Proximie, a virtual operating platform, was assessed as an effective tool for delivering ENT teaching to medical students. In a study, 96% of students highly rated its educational value and 57% preferred it over physical attendance for its convenience and improved surgical field view. The live commentary feature garnered interest for broader surgical applications. Future […]
Category: Perspectives, Opinions and Curiosities
Effect of Training Programs on Surgical Performance in Single-port Laparoscopic Surgery
Training in single-port laparoscopic surgery using articulating laparoscopic instruments enhances skills quality, leading to smoother learning curves. All groups displayed significant performance differences, with Group C showing improvements in nine motion analysis parameters and a high level of technical competence. Group A notably enhanced bimanual dexterity skills. These findings underscore the benefits of tailored training […]
Enhancing Laparoscopic Surgery with a Novel Dissector Device
A novel dissector device was developed and patented for laparoscopic procedures, allowing for improved visualization, separation, and cleaning of anatomical structures without causing damage. The device’s tip, a cotton-polyester cloth impregnated with a special gel, maintains a consistent temperature when soaked in a hot saline solution. This innovative tool has been successfully utilized in 364 […]
Preoperative Very Low-Energy Diets in Obese Patients Undergoing Non-Bariatric Surgery
Patients with obesity undergoing surgery face higher risks, mitigated by preoperative weight loss strategies like very low-energy diets (VLEDs) commonly used in bariatric surgery. However, VLEDs’ application in non-bariatric surgery is understudied. A pilot trial is needed to assess feasibility and safety for a larger trial. The upcoming PREPARE pilot trial will gather crucial data […]
Non-Absorbable Sutures Yield Better Scars and Higher Patient Satisfaction
Non-absorbable sutures produce better scars and higher patient satisfaction compared to absorbable sutures. Results show significant advantages with non-absorbable suture in elasticity, pain, itching, color, stiffness, thickness, and overall impression at both 2 and 6 weeks post-surgery. Patients prefer non-resorptive sutures for comfort and aesthetics. This study highlights the importance of suture material choice in […]
Practice Patterns and Outcomes Among Surgical Oncology Fellowship Graduates
Rates of serious complications and 90-day mortality were comparable across different career stages for surgical oncology fellowship graduates performing complex cancer surgery in the United States. Surgeon case-specific volume was found to be a strong predictor of postoperative outcomes, highlighting the importance of individual expertise regardless of years of independent practice or career stage. Journal […]
Addressing the Global Emergency Burden in Low and Middle-Income Countries
In low and middle-income countries, injuries are a significant cause of surgical disease, outweighing the mortality rates of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria combined. With road traffic injuries as the leading cause of death among young individuals, the lack of robust trauma systems and emergency medical services poses a challenge. The World Health Organization recommends the […]
Long-term Hospital Admissions for Adult Survivors of Infant Surgical Diseases
Adult survivors of infant surgical diseases such as esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, and Hirschsprung disease continue to require lifelong care, with 1140 admissions identified over a 10-year period. Patients, mostly female with a mean age of 31.6 years, required hospitalization for various issues and underwent procedures ranging from upper endoscopy to […]
Identifying Sources of Infection in Sepsis Patients: The Role of Abdominal CT
Abdominal CT scans play a crucial role in identifying infection sources in sepsis patients with unknown origins. A retrospective cohort study found that 63.8% of patients with sepsis and fever had positive CT findings, with common sources including liver abscesses and pyelonephritis. Higher white blood cell counts, lower hemoglobin levels, and positive blood cultures were […]
Telephone Questionnaire Efficiently Diagnoses Surgical Site Infections in Low-Resource Settings
Telephone questionnaire effectively diagnoses surgical site infections after abdominal surgery in low- and middle-income countries. The questionnaire discriminated between patients with and without infections, displaying high accuracy and consistent performance across different income levels. Cut-off score of ≥4 showed good sensitivity and specificity. Findings suggest that a telephone questionnaire could replace in-person assessments for diagnosing […]