Category: Perspectives, Opinions and Curiosities

Robotic System Training Develops Tissue Handling Skills Faster Than Virtual Reality

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Comparative Analysis of Hemostatic Products for Surgical Hemostasis

A review of commercially available hemostatic agents in the US provides a comprehensive guide for general surgeons. The paper summarizes each product’s mechanism of action, indications, contraindications, best-use cases, and expected results. Hemostatic agents are critical adjuncts for minimizing postoperative bleeding risks, and proper education on their characteristics is essential for optimal selection and use […]

Optimal Parameters for Tissue Welding in Small Bowel Anastomosis

High-frequency electric welding technology for intestinal end-to-end anastomosis shows promise. In vitro and in vivo experiments revealed that a compression pressure of 250 kpa, voltage of 60 V, and 15-second duration resulted in the highest anastomotic strength with minimal thermal damage. Experimental pigs showed no adverse reactions, achieving a 100% survival rate. This technology could […]

Improved Surgical Site Infection Identification using Explainable Long Short-term Memory Network

A long short-term memory network with an attention layer was proposed for surgical site infection identification, achieving higher sensitivity and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve compared to traditional models. The model’s top features included procedure codes and laboratory values, offering explainability. This innovative approach could enhance automated surveillance and replace manual chart review […]

Guidelines for Cultural Competency and Ethical Behavior in Global Surgery Collaborations

Key concepts for cultural competency and ethical behavior were generated by the academic global surgery committee of the Society for University Surgeons in collaboration with the Association for Academic Global Surgery. The guidelines provide a framework for high-income country members when collaborating with low-middle income country partners, addressing preparation, standardization, community engagement, limits of practice, […]

Identification of Mesenteric Entry Site as Weak Point in Gastrointestinal Anastomoses

Biomechanical analysis of gastrointestinal anastomoses reveals the mesenteric entry site as a potential weak point, exhibiting significantly higher rates of leakage and bursting compared to other sections. The study underscores the importance of refining surgical techniques to optimize outcomes, particularly in addressing complications like anastomotic leakage, which are associated with increased morbidity and mortality in […]

Practice Patterns of Non-certified Surgeons Treating Medicare Patients

Non-certified surgeons treating Medicare patients show unique practice patterns, handling more non-white patients, those with lower socioeconomic status, and operating frequently in rural and critical-access hospitals. They’re less likely to be fellowship-trained and more likely to be foreign medical graduates. Non-certified surgeons perform a higher proportion of emergency admissions. However, there were no differences in […]

Impact of Cannabis Use Disorder on Perioperative Outcomes in Cancer Surgery

Study finds no increased risk of morbidity or mortality in patients with Cannabis Use Disorder undergoing complex cancer surgery. While a slight uptick in postoperative kidney injury was observed, in-hospital mortality was slightly lower compared to non-users. After adjusting for other risk factors, Cannabis Use Disorder was not associated with higher morbidity and mortality rates. […]