overall, with grade 1 cases seeing a reduction of 12.3 days. Total operative days dropped from 521 to 417, while surgical time per day increased from 462.4 to 488.1 minutes. This means […]

Junior surgical oncologists face significant challenges in contract negotiation and compensation, affecting retention and workplace culture. 79% have a guaranteed salary for a median of 3 years, but most shift to productivity-based compensation. 25% are considering leaving their practice within a year; this jumps to nearly 80% if they feel their pay is unfair. Perceived […]

Multimodal prehabilitation may not significantly impact postoperative immune function, but it leads to a less inflammatory state before surgery. 130 patients studied: 102 received prehabilitation, 28 usual care. Pro-inflammatory cytokine production decreased, while IL-10 levels increased after prehabilitation. Consider prehabilitation for optimizing patients pre-surgery, but be cautious of its limited postoperative immune benefits. No significant […]

Surgeons must recognize that perceptions of sexual misconduct in surgical environments differ drastically among colleagues, impacting workplace culture and safety. 742 surgeons reported conflicting experiences; some saw minimal issues while others described pervasive harassment and inaction. The lateral view x-ray theory suggests awareness of misconduct depends on one’s exposure and experiences—those less affected are often […]

Robotic gastrojejunal anastomosis decreases surgeon cognitive workload while maintaining technical precision in bariatric surgery. Robotic platform significantly lowers surgeon frustration (p = 0.03) and cognitive load scores in primary (p = 0.001) and complex cases (p < 0.0001). Task-specific precision improves with robotics, showing fewer incorrect suture placements (p = 0.03) and missed knot throws […]

Surgeons face ergonomic challenges that lead to staff injuries and impact surgical outcomes. Up to 100% of surgeons and 98% of anesthesiologists report muscle or joint issues. Poor room layouts and tripping hazards create physical and cognitive strain for OR staff. Leadership engagement and a collaborative environment are key to addressing these challenges. Solutions must […]

International medical graduates (IMGs) are vital to U.S. surgical care, but face significant barriers in training and integration. IMGs represent a substantial part of the physician workforce yet are underrepresented in many surgical specialties. Persistent challenges include licensing issues, financial burdens, and biases within training environments. Support through mentorship and policy reform is critical for […]

Minimally invasive surgery can enhance patient outcomes, but it’s underutilized in low- and middle-income countries due to training gaps. The Global Laparoscopic Advancement Program (GLAP) has trained over 400 surgeons in Latin America and Africa using a structured 10-step guideline. Key areas include establishing operational skills and local ownership for sustainability. Surgeons can leverage these […]

Laparoscopic surgery may be less safe for fetuses than open surgery during pregnancy, especially in the second trimester. Laparoscopy linked to a higher risk of fetal loss than open surgery (odds ratio 2.02). Reduced preterm delivery risk with laparoscopy (odds ratio 0.56) and fewer maternal complications (odds ratio 0.45). Surgical choice should be tailored based […]