Supply and demand of hepatopancreatobiliary surgeons in the United States

BACKGROUND

Hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) surgery requires specialized training and adequate case volumes to maintain procedural proficiency and optimal outcomes. Studies of individual HPB surgeon supply related to annual HPB case demand are sparse. This study assesses the supply and demand of the HPB surgical workforce in the United States (US).

METHODS

The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) was queried from 1998-2019 to estimate the number of HPB procedures performed. To approximate the number of HPB surgeons, models based on previous HPB workforce publications were employed. We then calculated the number of HPB surgeons needed to maintain volume-outcome thresholds at current reported levels of centralization.

RESULTS

In 2019, approximately 37,335 patients underwent inpatient HPB procedures in the US, while an estimated 905-1191 HPB surgeons were practicing. Assuming 50% centralization and an optimal volume-outcome threshold of 24 HPB cases-per-year, only 778 HPB surgeons were needed. Without adjustment in centralization, by 2030 there will be a demand of fewer than 12 annual cases per HPB surgeon.

CONCLUSION

The current supply of HPB surgeons may exceed demand in the United States. Without alteration in training pathways or improved care centralization, by 2030, there will be insufficient HPB case volume per surgeon to maintain published volume-outcome standards.

Checking Our Blind Spots: Examining Characteristics of Interviewees Versus Matriculants to a Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgical Fellowship Program

OBJECTIVE

Racial and gender biases exist within academic surgery; bias negatively impacts patient care, reimbursement, student training, and staff retention. Few studies have investigated the potential for bias in surgical fellowship recruitment. We aimed to compare the racial and gender diversity at our hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) surgery fellowship program to nationwide standards. We further aimed to investigate differences in the demographics of resident interviewees versus matriculants to our HPB fellowship.

DESIGN

Retrospective review.

SETTING

North American HPB fellowship training programs.

PARTICIPANTS

Mayo Clinic's HPB surgery fellowship interviewees and North American HPB surgery fellowship graduates from 2013 to 2020.

RESULTS

When compared to general surgery residency graduates during the study period (in 2019), a lower proportion of North American HPB surgery fellowship graduates were female (26% HPB fellowship graduates vs. 43.1% residents, p = 0.005), with no difference in proportion of racially under-represented in medicine (rURM) HPB fellowship graduates (10.7%) compared to rURM proportion of general surgery residents nationally (14.5%). There was an upward trend in female representation among North American HPB fellowship graduates from 11% in 2013 to 32% in 2020, but proportions of rURM HPB fellows remained steadily low. When comparing HPB interviewees at our institution to national general surgery residents, no differences were observed in proportions of female (34.4% interviewees vs. 43.1% residents, p = 0.17) or rURM (interviewees = 6.8%, residents = 14.5%, p = 0.09) applicants. Additionally, there was no significant difference between the proportion of female or rURM interviewees and matriculants to our HPB program.

CONCLUSIONS

While fewer female graduating surgeons are pursuing HPB fellowship training than male graduates, this gender gap has narrowed over time. In contrast, the national percentage of rURM HPB fellowship graduates has remained low, mirroring stagnant proportions of rURM surgical residency graduates. When comparing HPB fellowship interviewees at our own institution to North American fellowship graduates, we observed similar proportions of female interviewees but lower proportions of rURM interviewees. Locally, these data will drive process change toward more intentional examination of our interview selection process. Nationally, more work is needed to increase the racial diversity of surgical residency and fellowship trainees to best reflect and serve our diverse patient populations.

A systematic review of the application of 3D-printed models to colorectal surgical training

BACKGROUND

The aim of this review was to explore the role of three-dimensional (3D) printing in colorectal surgical education and procedural simulation, and to assess the effectiveness of 3D-printed models in anatomic and operative education in colorectal surgery.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature was performed following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to identify relevant publications relating to the use of 3D-printed models in colorectal surgery in an educational context. The search encompassed OVID Medline, Web of Science and EMBASE including papers in English published from 1 January 1995 to 1 January 2023. A total of 1018 publications were screened, and 5 met the criteria for inclusion in this review.

RESULTS

Four distinct 3D models were described across five studies. Two models demonstrated objective benefits in the use of 3D-printed models in anatomical education in academic outcomes at all levels of learner medical experience and were well accepted by learners. One model utilised for preoperative visualisation demonstrated improved operative outcomes in complete mesocolic excision compared with preoperative imaging review, with a 22.1% reduction in operative time (p < 0.001), 9.2% reduction in surgical duration (p = 0.035) and 37.3% reduction in intraoperative bleeding volume amongst novice surgeons (p < 0.01). Technical simulation has been demonstrated in a feasibility context in one model but remains limited in scope and application on account of the characteristics of available printing materials.

CONCLUSIONS

3D printing is well accepted and effective for anatomic education and preoperative procedural planning amongst colorectal surgeons, trainees and medical students but remains a technology in the early stages of its possible application. Technological advancements are required to improve the tissue realism of 3D-printed organ models to achieve greater fidelity and provide realistic colorectal surgical simulations.

Endoscopic foregut surgery and interventions: The future is now. The state-of-the-art and my personal journey

In this paper, I reviewed the emerging field of endoscopic surgery and present data supporting the contention that endoscopy can now be used to treat many foregut diseases that have been traditionally treated surgically. Within each topic, the content will progress as follows: "lessons learned", "technical considerations" and "future opportunities". Lessons learned will provide a brief background and update on the most current literature. Technical considerations will include my personal experience, including tips and tricks that I have learned over the years. Finally, future opportunities will address current unmet needs and potential new areas of development. The foregut is defined as "the upper part of the embryonic alimentary canal from which the pharynx, esophagus, lung, stomach, liver, pancreas, and part of the duodenum develop". Foregut surgery is well established in treating conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), achalasia, esophageal diverticula, Barrett's esophagus (BE) and esophageal cancer, stomach cancer, gastric-outlet obstruction, and obesity. Over the past decade, remarkable progress in interventional endoscopy has culminated in the conceptualization and practice of endoscopic foregut surgery for various clinical conditions summarized in this paper. Regarding GERD, there are now several technologies available to effectively treat it and potentially eliminate symptoms, and the need for long-term treatment with proton pump inhibitors. For the first time, fundoplication can be performed without the need for open or laparoscopic surgery. Long-term data going out 5-10 years are now emerging showing extended durability. In respect to achalasia, per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) which was developed in Japan, has become an alternative to the traditional Heller's myotomy. Recent meta-analysis show that POEM may have better results than Heller, but the issue of post-POEM GERD still needs to be addressed. There is now a resurgence of endoscopic treatment of Zenker's diverticula with improved technique (Z-POEM) and equipment; thus, patients are choosing flexible endoscopic treatment as opposed to open or rigid endoscopy options. In regard to BE, endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) which is well established in Asia, is now becoming more mainstream in the West for the treatment of BE with high grade dysplasia, as well as early esophageal cancer. In combination with all the ablation technologies (radiofrequency ablation, cryotherapy, hybrid argon plasma coagulation), the entire spectrum of Barrett's and related dysplasia and early cancer can be managed predominantly by endoscopy. Importantly, in regard to early gastric cancer and submucosal tumors (SMTs) of the stomach, ESD and full thickness resection (FTR) can excise these lesions en-bloc and endoscopic suturing is now used to close large defects and perforations. For treatment of patients with malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO), endoscopic gastro-jejunostomy is now showing better results than enteral stenting. G-POEM is also emerging as a treatment option for patients with gastroparesis. Obesity has become an epidemic in many western countries and is becoming also prevalent in Asia. Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is now becoming an established treatment option, especially for obese patients with body mass index between 30 and 35. Data show an average weight loss of 16 kg after ESG with long-term data confirming sustainability. Finally, in respect to endo-hepatology, there are many new endoscopic interventions that have been developed for patients with liver disease. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided liver biopsy and EUS-guided portal pressure measurement are exciting new frontiers for the endo-hepatologists.

Evaluating Surgery Resident Technical Skills: Intestinal Anastomosis in a Porcine Model

Because work hour restrictions and technological developments such as staplers change the surgical landscape, efficient resident training methods are necessary to ensure surgical quality. This study evaluates efficacy of a porcine skills laboratory for teaching surgery residents to perform handsewn intestinal anastomoses based on a validated subjective tool and novel objective measurements. We hypothesized that resident performance would improve postintervention; junior residents would improve more than the seniors would. This prospective study was completed over a period of four months in 2015. Participants performed standardized two-layer, handsewn, end-to-end small intestine anastomosis in a live porcine model before (pretest) and after (posttest) an educational intervention. The intervention consisted of an instructional module and skills laboratory teaching session by attending surgeons. Participants were evaluated based on objective measurements of the anastomosis and blinded video evaluations using objective structured assessment of technical skills. Twenty-eight residents in a six-year general surgery program started and completed the study. The objective structured assessment of technical skills ratings demonstrated that the whole resident cohort had statistically significant improvement in pre- to posttest scores, 11.16 to 24.59 (P < 0.001). Junior and senior residents improved independently, 9.59 versus 22.53 (P < 0.001) and 13.59 versus 27.77 (P < 0.001), respectively. Finally, the cohort significantly improved in number of full-thickness Lembert sutures (2.36 vs 0.93, P = 0.001) and time to completion (31.28 vs 28.2 minutes, P = 0.046). Anastomotic leak pressure, anastomotic narrowing, and anastomotic tensile strength all trended toward improvement. A structured educational intervention, teaching intestinal anastomosis in a live porcine model produced significant improvement in residents' technical skills.

Learning Curve of Robotic Rectal Surgery With Lateral Lymph Node Dissection: Cumulative Sum and Multiple Regression Analyses

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the learning curve of robotic rectal surgery, a procedure that has gained increasing focus in recent years because it is expected that the advanced devices used in this approach provide advantages resulting in a shorter learning curve than that of laparoscopic surgery. However, no studies have assessed the learning curve of robotic rectal surgery, especially when lateral lymph node dissection is required.

DESIGN

This was a nonrandomized, retrospective study from a single institution.

SETTING

All consecutive patients who underwent robotic rectal or sigmoid colon surgery by a single surgeon between February 2012 and July 2016 in the University of Tokyo Hospital were enrolled. The learning curve for console time was assessed using a cumulative sum analysis and multiple linear regression analysis.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 131 consecutive patients underwent robotic rectal or sigmoid colon surgery performed by a single experienced surgeon. Of these, 41 patients received lateral lymph node dissection.

RESULTS

A cumulative sum plot for console time demonstrated that the learning period could be divided into 3 phases: Phase I, Cases 1 to 19; Phase II, Cases 20 to 78; and Phase III, Cases 79 to 131. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that console time decreased significantly from one phase to another (Phase I-II, Δconsole time 83.0 minutes; Phase II-III, Δconsole time 40.1 minutes). Other factors affecting console time included body mass index, operative procedure, and lateral lymph node dissection, but not neoadjuvant therapy (such as chemoradiotherapy) or depth of invasion. Lateral lymph node dissection required an additional 138.4 minutes.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that the first phase of the learning curve consists of the first 19 cases, which seems sufficient to master the manipulation of robotic arms and to understand spatial relationships unique to the robotic procedure.

Self-perceived readiness to perform at the attending level following surgical specialist training in Denmark

INTRODUCTION

Great effort has been invested in improving the educational aspect of the Danish five-year national surgical residency programme. Among other initiatives, an updated logbook containing specific objectives was implemented in 2015. The effect of current and prior educational efforts has not previously been studied. In the present study, we aim to investigate the role of supervision in the national surgical residency programme and the self-perceived readiness to undertake the role of a specialist doctor in gastrointestinal surgery in a cohort of gastrointestinal surgeons graduating in 2012 and 2013.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted, and questionnaires matching the categories from the American Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education were distributed to all Danish surgical residents graduating from the national surgery residency programme in 2012 or 2013.

RESULTS

A total of 30 graduated residents (55%) responded to the Danish survey. Among those, 14 (47%) felt ready to be a specialist in surgery. A total of 25 (83%) answered that increased supervision would have increased their selfperceived competencies to serve as a surgical specialist. Self -perceived readiness was significantly associated with level of supervision during surgical training (p = 0.02), whereas no association with operative volume could be established.

CONCLUSIONS

A worryingly high number of graduates did not feel ready to undertake their role as a gastrointestinal surgical specialist. Adequate supervision seems to play a crucial role in education.

FUNDING

none.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

not relevant.

Video Coaching as an Efficient Teaching Method for Surgical Residents-A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

As surgical training is evolving and operative exposure is decreasing, new, effective, and experiential learning methods are needed to ensure surgical competency and patient safety. Video coaching is an emerging concept in surgery that needs further investigation.

DESIGN

In this randomized controlled trial conducted at a single teaching hospital, participating residents were filmed performing a side-to-side intestinal anastomosis on cadaveric dog bowel for baseline assessment. The Surgical Video Coaching (SVC) group then participated in a one-on-one video playback coaching and debriefing session with a surgeon, during which constructive feedback was given. The control group went on with their normal clinical duties without coaching or debriefing. All participants were filmed making a second intestinal anastomosis. This was compared to their first anastomosis using a 7-category-validated technical skill global rating scale, the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills. A single independent surgeon who did not participate in coaching or debriefing to the SVC group reviewed all videos. A satisfaction survey was then sent to the residents in the coaching group.

SETTING

Department of Surgery, HôpitalMaisonneuve-Rosemont, tertiary teaching hospital affiliated to the University of Montreal, Canada.

PARTICIPANTS

General surgery residents from University of Montreal were recruited to take part in this trial. A total of 28 residents were randomized and completed the study.

RESULTS

After intervention, the SVC group (n = 14) significantly increased their Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills score (mean of differences 3.36, [1.09-5.63], p = 0.007) when compared to the control group (n = 14) (mean of differences 0.29, p = 0.759). All residents agreed or strongly agreed that video coaching was a time-efficient teaching method.

CONCLUSIONS

Video coaching is an effective and efficient teaching intervention to improve surgical residents' technical skills.

Learning curves and surgical outcomes for proctored adoption of laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy: cumulative sum curve analysis

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy (VMR) is an effective and well-recognised treatment for symptoms of obstructive defecation in the context of rectal prolapse and recto-rectal intussusception. However, due to the technical complexity of VMR, a significant learning curve has been previously described. This paper examines the effect of proctored adoption of VMR on learning curves, operative times, and outcomes.

METHODS

A retrospective database analysis of two district general hospitals was conducted, with inclusion of all cases performed by two surgeons since first adoption of the procedure in 2007-2015. Operative time, length of stay, and in-hospital complications were evaluated, with learning curves assessed using cumulative sum curves.

RESULTS

Three hundred and eleven patients underwent VMR during the study period and were included for analysis. Patients were near-equally distributed between surgeons (surgeon A: n = 151, surgeon B, n = 160) with no significant differences between gender, age, or ASA grade. In-hospital morbidity was 3.2 %, with 0 % mortality. Cumulative sum curve analysis suggested a change point of between 25 and 30 cases based on operative times and length of stay and was similar between both surgeons. No significant change point was seen for morbidity or mortality.

CONCLUSION

VMR is an effective and safe treatment for rectal prolapse. Surgeons in this study were proctored during the adoption process by another surgeon experienced in VMR; this may contribute to increased safety and abbreviated learning curve. In the context of proctored adoption, this study estimates a learning curve of 25-30 cases, without detrimental impact on patient outcomes.

An Assessment of the Industry-Faculty Surgeon Relationship Within Colon and Rectum Surgical Training Programs

INTRODUCTION

Industry funding of surgical training programs poses a potential conflict of interest. With the recent implementation of the Sunshine Act, industry funding can be more accurately determined.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the financial relationship between faculty surgeons within colon and rectal fellowship programs and industry.

DESIGN

Review of industry funding based on the first reporting period (August-December, 2013) using the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services online database.

SETTING

ACGME certified colon and rectum surgical fellowship programs.

PARTICIPANTS

Overall, 343 Faculty surgeons from 55 colon and rectum surgical fellowship programs were identified using the American Board of Colon and Rectum Surgery website. There was complete identification of faculty surgeons in 47 (85.5%) programs, partially complete identification (i.e., >80%) in 6 (10.9%) programs, and inadequate identification of faculty in 2 (3.6%) programs.

MAIN OUTCOME

Industry funding as defined by the Sunshine Act included general payments (honorariums, consulting fees, food and beverage, and travel), research payments, and amount invested.

RESULTS

In all, 69.1% of program directors and 59.4% of other faculty received at least one payment during the reporting period (Δ9.7%, 95% CI: -4.4% to 23.8%, p = 0.18). Program directors received higher amounts of funding than other faculty ($7072.90 vs. $2,819.29, Δ$4,253.61, 95% CI: $1132-$7375, p = 0.008). Overall, 49 of 53 (93%) programs had surgeons receive funding, with a median of 3.5 surgeons receiving funding per program. A total of 65 companies made payments to surgeons, with 80.1% of the funding categorized as general payments, 16.2% as investments, and 3.7% as research payments.

CONCLUSIONS

Industry funding was common. This financial relationship poses a potential conflict of interest in training fellows for future practice.

Qualities and characteristics of successfully matched North American HPB surgery fellowship candidates

BACKGROUND

Hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) fellowships in North America are difficult to secure with an acceptance rate of 1 in 3 applicants. Desirable characteristics in an HPB surgery applicant have not been previously reported. This study examines the perceptions of trainees and HPB program directors with regards to positive attributes in applicants for HPB fellowships.

METHODS

Parallel surveys were distributed by email with a web-link to current and recent HPB fellows in North America (from the past 5 years) with questions addressing the following domains: surgical training, research experience, and mentorship. A similar survey was distributed to HPB fellowship program directors in North America requesting their opinion as to the importance of these characteristics in potential applicants.

RESULTS

32 of 60 of surveyed fellows and 21 of 38 of surveyed program directors responded between November 2014-February 2015. Fellows overall came from fairly diverse backgrounds (13/32 were overseas medical graduates) about one third of respondents having had some prior research experience. Program directors gave priority to the applicant's interview, curriculum vitae, and their recommendation letters (in order of importance). Both the surveyed fellows and program directors felt that the characteristics most important in a successful HPB fellowship candidate include interpersonal skills, perceived operative skills, and perceived fund of knowledge.

CONCLUSION

Results of this survey provide useful and practical information for trainees considering applying to an HPB fellowship program.

Successful Experience of Laparoscopic Pancreaticoduodenectomy and Digestive Tract Reconstruction With Minimized Complications Rate by 14 Case Reports

Laparoscopic pancreatic surgery is one of the most sophisticated and advanced applications of laparoscopy in the current surgical practice. The adoption of laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) has been relatively slow due to the technical challenges. The aim of this study is to review and characterize our successful LPD experiences in patients with distal bile duct carcinoma, periampullary adenocarcinoma, pancreas head cancer, and duodenal cancer and evaluate the clinical outcomes of LPD for its potential in oncologic surgery applications.We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data from 14 patients who underwent LPD from August 2013 to February 2015 in our institute.We presented our LPD experience with no cases converted to open surgery in all 14 cases, which included 10 cases of laparoscopic digestive tract reconstruction and 4 cases of open digestive tract reconstructions. There were no deaths during the perioperative period and no case of gastric emptying disorder or postoperative bleeding. The other clinical indexes were comparable to or better than open surgery.Based on our experience, LPD could be potentially safe and feasible for the treatment of early pancreas head cancer, distal bile duct carcinoma, periampullary adenocarcinoma, and duodenal cancer. The master of LPD procedure requires technical expertise but it can be accomplished with a short learning curve.

Transumbilical cord access (TUCA) for laparoscopy in infants and children: simple, safe and fast

PURPOSE

We herein report a case series evaluating the safety and complication rate of transumbilical cord access (TUCA) for pediatric laparoscopic surgery.

METHODS

Data were collected for 556 infants and children. Access into the abdominal cavity was gained via a transverse infraumbilical stab incision passing the fibrotic umbilical cord remnant. Ninety-two infants underwent laparoscopic pyloromyotomy (LPM), 159 female infants underwent herniorrhaphy (LHR) and 309 infants underwent appendectomy (LAP). Of the total operations, 70 % were performed by board-certified surgeons and 30 % were performed by non-board-certified surgeons. The median time of follow-up was 24 months.

RESULTS

No cases of acute severe bleeding or organ laceration were noted. TUCA-related complications were observed in nine patients (1.6 %). Omphalitis and persistent wound secretion were detected in eight children and foreign bodies consisting of cyanoacrylate were removed from three of these patients. Meanwhile, umbilical pain leading to surgical revision was observed in one child, and eight umbilical hernias were repaired during the TUCA procedures. No signs of postoperative incisional hernia were recorded.

CONCLUSIONS

TUCA is a safe and comfortable access method for pediatric laparoscopic surgery in various age groups. This method is easy to learn and can be quickly and safely performed in the vast majority of children.

[Novelties in the Treatment of Colorectal Diseases - An Echo from the 10-th ESCP Congress]

Treatment of colorectal pathology stands continuous development. One of the promotional leaders of the new therapeutic approaches is the European Society of Coloproctology (ESCP). The annual congress of the organization held in Dublin, Ireland and it unites the elite of European Community countries. The most advanced scientific knowledge of the diseases of the colon and rectum, anal canal and perineum was presented.

A Prospective, Single-Arm, Single-Center, Case Series to Determine the Feasibility of Safe Skill Transfer for Transabdominal Preperitoneal (TAPP) Repair Utilizing a Hands-On Mentorship Model

OBJECTIVES

It is difficult to introduce laparoscopic surgery in institutions with a small number of patients, and surgical training relies heavily on mentors to produce well-trained surgeons. The aim of this study was to determine whether implementation of a hands-on mentorship model could provide safe skill transfer for transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) repair.

METHODS

A trainee who had no experience with TAPP repair underwent operative tutorials until the mentor judged that the trainee could carry out the operation independently. Ten patients who underwent an elective TAPP repair were prospectively enrolled in this study.

RESULTS

No cases had over 5 mL of bleeding, intraoperative/postoperative complications, or recurrence. There were significant differences in operation times between the first 4 cases and the later 5 cases, except for a bilateral inguinal hernia case.

CONCLUSION

A prospective, single-arm, single-center, case series showed the feasibility of safe skill transfer for TAPP repair using a hands-on mentorship model.

Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education Compliance and Resident Competence in Hepatopancreaticobiliary Surgery during General Surgery Residency: A Program Director Review

OBJECTIVE

A survey of general surgery (GS) program directors (PD) was performed to determine how Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) requirements are met and compare the findings with previous national averages. The objectives were to establish whether GS residencies are in compliance with ACGME recommendations. Secondary objectives aimed to determine if fellowship affects residency training.

METHODS

A 30-question survey was sent out to GS PDs registered with Association of Program Directors in Surgery. Analysis of the responses was then completed using statistical software (GraphPad) and compared with the ACGME data.

RESULTS

Although HPB training and exposure has changed, most programs continue to meet HPB requirements at their main institution (73%). Overall, 27% of PDs now send residents to outside facilities or have hired new HPB faculty to manage the shift in caseload. GS graduates have HPB numbers comparable to the national resident averages of 2010 to 2011, and many programs graduate residents exceeding ACGME HPB requirements. Although 69% of residents complete >50% of HPB cases, only 50% of PDs felt residents were competent. Altogether, 30% of programs had HPB fellowships; few PDs felt fellows positively affected residency training.

CONCLUSIONS

PDs feel that residents achieve more than minimum required HPB numbers required by the ACGME but not all are competent. Fellows reduce resident exposure to HPB cases. More simulation and autonomy may improve HPB education in GS residency.

Development and implementation of a clinical pathway approach to simulation-based training for foregut surgery

INTRODUCTION

Contemporary demands on resident education call for integration of simulation. We designed and implemented a simulation-based curriculum for Post Graduate Year 1 surgery residents to teach technical and nontechnical skills within a clinical pathway approach for a foregut surgery patient, from outpatient visit through surgery and postoperative follow-up.

METHODS

The 3-day curriculum for groups of 6 residents comprises a combination of standardized patient encounters, didactic sessions, and hands-on training. The curriculum is underpinned by a summative simulation "pathway" repeated on days 1 and 3. The "pathway" is a series of simulated preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative encounters in following up a single patient through a disease process. The resident sees a standardized patient in the clinic presenting with distal gastric cancer and then enters an operating room to perform a gastrojejunostomy on a porcine tissue model. Finally, the resident engages in a simulated postoperative visit. All encounters are rated by faculty members and the residents themselves, using standardized assessment forms endorsed by the American Board of Surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 18 first-year residents underwent this curriculum. Faculty ratings of overall operative performance significantly improved following the 3-day module. Ratings of preoperative and postoperative performance were not significantly changed in 3 days. Resident self-ratings significantly improved for all encounters assessed, as did reported confidence in meeting the defined learning objectives.

CONCLUSIONS

Conventional surgical simulation training focuses on technical skills in isolation. Our novel "pathway" curriculum targets an important gap in training methodologies by placing both technical and nontechnical skills in their clinical context as part of managing a surgical patient. Results indicate consistent improvements in assessments of performance as well as confidence and support its continued usage to educate surgery residents in foregut surgery.

Planning to avoid trouble in the operating room: experts' formulation of the preoperative plan

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to capture the preoperative plans of expert hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) surgeons with the goal of finding consistent aspects of the preoperative planning process.

DESIGN

HPB surgeons were asked to think aloud when reviewing 4 preoperative computed tomography scans of patients with distal pancreatic tumors. The imaging features they identified and the planned actions they proposed were tabulated. Surgeons viewed the tabulated list of imaging features for each case and rated the relevance of each feature for their subsequent preoperative plan. Average rater intraclass correlation coefficients were calculated for each type of data collected (imaging features detected, planned actions reported, and relevance of each feature) to establish whether the surgeons were consistent with one another in their responses. Average rater intraclass correlation coefficient values greater than 0.7 were considered indicative of consistency.

SETTING

Division of General Surgery, University of Toronto.

PARTICIPANTS

HPB surgeons affiliated with the University of Toronto.

RESULTS

A total of 11 HPB surgeons thought aloud when reviewing 4 computed tomography scans. Surgeons were consistent in the imaging features they detected but inconsistent in the planned actions they reported. Of the HPB surgeons, 8 completed the assessment of feature relevance. For 3 of the 4 cases, the surgeons were consistent in rating the relevance of specific imaging features on their preoperative plans.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that HPB surgeons are consistent in some aspects of the preoperative planning process but not others. The findings further our understanding of the preoperative planning process and will guide future research on the best ways to incorporate the teaching and evaluation of preoperative planning into surgical training.

Application of failure mode and effect analysis in laparoscopic colon surgery training

AIM

To evaluate if application of failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) to laparoscopy training can help surgeons acquire laparoscopy skills.

METHODS

After preparing a FMEA matrix of laparoscopic sigmoidectomy, we have introduced it during three laparoscopy courses. Forty-eight surgeons, divided into 24 teams of two surgeons, have participated in three courses. During each course, every team has performed three laparoscopic sigmoidectomies in three experimental animals (1 OR session every day). Risk priority number (RPN) has been calculated for every surgery, and the results have been discussed at the end of each training day with all participants.

RESULTS

We have observed a decline in the median RPN from 1339 during the first OR session through 62 during second OR session to reach 0 in the third OR session. Only two teams out of 24 were not able to reach a RPN of less than 300 during third OR session. When the type of failures were analysed, we have observed a shift from procedure-type failures to technical failures that depended on each participant technical abilities.

CONCLUSION

Application of FMEA principles to laparoscopy training can help acquire non-technical skills necessary for safe laparoscopic surgery.

The current state of hepatopancreatobiliary fellowship experience in North America

AIM

The face of hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) training has changed over the past decade. The growth of focused HPB fellowships, which are vetted with a rigorous accreditation process through the Fellowship Council (FC), has established them as an attractive mode of training in HPB surgery. This study looks at the volumes of HPB cases performed during these fellowships in North America.

METHODS

After approval by the FC research committee, data from all HPB fellowships that had 3 years worth of complete fellow case log data were tabulated and reported (n = 12). For 2-year fellowships, the fellow logs were tabulated at the completion of both years. Those programs that had transplant experience (n = 9) were reported.

RESULTS

Data for the current fellows' case numbers show that graduating fellows have a median of 26 biliary cases, 19 major liver cases (hemilivers), 28 other liver cases, 40 pancreaticoduodenectomies,18 distal pancreatectomies, and 9 other pancreas cases. The programs that provided transplantation experience had 10 cases for each fellow.

CONCLUSION

This study validates that FC-accredited HPB fellowships have a robust exposure to complex HPB surgery. Fellows completing these fellowships should be well versed in the management and surgical treatment of HPB patients.

A Virtual Reality System for PTCD Simulation Using Direct Visuo-Haptic Rendering of Partially Segmented Image Data

This study presents a new visuo-haptic virtual reality (VR) training and planning system for percutaneous transhepatic cholangio-drainage (PTCD) based on partially segmented virtual patient models. We only use partially segmented image data instead of a full segmentation and circumvent the necessity of surface or volume mesh models. Haptic interaction with the virtual patient during virtual palpation, ultrasound probing and needle insertion is provided. Furthermore, the VR simulator includes X-ray and ultrasound simulation for image-guided training. The visualization techniques are GPU-accelerated by implementation in Cuda and include real-time volume deformations computed on the grid of the image data. Computation on the image grid enables straightforward integration of the deformed image data into the visualization components. To provide shorter rendering times, the performance of the volume deformation algorithm is improved by a multigrid approach. To evaluate the VR training system, a user evaluation has been performed and deformation algorithms are analyzed in terms of convergence speed with respect to a fully converged solution. The user evaluation shows positive results with increased user confidence after a training session. It is shown that using partially segmented patient data and direct volume rendering is suitable for the simulation of needle insertion procedures such as PTCD.

[Surgical treatment of ulcerative colitis]

Surgery for patients suffering from inflammatory bowel diseases is an option when medication-based treatment fails. Sometimes complex and carried out in several stages, the procedures require the nurses to be involved in the education of the patient, monitoring prevention and identification of complications.

Assessing the experience in complex hepatopancreatobiliary surgery among graduating chief residents: is the operative experience enough?

INTRODUCTION

Resident operative autonomy and case volume is associated with posttraining confidence and practice plans. Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education requirements for graduating general surgery residents are four liver and three pancreas cases. We sought to evaluate trends in resident experience and autonomy for complex hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) surgery over time.

METHODS

We queried the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education General Surgery Case Log (2003-2012) for all cases performed by graduating chief residents (GCR) relating to liver, pancreas, and the biliary tract (HPB); simple cholecystectomy was excluded. Mean (±SD), median [10th-90th percentiles] and maximum case volumes were compared from 2003 to 2012 using R(2) for all trends.

RESULTS

A total of 252,977 complex HPB cases (36% liver, 43% pancreas, 21% biliary) were performed by 10,288 GCR during the 10-year period examined (Mean = 24.6 per GCR). Of these, 57% were performed during the chief year, whereas 43% were performed as postgraduate year 1-4. Only 52% of liver cases were anatomic resections, whereas 71% of pancreas cases were major resections. Total number of cases increased from 22,516 (mean = 23.0) in 2003 to 27,191 (mean = 24.9) in 2012. During this same time period, the percentage of HPB cases that were performed during the chief year decreased by 7% (liver: 13%, pancreas 8%, biliary 4%). There was an increasing trend in the mean number of operations (mean ± SD) logged by GCR on the pancreas (9.1 ± 5.9 to 11.3 ± 4.3; R(2) = .85) and liver (8.0 ± 5.9 to 9.4 ± 3.4; R(2) = .91), whereas those for the biliary tract decreased (5.9 ± 2.5 to 3.8 ± 2.1; R(2) = .96). Although the median number of cases [10th:90th percentile] increased slightly for both pancreas (7.0 [4.0:15] to 8.0 [4:20]) and liver (7.0 [4:13] to 8.0 [5:14]), the maximum number of cases preformed by any given GCR remained stable for pancreas (51 to 53; R(2) = .18), but increased for liver (38 to 45; R(2) = .32). The median number of HPB cases that GCR performed as teaching assistants (TAs) remained at zero during this time period. The 90th percentile of cases performed as TA was less than two for both pancreas and liver.

CONCLUSION

Roughly one-half of GCR have performed fewer than 10 cases in each of the liver, pancreas, or biliary categories at time of completion of residency. Although the mean number of complex liver and pancreatic operations performed by GCR increased slightly, the median number remained low, and the number of TA cases was virtually zero. Most GCR are unlikely to be prepared to perform complex HPB operations.

Comparable operative times with and without surgery resident participation

BACKGROUND

Both physicians and patients may perceive that having surgical residents participate in operative procedures may prolong operations and worsen outcomes. We hypothesized that resident participation would prolong operative times and potentially adversely affect postoperative outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of general surgery resident participation in surgical procedures on operative times and postoperative patient outcomes.

DESIGN

Retrospective study of general surgery procedures performed during two 1-year time periods, 2007 without residents and 2011 with residents. Procedures included laparoscopic appendectomy and cholecystectomy, thyroidectomy, breast procedure, hernia repair, lower extremity amputation, tunneled venous catheter, and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy. The primary outcome was operative time and secondary outcomes included length of stay (LOS) and mortality.

SETTING

Academic general surgery residency program.

RESULTS

There were 2280 operative procedures performed during the 2 periods: 1150 with resident involvement (RES group) and 1130 without residents (NORES group). The RES and NORES groups were similar for patient age (42 vs 41, p = 0.14) and male gender (46% vs 45%, p = 0.68), and there was no difference in overall operative time (68min vs 66min, p = 0.58). More specifically there was no difference in operative time (minutes) for specific procedures including laparoscopic appendectomy (67 vs 71, p = 0.8), thyroidectomy (125 vs 109, p = 0.16), breast procedure (38 vs 26, p = 0.79), hernia repair (61 vs 60, p = 0.74), lower extremity amputation (65 vs 77, p = 0.16), tunneled venous catheter (49 vs 47, p = 0.75), and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (49 vs 46, p = 0.76). However, laparoscopic cholecystectomy took slightly longer in the RES group (71 vs 66, p = 0.02). LOS was shorter during the year with resident involvement (2.6 days vs 3.7 days, p = 0.0004) and there was no difference in mortality (0.17% vs 0.35%, p = 0.45).

CONCLUSIONS

There is no difference in operative time for common general surgery procedures with or without resident involvement. In addition, resident involvement is associated with a decrease in LOS. This information should be used to change physician and patient negative perceptions regarding resident involvement while performing surgical procedures.

Are open abdominal procedures a thing of the past? An analysis of graduating general surgery residents' case logs from 2000 to 2011

INTRODUCTION

Since the introduction of laparoscopic surgery for cholecystectomy in 1989, the growth of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has increased significantly in the United States. There is a growing concern that the pendulum has now shifted too far toward MIS and that current general surgery residents' exposure to open abdominal procedures is lacking.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to analyze trends in open vs MIS intra-abdominal procedures performed by residents graduating from US general surgery residency programs over the past twelve years.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of the data from the ACGME national resident case log reports for graduating US general surgery residents from 2000 to 2011. We analyzed the average number of cases per graduating chief resident for the following surgical procedures: appendectomy, inguinal/femoral hernia repair, gastrostomy, colectomy, antireflux procedures, and cholecystectomy.

RESULTS

For all the procedures analyzed, except antireflux procedures, a statistically significant increase in the number of MIS cases was seen. The increases in MIS procedures were as follows: appendectomy, 8.5 to 46 (542%); inguinal/femoral hernia repair, 7.6 to 23.3 (265%); gastrostomy, 1.4 to 3 (114%); colectomy, 1.8 to 18.2 (1011%); and cholecystectomy, 84 to 105.7 (26%). The p value was set at <0.001 for all procedures. There has been a concomitant decrease in the number of open procedures. The numbers of open appendectomy decreased from 30.9 to 15.5 (p < 0.0001), open inguinal/femoral hernia repair from 52.1 to 48 (p = 0.0038), open gastrostomy from 7.7 to 4.9 (p = 0.0094), open colectomy from 48 to 40.7 (p < 0.0001), open cholecystectomy from 15.5 to 10.4 (p = 0.0005), and open antireflux procedures from 4.7 to 1.7 (p < 0.001). An analysis conducted over time reveals that the rates of increase in MIS procedures in 5 of the 6 categories continue to rise, whereas the rates of open appendectomy, open colectomy, and open antireflux procedures continue to decrease. However, the rates of decline of open hernia repairs and open gastrostomies seem to have plateaued.

CONCLUSIONS

The performance of open procedures in general surgery residency has declined significantly in the past 12 years. The effect of the decline in open cases in surgical training and practice remains to be determined.

Specialized Staff and Equipment for Weight Loss Surgery Patients: Best Practice Guidelines

OBJECTIVE

To provide evidence-based guidelines on the specialized personnel, equipment, and physical plant required for safe and effective care of severely obese weight loss surgery (WLS) patients.

RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES

We examined MEDLINE (Ovid and PubMed) and the Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature for articles on facilities resources for care of WLS patients published in English between January 1980 and March 2004. We queried several web sites for appropriate references; these included the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and the American College of Surgeons. The majority of reference material was descriptive and not specific to facilities resources for WLS patients. We identified a substantial body of literature on the general subject of patient safety; three of these articles were used to develop recommendations on the use of technology for medical error reduction. All other recommendations are based on 11 expert opinion reports.

RESULTS

We recommended adequate training and credentialing for all medical staff; dedicated support and administrative personnel; and specialized interventional, diagnostic, operating room, and transport equipment. We specified needed adaptations to the physical plant and developed evidence-based guidelines for medical error reduction and systems improvements.

DISCUSSION

Specialized resources and dedicated staff are needed to protect the health of WLS surgery patients and staff. Adaptations include preoperative preparation for safe means of patient transport; techniques of anesthesia and intraoperative exposure; provisions for postoperative recovery; and measures to assure postoperative patient safety, hygiene, and comfort.

Laparoscopic resection for sigmoid and rectosigmoid colon cancer performed by trainees: impact on short-term outcomes and selection of suitable patients

PURPOSE

This study aimed (1) to evaluate the impact of clinical factors, particularly operation by trainees, on the short-term outcomes of laparoscopic resection for sigmoid and rectosigmoid cancer, and (2) to determine patients suitable for operation by trainees.

METHODS

From a prospectively maintained single-institution database, we identified 133 patients who underwent laparoscopic resection for sigmoid or rectosigmoid cancer between 2007 and 2010. Gender, age, body mass index (BMI), previous abdominal surgery, tumor location, tumor size, tumor stage, extent of lymph node dissection, and primary surgeon were evaluated using univariate and multivariate analyses to determine the predictive significance of these variables on surgical outcomes including operative time, blood loss, complication, postoperative stay, and retrieved lymph nodes.

RESULTS

Multivariate analysis showed that location of the tumor in the rectosigmoid (p < 0.001), higher BMI (p < 0.001), operation by trainees (p < 0.001), male gender (p = 0.002), and greater tumor depth (p = 0.011) were independently predictive of longer operative time. Larger tumor size (p = 0.025) and higher BMI (p = 0.040) were independently predictive of greater blood loss. Larger tumor size was also related to longer postoperative stay (p = 0.001) and a greater number of retrieved lymph nodes (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study identified operation by trainees as an independent risk factor for longer operative time but with no negative impact on any of the other outcomes. Female patients with a low BMI, sigmoid cancer, shallow tumor depth, and/or small tumor are suitable for operation by trainees.

Pietro Loreta and his contribution to surgery in the 19th century

Pietro Loreta (1831 to 1889), head of surgery at the University of Bologna, Italy, is at present a little-known name. However, in the field of surgery in the second half of the 19th century, his contributions to various areas, especially that of bladder stone treatment and gastric surgery, aroused great interest also at the international level. This survey focuses on both of these subjects that are particularly indicative of Loreta's activity. While he was trying to improve the operation of perineal cystotomy, which was about to be abandoned, he was faced with the new frontier of gastrointestinal tract surgery. Surgery was in rapid transformation, and the practice of a general surgeon still encompassed the domains of different surgical specialties, which would develop individually afterward. Loreta was a pupil of the outstanding surgeon Francesco Rizzoli and some of his pupils such as Alessandro Codivilla and Bartolo Nigrisoli became heads of surgery. His attitude of caution, that he recommended in his writings, is more remarkable considering his problematic nature and might be the most significant and original trait of Loreta's personality.

Measurable learning effects after a 1-week skills course in digestive surgery

AIM

The aim of this study was to assess the learning effects of a surgical skills course focussed on theoretical knowledge, anastomosis techniques and practical suturing skills in digestive surgery.

METHODS

One hundred eight participants of a 1-week skills course, comprising practical exercises in conventional and laparascopic digestive surgery, were asked to complete questionnaires (self-evaluation and course evaluation) and a theoretical knowledge test prior to the beginning (tp1) and at the end of the course (tp2). Thirty-six randomly selected participants performed a handsewn anastomosis at tp1 and at tp2, whereby the respective performance of each participant was recorded on video film and awarded a comparative rating (points score).

RESULTS

In regard to course expectations, 93.52% of the participants had expressed the objective to acquire knowledge in the field of standard surgical techniques, and 71.30% aimed to brush up their existing knowledge and skills. In this respect, participants' satisfaction at tp2 was recorded as high to very high. Confidence to carry out simple and more complex anastomosis was significantly increased (p < 0.001) at tp2. A significantly higher intestinal suture score (11.94 vs. 9.75) was attained at tp2 in a shorter time (176.22 vs. 277.11 s). The reduction in the time needed to complete the given task was accompanied by a corresponding improvement in the quality (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Surgical skill courses constitute an effective component of surgical training with a sustained impact and, therefore, should be integrated into a future curriculum.

Face, content and construct validity of a new realistic trainer for conventional techniques in digestive surgery

PURPOSE

Surgical simulation modules for "open" surgery are limited in contrast to well-studied and validated laparoscopic trainers. In this study, face, content and construct validity of a devised simulation module (Berlin Operation Trainer, BOPT) for handsewn anastomoses in digestive surgery were analysed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Participants of a skills course for digestive surgery (novices: 1-3 years of training; experts: more than 5 years of training) were timed on performing four defined handsewn digestive anastomoses on formalin fixed porcine intestine in the BOPT. Questionnaires were answered regarding impression with the simulation module concerning appearance and realism using a five-point Likert and a three-point forced choice scale. Face and content validities were evaluated based on the responses of participants and construct validity by comparing novices to experts. Data collected were analysed with Fisher's exact test and two-sample t test.

RESULTS

Twenty-two novices (median: second postgraduate year) and 26 experts (median: seventh postgraduate year) were enrolled in the study. The BOPT showed strong face and content validities with average scores for satisfaction parameters above 4.2 +/- 0.41 and 4.1 +/- 0.22, respectively. Construct validity was adequate for anastomosis simulation in the BOPT based on different percentages of anastomosis complete during set time between novices and experts as shown for simple (68.2% vs. 92.3%, p = 0.038) and for difficult anastomosis (18.2% vs. 50.0%, p = 0.021).

CONCLUSIONS

The BOPT is a suitable instrument for advanced surgical training for novices and experienced colleagues creating a realistic and demanding situation. Further studies have to evaluate if a more realistic preoperative training will support an effective transfer of learned techniques to the operating room.

Incorporating an HPB fellowship does not diminish surgical residents' HPB experience in a high-volume training centre

BACKGROUND

Surgical residency training is evolving, and trainees who wish to practice hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) surgery in the future will be required to obtain advanced training. As this paradigm evolves, it is crucial that HPB fellowship incorporation into an established surgical residency programme does not diminish surgical residents' exposure to complex HPB procedures. We hypothesized that incorporation of a HPB fellowship in a high-volume clinical training programme would not detract from residents' HPB experience.

METHODS

Resident operative case logs and HPB fellow case logs were reviewed. Resident exposure to complex HPB procedures for 3 years prior to and 3 years after fellowship incorporation were compared.

RESULTS

No significant changes in surgical resident exposure to liver and pancreatic resection were seen between the two time periods. Surgical resident exposure to complex biliary procedures decreased in the 3 years after HPB fellowship incorporation (P= 0.003); however, exceeded the national average in each year except 2006. Graduating residents' overall HPB experience was unchanged in the 3 years prior to and after incorporating an HPB fellow. Expansion of HPB volume was a critical part of successful HPB fellowship implementation.

DISCUSSION

An HPB fellowship programme can be incorporated into a high-volume clinical training programme without detracting from resident HPB experience. Individual training programmes should carefully assess their capability to provide an adequate clinical experience for fellows without diminishing resident exposure to complex HPB procedures.

Elective laparoscopic recto-sigmoid resection for diverticular disease is suitable as a training operation

PURPOSE

Some authors state that elective laparoscopic recto-sigmoid resection is more difficult for diverticular disease as compared with malignancy. For this reason, starting laparoscopic surgeons might avoid diverticulitis, making the implementation phase unnecessary long. The aim of this study was to determine whether laparoscopic resection for diverticular disease should be included during the implementation phase.

METHODS

All consecutive patients who underwent an elective laparoscopic recto-sigmoid resection in our hospital for diverticulitis or cancer from 2003 to 2007 were analysed.

RESULTS

A total of 256 consecutive patients were included in this prospective cohort study. One hundred and fifty-one patients were operated on for diverticulitis and 105 for cancer. There was no significant difference in operation time (168 vs. 172 min), blood loss (189 vs. 208 ml), conversion rates (9.9% vs. 11.4%), hospital stay (8 vs. 8 days), total number of peroperative (2.3% vs. 1.6%) or postoperative complications (21.9% vs. 26.9%). The occurrence of anastomotic leakages was associated with higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, which differed between the groups (86.8% vs. 64.8% ASA I-II, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Since there are no differences in operation time, blood loss, conversion rate and total complications, there is no need to avoid laparoscopic recto-sigmoid resection for diverticular disease early in the learning curve.

["Practical course for visceral surgery in Warnemünde" 10 years on. Significance and benefits of a surgical training course]

BACKGROUND

Skill courses for surgery offer a good but cost and personnel-intensive possibility to obtain practical and theoretical knowledge by the employment of a close teacher-pupil contact of a large group of surgeons. The goal of the study presented here was to evaluate the satisfaction and benefits of the practical course for visceral surgery in Warnemünde after 10 years of course experience.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

All participants in the annual course for visceral surgery were included since 1999. During this 1-week course conventional and laparoscopic exercises are performed under direct guidance of an experienced tutor. The participants are divided into 3 groups based on their surgical experience (e.g. <3 years, 3-5 years, >5 years). All participants received a standardised questionnaire before and after successful course completion for the collection of relevant data (e.g. demography, training, surgical experience and course evaluation).

RESULTS

A total of 1,062 participants (435 female, 627 male, mean age 37 years) participated in the course. The average surgical experience of the participants was 5 years. Of the participants 489 came from a hospital of basic medical care, 499 from a hospital of maximum medical care and 74 from a university hospital. Of the participants 96% had no or only little experience with skill courses (1,020 out of 1,065) and 827 participants had no or only few possibilities for training outside of the operation room (78%). The conventional part of the course was evaluated by 77% of the participants as very good and by 50% as very good for the laparoscopic part. Only 8.3% of the participants were willing to finance the costs of the course by themselves.

CONCLUSIONS

The practical course for visceral surgery leads to a subjective success in learning. Participation in the course leads to a high satisfaction and offers a cost-intensive possibility for a standardised surgical training. But there are too few experiences with skill courses and possibilities for surgical training outside the operation room so far.

Technical difficulty grade score for the laparoscopic approach of rectal cancer: a single institution pilot study

INTRODUCTION

We aimed to categorize laparoscopic rectal resections according to technical difficulty to standardize learning purposes and stratify results, making future studies more comparable.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty patients undergoing a laparoscopic total mesorectal excision were prospectively followed. Four preoperatively known facts (gender, body mass index (BMI), tumor localization, and preoperative radiation therapy) were compared to four operative outcomes (operation time, blood loss, a visual analogue score (VAS) for difficulty rewarded by the surgeon, and oncological radicality of the procedure).

RESULTS

Operating time for male and female patients was 257 vs. 245 min (P=0.229), blood loss was 300 vs. 300 ml (P=0.309), the VAS was 8 vs. 6 (P<0.001), and radicality was 93% vs. 91% (P=0.806). Operating time was 215, 250, and 305 min for high, mid, and low tumors (Spearman -0.44; P=0.02), respectively. Blood loss was 105, 300, and 600 ml (Spearman -0.38; P=0.01). Lower tumors were rewarded a higher VAS (Spearman -0.57; P<0.001) and were less often radically resected (Spearman 0.32; P=0.026). Operating time for irradiated and nonirradiated patients was 277 vs. 225 min (P=0.008), blood loss was 500 vs. 150 ml (P=0.006), the VAS was 7 vs. 5 (P<0.001), and radicality was 79% vs. 100% (P=0.046). Operating time was 240 min for BMI 25-30 and 253 min for BMI>30 (Spearman 0.13; P=0.391). Blood loss was 150 ml for BMI 25-30 and 500 ml for BMI>30 (Spearman 0.38; P=0.01). Higher BMIs were rewarded a higher VAS (Spearman 0.06; P=0.704). BMI had no correlation to radicality of the procedure (Spearman -0.12; P=0.402). There was an association between technical difficulty score and operation time (P=0.007), blood loss (P<0.001), VAS (P<0.001), and radicality of surgery (P=0.043).

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic surgery in male, irradiated, and obese patients with lower tumors seemed more difficult. A categorization according to technical difficulty, to preoperatively predict difficulty of the procedure, was found feasible.

Hepatopancreaticobiliary (HPB) surgery: what is the right fellowship for the right training?

BACKGROUND

Reduced resident work hours over the last several years have led to inadequate exposure to hepatopancreaticobiliary (HPB) and complex upper gastrointestinal (UGI) surgical procedures. Therefore, residents are seeking additional training in this field. The purpose of this study is to determine the role of a new fellowship model in the training of general surgery residents in complex HPB/UGI diseases.

METHODS

We propose a surgical training model in benign as well as malignant diseases of the UGI tract. The proposed model would focus on an integrated approach that involves allied specialties such as gastroenterology (GI) and radiology.

RESULTS

The fellowship was set as 1-year duration with 1-month rotations on interventional GI and transplantation. The fellow spent the remaining 10 months on a UGI laparoscopic and open surgery service caring for complex benign and malignant disease of the esophagus, stomach, bile duct, pancreas, and liver. Didactic conferences were focused specifically at an organ-based approach to diseases of these organs. During a 12-month fellowship, exposure to complex diseases of the UGI tract was accomplished without negatively impacting the general surgery residency program.

CONCLUSION

This new mode of advanced training provides a bridge between surgical oncology and transplantation, and it is an excellent model for postgraduate surgical training in UGI diseases.

A new web-based operative skills assessment tool effectively tracks progression in surgical resident performance

PURPOSE

The study aim was to demonstrate that a new database tool for assessment of surgical resident operative skills discerns predictable progression in those skills over successive residency years for specific index case types.

METHODS

A Web-based interactive database (OpRate) was used to assess selected aspects of resident operative performance as determined by supervising attending surgeons in a medium-sized residency (5-6 residents per postgraduate year [PGY]). This assessment consisted of (1) 3 questions pertaining to patient information, technical, and disease-specific preparedness; (2) 4 laparoscopic technical skills questions pertaining to tissue handling, dexterity, planning, and ability to function independently; and (3) similar open technical skills questions, with the addition of 2 questions defining knot tying ability. Two years of assessment data were examined for cholecystectomy (CH), appendectomy (AP), colon resection (CR), ventral hernia repair (VH), and inguinal hernia repair (IH). Mean scores for total, technical, and preparedness responses, as well as each response area were compared for successive training years for each case type. Mean performance data between postgraduate years were compared by ANOVA, and interitem reliability was assessed by Cronbach's alpha determinations.

RESULTS

OpRate data for 579 cases (142 CH, 67 AP, 73 CR, 202 IH, and 95 VH) were examined. Significant incremental increases in open and laparoscopic technical skills scores by training year were observed for all case types (ANOVA, p < 0.0001). Individual technical skills as well as technical and disease-specific preparedness response areas also demonstrated significant improvement by successive training year. Cronbach's alpha determinations were 0.80-0.94 for the preparedness test items and the skills performance scores for all assessed procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

Our early results show that the OpRate assessment tool is effective in identifying expected changes in operative performance across successive training years, with a satisfactory level of internal consistency for the test items. As such, the use of this database tool may offer the opportunity to (1) define performance benchmarks for specific levels of training and (2) identify areas where focused training may be required for specific residents.