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Effect of Home Residency Programs on Surgical Match Rates

Students from institutions with home surgical residency programs were 1.76 times more likely to match into surgical specialties compared to those without, resulting in 39.1% match rate for the former and 22.3% for the latter. Additionally, students with home programs were more likely to match into academic residencies. Future studies should investigate how resources impact student match rates.

• Why it matters: Home residency programs can provide medical students with opportunities for networking, mentorship, research, and exposure to surgeries.

Journal Article by Manhas P, Maheta B (…) Wong MS et 8 al. in J Surg Res

Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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Robotic Warshaw Procedure Reduces Splenic Infarction Risk

Robotic warshaw procedure (r-wp) demonstrated superiority over laparoscopic (l-wp) in reducing postoperative splenic infarction incidence, despite longer operative times. Among 33 cases analyzed, r-wp completed procedures laparoscopically, while l-wp required open conversion in 8.7% cases. Although r-wp showed prolonged surgery duration (421 vs. 300 min), blood loss was comparable (19 vs. 20 ml). Notably, l-wp had significantly higher splenic infarction rates (43.5% vs. 0%, p=0.015). This study highlights r-wp’s potential to improve spleen preservation rates and minimize severe postoperative complications.

• Why it matters: Reducing postoperative complications like splenic infarction enhances patient outcomes.

Journal Article by Murata Y, Noguchi D (…) Mizuno S et 7 al. in Surg Laparosc Endosc Percutan Tech

Copyright © 2024 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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YIV-906 Reduces GI Toxicity in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer Patients

YIV-906, combined with standard neoadjuvant chemoradiation for locally advanced rectal cancer, markedly decreased severe gastrointestinal toxicity. The study enrolled 24 patients, achieving a 16.7% complete or near-complete response rate and a median overall survival of 74.9 months. Notably, acute grade 3 diarrhea occurred in only 8.3% of cases, indicating a potential benefit in managing treatment-related side effects in this patient group.

• Why it matters: To minimize severe GI toxicity during neoadjuvant therapy interruptions

Journal Article by Verma N, Johung KL (…) Higgins SA et 10 al. in J Gastrointest Oncol

2024 Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology. All rights reserved.

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AI Model Successfully Evaluates Surgical Skill in Robotic Distal Gastrectomy

An AI model effectively evaluates surgical skill in robotic distal gastrectomy (RDG) by accurately recognizing and analyzing instrument usage. Experienced surgeons demonstrated shorter durations using specific instruments during infrapyloric lymphadenectomy compared to non-experienced surgeons. This study showcases the feasibility of using AI for objective skill assessment in RDG, enhancing training and potentially improving patient outcomes through standardized surgical proficiency evaluation.

• Why it matters: The complexities of robotic distal gastrectomy highlight the importance of accurately assessing and standardizing surgical skill.

Journal Article by Strong JS, Furube T (…) Kitagawa Y et 6 al. in Ann Gastroenterol Surg

© 2024 The Authors. Annals of Gastroenterological Surgery published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of The Japanese Society of Gastroenterological Surgery.

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Factors Impacting Laparoscopic Appendectomy Proficiency in Trainees

Clinicians evaluated factors influencing performance scores of surgical trainees in laparoscopic appendectomies. Analysis of 142 procedures revealed that perforated appendicitis was strongly associated with procedure difficulty (OR 21.2). Experienced trainees were more proficient (OR 34.5), while difficult procedures negatively affected proficiency (OR 0.1). Challenging cases, particularly identifying the appendix, had lower proficiency (OR 0.4). Difficult procedures had significantly longer operating times. Both internal (experience) and external (disease severity) factors significantly impacted performance scores.

• Why it matters: Understanding factors affecting trainees’ proficiency in laparoscopic appendectomy helps improve surgical training and patient outcomes.

Journal Article by Skjold-Ødegaard B, Ersdal HL, Assmus J and Søreide K in Surg Endosc

© 2024. The Author(s).

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Establishment of a 24/7 Robotic Acute Care Surgery Program

Implementation of a robotic acute care surgery program at a medical center led to a significant increase in robotic surgeries, with the operating capacity more than doubling in a year. Key stakeholders were involved, staff received training, and workflow was optimized. This successful multidisciplinary effort demonstrates the potential for expanded use of robotic surgery in acute care settings.

• Why it matters: A 24/7 robotic surgery program doubles operating capacity in a year, showing that strategic implementation and training can revolutionize acute care.

Journal Article by Gage D, Neilson T (…) Knight-Davis J et 2 al. in Surg Endosc

© 2024. The Author(s).

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Surgical Outreach for the Americas: A Self-sustainable Model

Surgical outreach organization SOFA partners with local healthcare providers in Central America, completing 24 trips and performing 2074 procedures, with 71.4% being hernia repairs. Through capital improvements, education, and partnerships, SOFA ensures sustainability in delivering surgical care, including implementing a laparoscopic training program.

• Why it matters: SOFA’s sustainable model enhances healthcare in Central America through education, partnerships, and over 2,000 critical procedures, ensuring lasting local impact.

Journal Article by Eltahir AA, Oduyale OK, Frisella MM and Matthews BD in Surg Endosc

© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.

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Higher LMR Predicts Better Survival in IPMN with Invasive Carcinoma

Researchers found that the lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) is a significant predictor of cancer-specific survival (CSS) in patients with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm with associated invasive carcinoma (IPMN-Inv). An LMR higher than 3.5 was linked to better CSS, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.305 in univariate and 0.221 in multivariate analyses. Other prognostic factors included clinical symptoms, cyst size, N stage, and tumor differentiation. A prognostic model incorporating LMR achieved a C-index of 0.809.

• Why it matters: Prognostic implications of inflammatory parameters in IPMN-Inv remain unclear, but identifying LMR as a biomarker aids in predicting pancreatic cancer outcomes

Journal Article by Cui M, Hu Y (…) Zhao Y et 7 al. in Dig Surg

The Author(s). Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.

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Unified Curriculum Boosts Confidence in Chest Procedures

A standardized, multidisciplinary curriculum was developed over 10 years to teach surgical and seldinger chest tube placement, thoracentesis, and thoracic ultrasound to trainees. One hundred twenty-three learners showed improved confidence in each procedure after training, with positive feedback on faculty and the workshop overall. The curriculum, designed by a multidisciplinary faculty, offers a unified approach to chest procedures for diverse trainee backgrounds.

• Why it matters: Standardized chest procedure training enhances confidence and skills, improving patient care.

Journal Article by LoMonaco J, Klemisch RJ (…) Morris AE et 4 al. in MedEdPORTAL

© 2024 LoMonaco et al.

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Advanced Surgical Technique for Laparoscopic Liver Resection

Advanced surgical planning and intraoperative hepatic vein guidance with a cranio-caudal approach facilitates safe and complex laparoscopic liver resections, leading to successful outcomes with minimal complications. Operative time was 360 min with 450 ml blood loss, and the patient was discharged on the seventh postoperative day. Pathological examination confirmed R0 resection, with necrosis of liver metastases. Preoperative virtual hepatectomy increases understanding of tumor-vessel relationships, contributing to effective surgical planning. This innovative approach demonstrates promising results in the management of liver metastases.

Journal Article by Dupré A, Buiron C (…) Mouton N et 3 al. in Ann Surg Oncol

© 2024. Society of Surgical Oncology.

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