Erector spinae plane block (ESPB) effectively reduces postoperative opioid consumption, intraoperative opioid consumption, nausea, vomiting, and pain scores in laparoscopic abdominal surgeries. Subgroup analysis on laparoscopic colorectal surgeries further supports these findings. The study concludes that ESPB is a valuable technique for optimizing pain control, minimizing opioid requirements, and potentially promoting faster postoperative recovery. Journal […]

Stigma surrounding parental leave impacts non-childbearing general surgery resident parents’ experiences. Interviews with 20 participants revealed themes of policy, cultural climate, support, and dissatisfaction with leave experiences. Participants underused leave due to perceived lack of access and stigma, potentially leading to negative outcomes. Urgent need for cultural and policy changes to support parents and improve […]

Dynamic high-strength sutures and tapes were compared to conventional options in a biomechanical study. Results showed that the novel sutures required fewer securing throws for knot security, with nice-knot configurations having higher ultimate force and lower slippage compared to cow-hitch knots. The study highlights the potential advantages of dynamic sutures in maintaining tissue approximation. Journal […]

Long-standing inequities in society, healthcare, and surgery have been highlighted, emphasizing the need for diversity, equity, and inclusion. A white paper by SAGES explores the current state of diversity in surgery and outlines efforts for meaningful change. Emphasizing the importance of DEI, the paper stresses the vital role of organizations like SAGES in promoting lasting […]

Implementing a standardized handoff protocol for surgical technicians in the operating room significantly improved communication during staff changes. The pilot study showed a substantial increase in the completion of critical handoff elements, with 100% of observed cases including handoffs and addressing all elements 99.6% of the time. The use of a communication checklist acronym, SHRIMPS, […]

Patients undergoing major oncological abdominal surgery can benefit from continuous vital sign monitoring using wireless patches, which detected clinical deterioration earlier than nurse measurements. Among 227 patients, 22% experienced complications, with discrepancies in measurements largely due to respiratory rate. The sensium® patch identified elevated respiratory and heart rates earlier than nurses within the first postoperative […]

Recent changes in the residency matching process, such as the shift to a pass/fail USMLE Step 1 scoring system, have raised concerns among surgical specialties. Research productivity, virtual interviews, and preference signaling play crucial roles in residency match outcomes. Despite these changes improving accessibility, the full impact on applicant-program fit remains unclear. Recommendations include a […]

Higher levels of authenticity were linked to lower rates of burnout and depression among surgeons, while accepting external influence and self-alienation were associated with increased depression and burnout. The study underscores the importance of promoting authenticity to support mental health in the surgical profession. Targeted interventions can be developed based on these findings to improve […]

Resident and fellow trainees in surgical oncology procedures demonstrate low rates of achieving practice-ready performance in breast, soft tissue, endocrine, and hpb cases. Despite this, attending surgeons provide limited supervision even for high-performing trainees. The study underscores the critical need for surgical training programs to prioritize greater independence for trainees with excellent performance to address […]