Gastroenterologists and interventional radiologists: friends or foes? A multidisciplinary approach for solving gastrointestinal problems

Gastroparesis: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Management

Gastroparesis is a neuromuscular disorder whose hallmark is delayed gastric emptying. It is a global challenge to the healthcare system because of poor treatment satisfaction for both the patients and clinicians, eventually leading to a reduction in the quality of life, with antecedent anxiety and depression. Although it is multifactorial in origin, diabetic, idiopathic, and drug-induced gastroparesis are the major risk factors. Disrupted interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) and gastric dysrhythmia are pivotal to the pathogenesis, with most of the investigations targeted toward assessing gastric emptying and accommodation usually affected by distorted ICC and other neural networks. The treatment challenges can be overcome by a multidisciplinary approach involving gastroenterologists, gastrointestinal surgeons, biomedical engineers, nutritionists, psychologists, nurses, radionuclide radiologists, pharmacists, and family physicians. The exploration of the fundamental physiological processes underlying gastroparesis with the use of biomechanical materials should be given more attention by biomedical engineers to integrate innovative engineering with medicine for solving complex medical issues.

Colon cancer with rapid growth in 16 months confirmed by computed tomographic colonography

This report describes a case of rapidly growing colon cancer confirmed by computed tomographic colonography (CTC). A 75-year-old woman presented at our clinic with complaints of abdominal discomfort and melena. Colorectal examination was performed via CTC. The findings were normal. Sixteen months later, she was referred to our clinic again for positive findings on a faecal immunochemical screening test. A repeat CTC was performed, which revealed a 3 cm ulcerated tumour at the ascending colon. Colonoscopy with biopsy revealed tubular adenocarcinoma. Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy was performed and the TNM classification was found to be T3N1M0. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the cancer has not recurred for 2.5 years.

The Business Engineering Surgical Technologies (BEST) teaching method: incubating talents for surgical innovation

INTRODUCTION

Technological innovation in surgical science and healthcare is vital and calls for close collaboration between engineering and surgery. To meet this objective, BEST was designed as a free sustainable innovative teaching method for young professionals, combining surgery, engineering, and business in a multidisciplinary, high-quality, low-cost, and learning-by-doing philosophy.

AIMS

This paper reviews the initial outcomes of the program and discusses lessons learned and future directions of this innovative educational method.

METHODS

BEST educational method is delivered in two parts: the first component consisting of live streaming or pre-recorded online lectures, with an interdisciplinary profile focused on surgery, engineering, and business. The second component is an annual 5-day on-site course, organized at IRCAD-IHU, France. The program includes workshops in engineering, entrepreneurship team projects, and in-depth hands-on experience in laparoscopy, robotic surgery, interventional radiology, and flexible endoscopy with special emphasis on the interdisciplinary aspect of the training. A panel of surgeons, engineers, well-established entrepreneurs, and scientists assessed the team projects for potential patent application.

RESULTS

From November 2011 till September 2013, 803 individual and institutional users from 79 different countries attended the online course. In total, 134 young professionals from 32 different countries applied to the onsite course. Sixty participants were selected each year for the onsite course. In addition, five participants were selected for a web-based team. Thirteen provisional patents were filed for the most promising projects.

CONCLUSION

BEST proved to be a global talent incubator connecting students to high-quality education despite institutional and economical boundaries. Viable and innovative ideas arose from this revolutionary approach which is likely to spin-off significant technology transfer and lead the way for future interdisciplinary hybrid surgical education programs and career paths.