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Three-dimensional (3D) printing is spreading in hand surgery. There is an increasing number of practical applications like the training of junior hand surgeons, patient education, preoperative planning, and 3D printing of customized casts, customized surgical guides, implants, and prostheses. Some high-quality studies highlight the value for surgeons, but there is still a lack of high-level evidence for improved clinical endpoints and hence actual impact on the patient's outcome. This article provides an overview over the latest applications of 3D printing in hand surgery and practical experience of implementing them into daily clinical routine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Choosing a total knee arthroplasty implant can be confusing, with implant manufacturers all providing a wide range of implants even within the same brand. These may vary by design philosophy, fixation, constraint, materials and construct. A surgeon will need to have considered the evidence before making a choice of implant, and this evidence can be in the form of large cohorts of registry-based data, that may lack detail, or small studies that may be too small to be valid or have wider application. This article reviews the sources of data available to surgeons and discusses the categories of implant available to the surgeon. Variations in patient anatomy and pathology may require a surgeon to be familiar with a range of implant options. Surgeons should be aware of how their chosen implant performs, not just in studies from the designer, but in independent series and on national registries, and should know the UK Orthopaedic Data Evaluation Panel (ODEP) rating of the specific detailed construct that they are regularly using. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Turkiye Klinikleri Journal of Forensic Medicine & Forensic Sciences / Türkiye Klinikleri Adli Tıp ve Adli Bilimler Dergisi is the property of Turkiye Klinikleri and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: To present the technique and outcomes of a modified manual small incision cataract surgery designed for the phacoemulsification surgeons who are learning to perform manual small incision cataract surgery. Methods: This was a retrospective, single-centred, comparative study. We included all the patients who underwent the modified manual small incision cataract surgery for visually significant cataract at Singapore National Eye Centre. All surgeries were performed by either a senior phaco-trained surgeon (M.A.) who had performed more than 500 manual small incision cataract surgery or a junior phaco-trained surgeon (D.C.) who had performed around 500 phacoemulsification but never performed any manual small incision cataract surgery. The main modification of this technique lies in the creation of an additional phaco-like main wound at 90° to the scleral tunnel wound, with most surgical steps performed through this additional wound. The outcomes were analysed and compared between the senior and junior surgeons. The main outcome measures were visual outcome and major intraoperative complications such as posterior capsular rupture and zonular dialysis. Results: A total of 132 cases were included; 102 (77.3%) and 30 (22.7%) cases were performed by the senior and junior surgeons, respectively. Pre-operatively, 85.6% eyes had best-corrected visual acuity of counting fingers or worse. Postoperatively, the visual outcome at 1 month was similar between the senior and junior surgeons, with 68.7% eyes achieving a best-corrected visual acuity of ⩾6/12 (p = 0.17). No posterior capsular rupture, zonular dialysis or endophthalmitis was observed during the study period. Conclusions: This modified technique may serve as a useful transition technique for the phaco-trained surgeons to develop skills in manual small incision cataract surgery, with demonstrable good visual outcome and safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose — The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted healthcare services around the world. We (1) describe the organizational changes at a level 1 trauma center, (2) investigate how orthopedic healthcare professionals perceived the immense amount of information and educational activities, and (3) make recommendations on how an organization can prepare for disruptive situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic in the future. Methods — We conducted a retrospective survey on the organizational restructuring of the orthopedic department and the learning outcomes of a needs-driven educational program. The educational activities were evaluated by a non-validated, 7-item questionnaire. Results — The hospital established 5 COVID-19 clusters, which were planned to be activated in sequential order. The orthopedic ward comprised cluster 4, where orthopedic nursing staff were teamed up with internal medicine physicians, while the orthopedic team were redistributed to manage minor and major injuries in the emergency department (ED). The mean learning outcome of the educational activities was high–very high, i.e., 5.4 (SD 0.7; 7-point Likert scale). Consequently, the staff felt more confident to protect themselves and to treat COVID-19 patients. Interpretation — Using core clinical competencies of the staff, i.e., redistribution of the orthopedic team to the ED, while ED physicians could use their competencies treating COVID-19 patients, may be applicable in other centers. In-situ simulation is an efficient tool to enhance non-technical and technical skills and to facilitate organizational learning in regard to complying with unforeseen changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To develop a simulator of the external auditory canal and tympanic membrane that enables surgical trainees to practise their otomicroscopy skills, which is particularly valuable at a time where there is limited patient contact because of the coronavirus disease 2019 lockdown. Methods: A simulator of the external auditory canal and tympanic membrane was made using a cardboard bowl, a 2 ml syringe and a latex glove. The simulator was used to practise otomicroscopy skills, including microsuction, foreign body removal, myringotomy and grommet insertion. Five doctors in the ENT department participated, ranging from core surgical training year two doctor to specialty doctor. Results: The simulator provides an effective tool on which surgical trainees can practise, develop and maintain a variety of otomicroscopy skills. Conclusion: This inexpensive, easy and quick-to-make simulator enables trainees to practise their otomicroscopy skills on an approximately accurate model during a time when there is minimal clinical opportunity to develop these skills, particularly because of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Handheld retractor placement (HHRP) is prone to repetitive repositioning. This could lead to muscle damage especially during a procedure with a steep learning curve. In an attempt to minimize retractor repositioning during the learning curve of direct anterior approach (DAA) total hip arthroplasty (THA), we used a table mounted orthostatic retractor placement (ORP) device. To investigate whether ORP would reduce the extent of muscle damage, OR-time and post-operative inflammatory response. 29 Patients were operated by 2 surgeons who randomly used HHRP or ORP during their learning curve of DAA THA. There were 14 patients in a control group who were operated by an experienced surgeon. Blood levels of Creatine Kinase (CK), C-Reactive Protein (CRP), Hemoglobin (Hb), Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) were measured at 1 h pre- and 24 and 48 h post-operatively. The mean OR-time was 67 and 50 min in the HHRP and ORP cohort, respectively (p < 0,001). Post-operative CRP levels were significantly higher in the HHRP cohort at 24 h (HHRP 60.64 mg/L (25.20–143.20); ORP 34.67 mg/L (9.30–71.20)) (p = 0.003) and 48 h post-operatively (HHRP 154.54 mg/L (65.90–369.00); ORP 81.60 mg/L (21.30–219.40) (p = 0.004). The post-operative Hb-levels were significantly lower in the HHRP cohort at 24 h (HHRP 11.11 g/dL (9.10–12.30); ORP 11.37 g/dL (8.80–14.00)) (p = 0.0008) and 48 h (HHRP 10.86 g/dL (9.50–12.00); ORP 11.25 g/dL (8.60–14.10)) (p = 0.03). Post-operative ESR levels were significantly higher in the HHRP cohort 48 h post-op (HHRP 45.21 mm/h (14.00–83.00); ORP 23.73 mm/h (2.00–73.00)) (p = 0.004). No significant differences were found for the CK and LDH levels at any time postoperatively. There were no complications in any group. The use of an orthostatic retractor placement device allows for reducing the OR-time, post-operative blood loss and post-operative inflammatory response during the learning curve of DAA THA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiac computed tomography (CT) is increasingly used to plan transcatheter structural heart interventions. However, intraoperative guidance relies on transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and fluoroscopy. This study sought to develop a stepwise CT multi‐planar reconstruction manipulation method to mimic TEE, bridging the gap between preoperative planning and intraoperative guidance tools. This CT manipulation reproduced similar configurations as TEE views in the mid‐esophageal left ventricle (LV) views, transgastric LV 2‐chamber views for mitral apparatus, and other miscellaneous views. Stepwise cardiac CT manipulation to mimic TEE is the final piece of the puzzle in the mental co‐registration of these three crucial imaging modalities. Now, we can predict the TEE images and fluoroscopy projections in a preoperative rehearsal, thus improving the intraoperative accuracy of interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mass-casualty terrorist incidents are a medical and organisational challenge for every hospital. The Terror and Disaster Surgical Care (TDSC®) course was developed because such incidents are associated with special injury patterns, escalating situations, and surges of casualties and haemodynamically unstable patients requiring treatment and can overwhelm the resources of hospitals. Materials and methods: The course currently lasts two-and-a -half days and is designed for 18–21 experienced surgeons, anaesthetists and clinical emergency physicians (who form groups of three for the tabletop simulation game). From 2017 to 2019, a total of 20 courses with 437 participants were conducted. The data in this study were collected from these 437 participants. Results: Most of the participants were male (82%); 64% of participants specialised in a major field of surgery (general surgery, visceral surgery, vascular surgery, trauma surgery and orthopaedics). At the time of the course, most participants (86%) were department heads, senior physicians or specialists. The tabletop simulation game, which was specifically developed for the course, as well as the presentations were rated good to very good. The result of the overall course evaluation, which included aspects such as organisation, professionalism, content and teaching, was on average 1.34 and thus very good. Discussion: The TDSC course complements already established courses and provides training in tactical surgical care after hospital admission. The TDSC course integrates and builds on elements of individualised trauma care such as the primary survey and the extended focused assessment with sonography in trauma (eFAST). This underlines again that it complements and does not replace other course formats. We can conclude that the presentations and the tabletop simulation game were well suited to the target group and that the participants were able to increase their knowledge of this complex subject. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mass-casualty incidents, especially in connection with a terrorist attack, can quickly overwhelm the capacities of receiving hospitals. After a mass-casualty terrorist incident, patients often arrive at hospitals in an uncoordinated manner on account of the chaotic situation. Many patients leave the incident site and refer themselves to hospitals independently. Hospital decision makers must, therefore, be able to make quick decisions on diagnostic procedures and treatment for every individual patient and, at the same time, take into consideration available resources. They require decision criteria and aids to properly manage such scenarios. Materials and methods: As part of the preparation of the Terror and Disaster Surgical Care (TDSC®) course, we developed a tabletop simulation game based on a comprehensive and structured review of the literature, the opinions of renowned experts, and the results of specialised conferences. This tabletop simulation game is played four times during each TDSC® course. Results: Our analysis involved 264 of 465 course–participants from 2017 to 2019 and showed that the overall evaluation was very good and that participants grew more positive about the tabletop simulation game during the course. The tabletop simulation game received an average rating of 1.53 (1 = very good, 6 = insufficient). This rating remained consistently high over 19 courses. Discussion: Hospital decision makers must respond to mass-casualty terrorist situations in a defined tactical and strategic approach. Rapid decisions must be made that take into account the special situation and available capacities and resources to maximise the number of survivors even though individual patients may have a poorer functional outcome. As part of the TDSC® course, the tabletop simulation game teaches high-level decision-making algorithms and prepares key hospital personnel for such situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives Over-ordering of blood before operation can cause unnecessary cross matches, blood bank staff overload, blood unit wastages due to outdating, and increase hospital costs. So, we aimed to survey the efficacy of MSBOS on blood utilization in Faghihi Hospital, Shiraz, Iran. Materials and Methods This cross sectional study was conducted over a three month period in 2019 and 2020 (before and after MSBOS establishment) in Faghihi Hospital, Shiraz, Iran. The education class was held for surgeons to order blood according to MSBOS. The frequency of cross matches, transfused blood units, and the cross match to transfusion ratio were compared before and after MSBOS establishment by comparison of proportions by MedCalc software in the elective surgical ward. Results The cross match to transfusion ratio significantly decreased after MSBOS establishment (3.97 to 1.46). The transfusion index and transfusion probability increased significantly after MSBOS establishment (25.2% to 63.6%, 24.7% to 59.4%) )p < 0.001). The cross match rates also decreased (51.13%). The cross match costs also decreased from 293898528 Rials (Iranian currency) to 143626560. Conclusions In this study, the cross match to transfusion ratio decreased significantly after MSBOS establishment which shows the effectiveness of MSBOS on rational blood use. So, the education of surgeons and emphasis on blood ordering according to MSOBS can improve blood usage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A postoperative hallux varus deformity is a dreaded complication of hallux valgus surgery. Several surgical options have been introduced to overcome this problem. This paper reports an uncommon case of a 68-year-old female patient who presented with a postoperative hallux varus deformity combined with a rupture of the flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon. She was treated successfully by a minimally invasive correctional osteotomy with open tenorrhaphy. With experience in treating this complicated case, it was noted that FHL could be transected during the trans-articular adductor tenotomy. Hence, extra caution is needed when the degree of hallux valgus deformity is excessive. To the best of the author's knowledge, correctional valgization osteotomy for a postoperative hallux varus deformity in a minimally invasive manner has not been reported. This case report is expected to benefit surgeons and their patients with severe hallux valgus deformity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Rate of learning is often cited as a deterrent in the use of endoscopic ear surgery. This study investigated the learning curves of novice surgeons performing simulated ear surgery using either an endoscope or a microscope. Methods: A prospective multi-site clinical research study was conducted. Seventy-two medical students were randomly allocated to the endoscope or microscope group, and performed 10 myringotomy and ventilation tube insertions. Trial times were used to produce learning curves. From these, slope (learning rate) and asymptote (optimal proficiency) were ascertained. Results: There was no significant difference between the learning curves (p = 0.41). The learning rate value was 68.62 for the microscope group and 78.71 for the endoscope group. The optimal proficiency (seconds) was 32.83 for the microscope group and 27.87 for the endoscope group. Conclusion: The absence of a significant difference shows that the learning rates of each technique are statistically indistinguishable. This suggests that surgeons are not justified when citing 'steep learning curve' in arguments against the use of endoscopes in middle-ear surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children with spinal problems present to a wide range of healthcare providers. These providers include the emergency department, their GPs, physiotherapy and the paediatric medical and surgical clinics (including orthopaedics). They may present with a variety of symptoms, but the common complaints are: back pain, leg pain or a change in back shape (spinal deformity). Some children may experience a combination of these problems. A systematic approach to the history and examination with knowledge of the common spinal conditions in children will allow you to select the best investigations. This will maximize the chance of making the correct diagnosis and providing appropriate care. This article aims to give an overview, appropriate for surgeons in the early years of their training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To test the feasibility of implementing a high-fidelity cleft palate simulator during a workshop in Santiago, Chile, using a novel video endoscope to assess technical performance. Design: Sixteen cleft surgeons from South America participated in a 2-day cleft training workshop. All 16 participants performed a simulated repair, and 13 of them performed a second simulated repair. The repairs were recorded using a low-cost video camera and a newly designed camera mouth retractor attachment. Twenty-nine videos were assessed by 3 cleft surgeons using a previously developed cleft palate objective structured assessment of technical skill (CLOSATS with embedded overall score assessment) and global rating scale. The reliability of the ratings and technical performance in relation to minimum acceptable scores and previous experience was assessed. Results: The video setup provided acceptable recording quality for the purpose of assessment. Average intraclass correlation coefficient for the CLOSATS, global, and overall performance score was 0.69, 0.75, and 0.82, respectively. None of the novice surgeons passed the CLOSATS and global score for both sessions. One participant in the intermediate group, and 2 participants in the advanced group passed the CLOSATS and global score for both sessions. There were highly experienced participants who failed to pass the CLOSATS and global score for both sessions. Conclusions: The cleft palate simulator can be practically implemented with video-recording capability to assess performance in cleft palate repair. This technology may be of assistance in assessing surgical competence in cleft palate repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Initiation of an advanced laparoscopic surgery program requires skill and proper training. Despite description of multiple surgical training modules, an ideal method for training of surgeons for advanced laparoscopic procedures is lacking. We propose an abbreviated self-imposed proctored preceptorship training model as the optimum training method for training skilled laparoscopic surgeons in advanced laparoscopic procedures like laparoscopic donor nephrectomy. The laparoscopic donor nephrectomy program was started at the Institute using preceptorship-proctorship model. One hundred left laparoscopic donor nephrectomies were performed over the course of 2 years. Outcomes in terms of performance related (Surgeon) outcomes in the form of learning curve and patient outcomes in terms of donor outcomes and recipient results and were studied. Learning curve was calculated using the moving average method and calculation of mean operative time of every five consecutive cases. Mean operative time for laparoscopic donor nephrectomy was 108.1 ± 26.5 min, the warm ischemia time averaged at 3.5 ± 1.3 min and the mean blood loss was 130.1 ± 54.9 ml. Moving average analysis revealed that approximately 20 LDN cases were needed to complete the learning phase. According to the mean operative time of every five consecutive cases, learning phase of LDN was completed between 26 and 30 cases. We believe that the abbreviated self-imposed proctored preceptorship model of training is an optimum model for starting a new advanced laparoscopic surgery program and can help surgeons to overcome the initial learning curve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A postoperative hallux varus deformity is a dreaded complication of hallux valgus surgery. Several surgical options have been introduced to overcome this problem. This paper reports an uncommon case of a 68-year-old female patient who presented with a postoperative hallux varus deformity combined with a rupture of the flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon. She was treated successfully by a minimally invasive correctional osteotomy with open tenorrhaphy. With experience in treating this complicated case, it was noted that FHL could be transected during the trans-articular adductor tenotomy. Hence, extra caution is needed when the degree of hallux valgus deformity is excessive. To the best of the author's knowledge, correctional valgization osteotomy for a postoperative hallux varus deformity in a minimally invasive manner has not been reported. This case report is expected to benefit surgeons and their patients with severe hallux valgus deformity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unfortunately, the drape dividing the anesthesiologist from the surgeon is far too often a symbol of a greater divide in both communication and culture between the 2 specialties. When anesthesiologists and surgeons spend time rotating on each other's services, they develop a mutual respect for each other's clinical acumen and foster open communication channels for times of both routine clinical care and crisis. There is no better time than in residency, and no better way than cross-training, for anesthesia and surgical residents to hone these skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conflict arises when surgeons and anesthesiologists disagree about goals of care in perioperative settings. Collaboration is essential for safe, efficient, and effective care. Drawing on 2 pediatric cases that highlight risks of anesthetic exposure, this article examines the influence of surgical training on outcomes, barriers to collaboration, and anesthesiologists' ethical obligations to educate surgeons and parents about anesthesiainduced neurotoxicity risks. The article also discusses how to align surgical and anesthetic practice during surgeries with prolonged anesthetic use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe a method to fabricate donor tooth replica to assist surgeons in preparation of recipient socket during tooth autotransplantation. Materials and Methods: A total of 28 compromised molars in 27 patients were transplanted with third molars using computer‐aided rapid prototyping (CARP) technique. Surgery time and extra‐alveolar time were documented. Postoperatively, the distance between cervix of transplanted tooth and the alveolar wall was measured. The degree of postoperative pain experienced was assessed with visual analog scale at day 1, 3, and 7. Results: From 28 clinical cases, the average extra‐alveolar time and surgery time were 2.5 minutes (±1.3) and 44 minutes (±6.8), respectively. Postoperatively, the average distance between cervix of transplanted tooth and the alveolar wall was 0.87 mm (±0.15) at the mesial‐cervix, 0.95 mm (±0.17) at the distal‐cervix, 0.88 mm (±0.18) at the buccal‐cervix, and 0.95 mm (±0.13) at the lingual‐cervix. The value of visual analog scale score significantly decreased from day 1 to day 3. Conclusions: CARP is a reliable technique for fabrication of tooth like surgical replicas in conventional autotransplantation. Clinical Significance: CARP technique minimized extra‐oral time, reduced iatrogenic damage, and consequently increased the survival rate of tooth autotransplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Translaminar percutaneous endoscopic discectomy (PED) was used widely in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation (LDH), especially for the training of novice surgeons. A larger range of osteotomy was a suitable method to get enough operation space and reduce intraoperative risks. But osteotomy, especially facetectomy, may be associated with the biomechanical deterioration and resulting adjacent segment diseases (ASD). Hence, the objects of this study were to investigate whether different levels of surgical experience in performing different ranges of osteotomy (especially facetectomy) affected the risk for ASD and to identify the safe indications for the training of PED novice surgeons. Study Design. In this study, a three-dimensional lumbosacral model was constructed and validated. Corresponding translaminar PED models with different ranges of osteotomy for armpit, periradicular, and shoulder types of LDH were constructed. The von Mises stress on the endplates, the shear stress on the annulus, the intradiscal pressure, and the range of motion (ROM) in the L3-L4 segment disc were computed. Results. Computational results in our well-validated model indicated that large ranges of osteotomy led to deterioration in most of the biomechanical indicators, and this trend was most significant in the shoulder-type LDH model. Conclusions. To ensure the appropriateness of the surgical prognosis, armpit and periradicular types of LDH can be seen as suitable indications for the training of novice PED surgeons, and shoulder-type LDH should be excluded from such indications until novices can perform PED within a relatively small range of osteotomy. Mini Abstract. Based on biomechanical variations in our finite element analysis, armpit and periradicular types of LDH can be seen as suitable indications for the training of novice PED surgeons, and shoulder-type LDH should be excluded until novices can perform PED within a relatively small range of osteotomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The benefits of placing breast implants below the muscle very often outweigh placing them above the muscle. This dissection plane is less vascularized than the retroglandular one, and favoring this option may reduce hematoma incidence. Furthermore, the correct submuscular dissection is not easy to perform (mostly for beginners); thus, the pocket is not carried out quickly. To solve these problems, we present an alternative submuscular surgical technique, which uses hydrodissection to delimitate the submuscular pocket dissection. We analyzed the results of 11 patients with breast cancer who underwent mastectomy and breast implant reconstruction and eight patients who underwent breast implant augmentation from March 2016 to September 2017. First, the submuscular plane is accessed via an inframammary incision, then creates a small cavity at the lateral border of major pectoralis muscle, above the distal insertion of minor pectoralis muscle. After that, a 60-mL syringe (catheter tip) is inserted and a tumescence solution is infiltrated (epinephrine and saline solution). With hydrodissection, the soft tissue is separated using the gentle force of the water-jet (atraumatic dissection); the epinephrine allows vasoconstriction and an easier preventive hemostasis is established. Minimum follow-up after surgery was 1 year, with an average of 14.8 months. Among the treated patients, the percentage of complications was extremely low and time of surgery was very fast. This technical note explains a very simple, economical, and less time-consuming method to perform the submuscular pocket. It may be applied to all procedures within the field of the breast augmentation, including reconstructive and esthetic surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key content: It is crucial to understand the basics of electrosurgery to deliver safe and effective laparoscopic surgery.Electrosurgical tissue effects include vaporisation, desiccation and coagulation, which help to achieve cutting, dissection, ablation and haemostasis during surgery.Electrosurgery is delivered through monopolar and bipolar instruments.Surgeons can avoid complications of electrosurgery by understanding the mechanisms underlying them.Establishment of a formal training programme in surgical energy is needed for surgeons and theatre staff to provide safe laparoscopic surgery. Learning objectives: To understand the applied physics of electrosurgery.To describe the various electrosurgical tissue effects and the variables controlling them.To identify the differences between monopolar and bipolar instruments.To know the mechanisms of various electrosurgical complications and safety measures to avoid them. Ethical issues: Is it ethical to use energy devices in laparoscopic surgery with little or no formal training about their appropriate use and safety?Do surgeons need to know about all energy devices they use in operating theatres?Should all allied healthcare professionals working in operating theatres undergo formal training on the use of electrosurgery? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context.--Specimen quality is paramount for microbiology culture in order to ensure the testing is performed appropriately and the results, generated accurately, reflect the patient's clinical situation and guide proper treatment. Several factors play a critical role in guaranteeing the accuracy of the culture results, including adequate specimen collection by the surgeon, proper labeling, and timely transport to the laboratory. Objective.--To educate pathologists, surgeons, and other medical personnel involved in the collection and processing of surgical specimens submitted for microbiologic culture. To assure the pathogen is correctly identified, proper protocols must be followed. The accurate identification of the infectious microorganisms from surgical specimens is vital for the treating clinician to ensure the correct antimicrobial therapy is administered. Data Sources.--An analysis of relevant literature was performed by using PubMed. Articles were selected on the basis of their relevance to the topic as well as their date of publication. Articles published between 2000 and 2018 were deemed sufficient for inclusion, while older references, regardless of relevance, were excluded. Conclusions.--The process of properly obtaining specimens for microbiology culture from the operating room is a complex process that requires collaboration between the collecting surgeon and the pathologist and microbiology laboratory in order to provide the highest quality of results from which important treatment decisions are then implemented. Engaging leadership to develop mutually agreed-upon institutional best practices will help not only to standardize practices but also to improve the quality of microbiology results reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective In this article, a craniocerebral model is introduced for neurosurgical training, which is patient-specific, tactile-realistic, and with adjustable intracranial pressure. Methods The patient-specific feature is achieved by modeling from cT scans and magnetic resonance images (MRI). The brain tissue model is built by the hydrogel casting technique, while scalp, skull, vasculature, and lateral ventricles are all-in-one fabricated by three-dimensional (3D) printing. a closed-loop system is integrated to monitor and control the intracranial pressure. 3D measurements, mechanical tests, and simulated external ventricular drain (EVD) placement procedures are conducted on the model. results A neurosurgical training model is completed with high accuracy (mean deviation 0.36 mm). The hydrogel brain tissue has a stiffness more similar to that of a real brain than the common 3D printed materials. The elasticity modulus of hydrogel brain tissue model is E=25.71 kPa, compared with our softest 3D printed material with E=1.14x10³ kPa. Ten experienced surgeons rate the tactile realness of the neurosurgical training model at an average point of 4.25 on a scale from 1 (strongly negative) to 5 (strongly positive). The neurosurgical training model is also rated to be realistic in size (4.82), anatomy (4.70), and effective as an aid to improve blind EVD placement skills (4.65). Conclusions The neurosurgical training model can provide trainee surgeons with realistic experience in both tactile feedbacks and craniocerebral anatomy, improving their surgical skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of BJS Open is the property of Oxford University Press / USA and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: The eoSim® laparoscopic augmented reality (AR) simulator has instrument tracking capabilities that may be suitable for implementation in laparoscopic training. The objective is to assess face, content, and construct validity of this simulator for basic laparoscopic skills training. Methods: Participants were divided into three groups: novices (no training), intermediates (<50 laparoscopic procedures), and experts (>50 laparoscopic procedures). Three basic tasks were completed on the simulator: thread transfer (1), cyst dissection (2), and tube ligation (3). A questionnaire was completed on realism, didactic value, and usability of the simulator. Measured outcome parameters were as follows: time, distance, time off screen, average speed, acceleration, and smoothness. Results: Mean ± standard deviation scores on realism were positive (Task 1 or T1; 3.9 ± 0.7, P = .13, T2; 3.7 ± 0.7, P = .07, T3; 3.7 ± 0.07), as well as didactic value (T1; 3.9 ± 0.8, P = .71, T2; 3.9 ± 0.8, P = .31, T3; 4.0 ± 0.8, P = .40). Usability was valued the highest, with mean scores between 3.9 and 4.3 (T1; P = .71, T2; P = .80, T3; P = .85). Scores did not differ significantly between groups. Experts were significantly faster (Task 1; P < .001, Task 2; P = .042, Task 3: P < .001) with higher handling speed for tasks 2 and 3 (Task 1; P = .20, task 2; P = .034, task 3; P = .049). Results for other outcome parameters also indicated experts had better instrument control and efficiency than novices, although these differences did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions: The eoSim laparoscopic AR simulator is regarded as a realistic, accessible, and useful tool for the training of basic laparoscopic skills, with good face validity. Construct validity of the eoSim AR simulator was demonstrated on several core variables, but not all. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The substantial increase in the complexity of breast cancer care in the last few decades has resulted in significant improvements in survival rates and also in the quality of life of breast cancer survivors. However, across Europe there are variations in outcomes and access to the latest techniques. Whilst much of this variance is due to differences in health economies between European member states, training variation may also play a part. Training in breast cancer surgery varies greatly across Europe, not only in its basal discipline (general surgery, gynaecology or plastic surgery) but also in the length of training and whether there is any requirement for specialist training. Several countries have been leading the way in training breast specialist surgeons (the USA, the UK, Australia and New Zealand) with dedicated 1- or 2-year fellowships either within or in addition to standard training. Access to such training is limited and consequently many women in Europe are still treated by generalists, potentially denying them access to the best care. This paper reviews the issues surrounding training provision in breast surgery and some of the challenges which need to be addressed to improve the current situation. Summary: Breast surgery training in Europe is of variable quality and duration, which may result in variations in the quality of care received by patients with breast cancer. Specialist training standards are urgently required which should be adopted by all European member states. Excellent models are available in the USA, the UK and Australia and New Zealand on which to base this training. Key Messages: The quality of training in breast surgery needs to be upgraded and harmonised across Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article highlights the results of survey of Great Britain breast surgery trainees related to Axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) training. It mentions the results of this survey suggest that a significant number of breast surgery trainees in the Britain feel that they are not getting adequate exposure to ALNDs during their training and addresses such training gaps to ensure satisfactory skills acquisition prior to completion of training.

Purpose: The sub-retinal injections are not very commonly performed procedures in vitreoretina, but form a crucial step in any cell replacement therapy for retinal diseases. The purpose of this study is to describe the learning curve of a trained vitreo-retinal surgeon in sub-retinal injections in a rat model and its implications in future clinical trials.Methods: This is an in-vivo retrospective animal study using Wistar rats. All ARVO guidelines regarding animal handling were followed. After anesthetization, aspectic preparation and dilating the pupils with 1% tropicamide eye drops, subretinal injection of 10 μl saline was done via a limbal entry. Data recorded included time taken for the procedure, success of injection, associated complications, post-operative infections and complications. The rats were followed up for 1 month post procedure. A trend analysis was done for the above factors to look for improvement in ease of procedure, reduction in procedure time and reduction in complications for the clinician using a novel objective scale.Results: About 20 eyes were studied. Mean weight of the rats was 188 ± 12.82 gram. Mean time taken for the procedure was 14.1 ± 5.07 minutes. There was a significant inverse co-relation between the serial number of the eye and time taken for the procedure (r = -0.89, P < 0.0001). Comparative complications noted between the first ten and the last ten eyes were: conjunctival tear 30% versus 10% (P = 0.27), lens touch 50% versus 10% (P = 0.05), subretinal hemorrhage 40% versus 0% (P = 0.13), vitreous loss 30% versus 0% (P = 0.06). The successful subretinal injection without intraocular complications was achieved in 40% versus 90% (P = 0.02). There was a significant co-relation between the serial number of the eye and ease of the procedure (r = 0.87, P < 0.0001). Post operatively none of the eyes had any infection. Six eyes (12%) developed cataract and 3 eyes (6%) had non-resolving retinal detachment at the last examination visit.Conclusion: Subretinal injections in rats have a definite learning curve even for a trained vitreoretinal surgeon. This should be accounted for and resources allocated accordingly to achieve good technical comfort and negate confounding by the surgeon factor in the results of future clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study presents the surgical, oncological, and functional outcomes of the first 93 robotic radical prostatectomy (RARP) procedures performed in Erzurum, Turkey. These procedures were performed by a single surgeon who had completed the European Association of Urology Robotic Urology Section (ERUS) RARP curriculum in an ERUS-certified training center in Ankara. Material and methods: The study present the results of 93 RARP procedures performed by a single surgeon. The surgeon performing the operations completed an ERUS training program structured for RARP by two robotic surgeons holding ERUS training certificates in an ERUS-approved academic robotic surgery training center in Ankara.The RARP cases performed by the surgeon after completion of the training between April 2016 and August 2018 were retrospectively evaluated. Results: The mean patient age was 63.62±7.04 years, and the mean preoperative serum prostate-specific antigen level was 8.34±4.96 ng/mL. Preoperatively, 82 and 4 patients had prostate biop sy Gleason scores of 3+3 and 4+3, respectively. Bilateral neurovascular bundle (NVB) sparing, unilateral NVB-sparing, and non-NVB-sparing surgery were performed in 21, 13, and 59 cases, respectively. The mean prostate weight was 85.34±47.57 g. Posterior rhabdosphincter reconstruction was performed in 60 (64.5%) cases. Mean console time, intraoperative blood loss, duration of hospital stay, and urethral catheter removal time were 170.49±36.50 min, 100.70±34.08 cc, 6.84±2.28 days, and 7.40±3.11 days, respectively. During the perioperative period (0--30 days), five minor (prolonged drain output, n=3; rectocele, n=1; gout arthritis, n=1) and six major (inguinal hernia, n=1; incisional hernia, n=2; anastomotic urinary leakage, n=2; myocardial infarction, n=1) complications were identified. No complication was detected during postoperative days 31--90. Postoperative pathological stages included pT2a, pT2b, and pT2c disease in 77 (82.8%), 9 (9.7%), and 7 (7.5%) patients, respectively. The positive surgical margin (SM) rate was 10.7% (n=10), including patients with pT2a (n=6) and pT2c (n=2) diseases. Eleven (11.8%) patients underwent pelvic lymph node (LN) dissection. The mean LN yield was 16.45±4.29. The mean length of follow-up was 11.17±8.01 months. Biochemical recurrence was observed in two patients, one of whom received maximal androgen blockage (MAB), and the other one received pelvic radiotherapy+MAB. All the patients with at least one-year follow-up (n=48, 51.6%) were fully continent (0 pads/day). Of the 40 (43%) patients with no preoperative erectile dysfunction (ED) and with at least three-month follow-up, 18 (45%) had no ED, with or without any additional medication including phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors. Conclusion: RARP is a safe minimally invasive procedure with acceptable morbidity, excellent operative, pathological and oncological outcomes, and satisfactory functional results. The ERUS RARP curriculum provides effective and sufficient training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Education of the surgeon and development of surgical expertise have been debated for centuries. Today, research in surgical education applies terms and methods from other performance domains such as sport and music. However, there still seems to be a lack of consensus as to how talent may be brought into the discourse about surgical education. Especially, when it comes to identifying and developing trainees who in the future will perform better than the average surgeon. Design/methodology/approach: This five-step scoping study aims to map existing literature about talent identification, talent development and development of expertise in the domains of surgery, sport and music in the period of 1985-2014. Findings: A total of 242 studies, divided in the four domains of surgery (69 studies), sport (115 studies), music (34 studies) and cross-disciplinary studies (24 studies) published in the period 1985-2014 were included. Originality/value: Informed by the performance domains of sports and music and their inclusion of a holistic, ecological approach to research, this study suggests that research in surgical education may benefit from broadening its view on talent by including psychosocial variables and environmental, demographic and structural influencers when considering how surgical talent may be identified and developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objectives of this study were to assess economy of hand motion of residents, fellows, and staff surgeons using a high-fidelity cleft palate simulator to (1) stratify performance for the purpose of simulator validation and (2) to estimate the learning curve. Design: Two residents, 2 fellows, and 2 staff surgeons performed cleft palate surgery on a high-fidelity cleft palate simulator while their hand motion was tracked using an electromagnetic hand sensor. The time, number of hand movements, and path length of their hands were determined for 10 steps of the procedure. The magnitude of these metrics was compared among the 3 groups of participants and utilized to estimate the learning curve using curve-fitting analysis. Results: The residents required the most time, number of hand movements, and path length to complete the procedure. Although the number of hand movements was closely matched between the fellows and staff, the overall total path length was shorter for the staff. Inverse curves were fit to the data to represent the learning curve and 25 and 113 simulation sessions are required to reach within 5% and 1% of the expert level, respectively. Conclusion: The simulator successfully stratified performance using economy of hand motion. Path length is better matched to previous level of experience compared to time or number of hand movements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Women are under-represented in surgery and leave training in higher proportions than men. Studies in this area are without a feminist lens and predominantly use quantitative methods not well suited to the complexity of the problem.Methods: In this qualitative study, a researcher interviewed women who had chosen to leave surgical training. Women were recruited using a purposive snowball strategy through the routine communications of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Trainee Association over a 3-week period, and were interviewed over the following 4 months in the past 4 years in person or by telephone. More specific details are available on request from the authors. Supported by male and female co-researchers, and in dialogue with study participants, she then coded the findings and defined themes. An explanatory model was developed by integrating findings with different theories and previous literature. The research team developed three aspects of the model into a visual analogue.Findings: 12 women participated in the study, with all Australian states and territories, and New Zealand, as well as five medical specialty streams, represented. The time spent in training ranged from 6 months to 4 years, and all participants, except two, had trained in both metropolitan and rural locations. The findings confirmed factors identified in earlier reports as reasons women leave surgical training, and contributed six new factors: unavailability of leave, a distinction between valid and invalid reasons for leave, poor mental health, absence of interactions with the women in surgery section of their professional body and other supports, fear of repercussion, and lack of pathways for independent and specific support. The relationships between factors was complex and sometimes paradoxical. The visual analogue is a tower of blocks, with each block representing a factor that contributed to the decision to leave surgical training, and with the toppling of the tower representing the choice to leave. The visual analogue indicates that effective action requires attention to the contributory factors, the small actions that can topple the tower, and the contexts in which the blocks are stacked.Interpretation: Women might be best helped by interventions that are alert to the possibility of unplanned negative effects, do not unduly focus on gender, and address multiple factors. This should inform interventions in surgical training, with attention to local social context, health-care setting, and training programme structure.Funding: Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Ian and Ruth Gough Surgical Education Scholarship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The ongoing state of global geo-political instability means that it is prudent to prepare civilian surgeons to manage major military-type trauma. Japan has enjoyed a prolonged period of peace and consequently it is unlikely that surgeons will have been exposed to a sufficient volume of cases. This study reviews the state of trauma training and preparedness in Japan and reviews the trauma workload of a major Japanese emergency medical center and compared with a major South African trauma center with the intention of quantifying and comparing the time needed to gain adequate exposure to major trauma at the two centers.Materials and methods: The literature describing the surgical burden from a number of recent military missions was reviewed and the core surgical skills to manage military-type injuries were identified. We then went on to review all patients admitted to both Kurashiki Central Hospital (KCH) and Pietermaritzburg Metropolitan Trauma Service (PMTS) following trauma between the period September 2015 and August 2016. The burden of trauma at each center was quantified and the number of core surgical competencies or procedures performed at each center was then reviewed. These were then compared with the number of the core procedures which were performed on the reported military missions.Results: Three reports on military surgical missions were reviewed. These came from the Dutch, French and British military surgical services. The average number of each core procedures performed on each reported military surgery mission are tabulated in the text. The most common procedures were wound debridement and orthopedic fixation, followed by trauma laparotomy, neck exploration and thoracotomy. During the 12 month study period, 309 trauma patients were admitted to KCH. Of which 206 (67%) were male, and the mean age was 57 years. There were 10 penetrating injuries and 299 blunt injuries. Of the penetrating injuries there were no gunshot wounds. The mechanisms of injury for blunt trauma were as follows: Road traffic accidents (RTAs); 141 (47%), fall; 136 (46%) and other injuries; 22 (7%). In the same period, 2887 trauma patients were admitted by the PMTS. There were 1244 cases (43%) of penetrating trauma and 1644 cases (57%) of blunt trauma in PMTS. The mechanisms of injury for penetrating trauma were as follows: stab wounds (SWs); 955 (77%), gunshot wounds (GSWs); 252 (20%), and other injuries; 37 (3%) and for blunt trauma were as follows: assault; 739 (45%), RTAs; 669 (41%), fall; 166 (10%), and other injuries; 70 (4%). The exposure to all the key competencies required to manage trauma is overwhelmingly greater in South Africa than in Japan. The length of time needed to obtain an equivalent trauma exposure to that achieved in South Africa, working in Japan is prohibitively long.Conclusion: Trauma training in Japan is hamstrung by a lack of clinical material as well as by systematic factors. Training a trauma surgeon is difficult. Developing a trauma system in the country may help address some of these deficits. South Africa in contrast has a huge burden of trauma and sufficient infrastructure to ensure that surgeons working there have adequate exposure to major trauma. Developing an academic exchange program between Japan and South Africa may allow for the transfer of trauma experience and skills between the two countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Telementoring is a technique that has shown potential as a surgical training aid. Previous studies have suggested that telementoring is a safe training modality. This review aimed to review both the technological capabilities of reported telementoring systems as well as its potential benefits as a mentoring modality.Methods: A systematic review of the literature, up to July 2017, was carried out in accordance with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Study quality was assessed using the Oxford Levels of Evidence proforma. Data were extracted regarding technical capabilities, bandwidth, latency, and costs. Additionally, the primary aim and key results were extracted from each study and analyzed.Results: A total of 66 studies were identified for inclusion. In all, 48% of studies were conducted in general surgery; 22 (33%), 24 (36%), and 20 (30%) of studies reported telementoring that occurred within the same hospital, outside the hospital, and outside the country, respectively. Sixty-four (98%) of studies employed video and audio and 38 (58%) used telestration. Twelve separate studies directly compared telementoring against on-site mentoring. Seven (58%) showed no difference in outcomes between telementoring and on-site mentoring. No study found telementoring to result in poorer postoperative outcomes.Conclusions: The results of this review suggest that telementoring has a similar safety and efficacy profile as on-site mentoring. Future analysis to determine the potential benefits and pitfalls to surgical education through telementoring are required to determine the exact role it shall play in the future. Technological advances to improve remote connectivity would also aid the uptake of telementoring on a larger scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Surgeons' overload is one of the main causes of medical errors that might compromise patient safety. Due to the drawbacks of current options to monitor surgeons' load, new, sensitive, and objective indices of task (over)load need to be considered and tested. In non-health-care scenarios, intraocular pressure (IOP) has been proved to be an unbiased physiological index, sensitive to task complexity (one of the main variables related to overload), and time on task. In the present study, we assessed the effects of demanding and complex simulated surgical procedures on surgical and medical residents' IOP.Methods: Thirty-four surgical and medical residents and healthcare professionals took part in this study (the experimental group, N = 17, and the control group, N = 17, were matched for sex and age). The experimental group performed two simulated bronchoscopy procedures that differ in their levels of complexity. The control group mimicked the same hand-eye movements and posture of the experimental group to help control for the potential effects of time on task and re-measurement on IOP. We measured IOP before and after each procedure, surgical performance during procedures, and perceived task complexity.Results: IOP increased as consequence of performing the most complex procedure only in the experimental group. Consistently, residents performed worse and reported higher perceived task complexity for the more complex procedure.Conclusions: Our data show, for the first time, that IOP is sensitive to residents' task load, and it could be used as a new index to easily and rapidly assess task (over)load in healthcare scenarios. An arousal-based explanation is given to describe IOP variations due to task complexity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: In recent years the interest in structured training programs in endovascular surgical procedures has increased. In this study we assess face, content, and construct validity of a simulator to teach basic skills of endovascular surgery. Material and methods: A cohort of 21 medical students, 26 residents, and 14 expert surgeons participated in the study. Experts assessed face and content validity. Then, they executed four tasks once, while medical students and residents were allowed two attempts to reach a fiveminute threshold under expert supervision. Medical students and residents repeated the same exercises during a second session plus three new additional ones, without expert supervision. Results: The simulator was rated as good by experts (four out of five on a Likert scale) in terms of realism (face validity) and usefulness as training tool for the training of basic skills (content). For construct validity, experts outperformed with a statistically significant difference (p<.05) medical students and residents in all tasks, except cannulation of upper mesenteric (p=.053). Differences between novices and intermediates persisted in the second session in the same four tasks and in the three additional ones, with statistically significant difference (p<.05) in the last four exercises. Conclusions: This study showed face, content, and construct validity of BEST simulator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess whether previous training in surgery influences performance on da Vinci Skills Simulator and da Vinci robot. Material and methods: In this prospective study, thirty-seven participants (11 medical students, 17 residents, and 9 attending surgeons) without previous experience in laparoscopy and robotic surgery performed 26 exercises at da Vinci Skills Simulator. Thirty-five then executed a suture using a da Vinci robot. Results: The overall scores on the exercises at the da Vinci Skills Simulator show a similar performance among the groups with no statistically significant pair-wise differences (p<.05). The quality of the suturing based on the unedited videos of the test run was similar for the intermediate (7 (4, 10)) and expert group (6.5 (4.5, 10)), and poor for the untrained groups (5 (3.5, 9)), without statistically significant difference (p<.05). Conclusion: This study showed, for subjects new to laparoscopy and robotic surgery, insignificant differences in the scores at the da Vinci Skills Simulator and at the da Vinci robot on inanimate models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasingly the relationship between the hip and spine has become recognized as a risk factor for postoperative instability following total hip arthroplasty. Thorough understanding of the relationship between the spine and pelvis, spinopelvic parameters, and normal and pathologic spinopelvic motion is critical to surgical planning and prevention of instability after total hip arthroplasty. This review details spinopelvic motion and postural changes that predispose patients to instability, guides readers through a preoperative risk assessment tool and our stepwise protocol to classify spinopelvic motion and prevent instability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Femoral neck fractures are common injuries managed by orthopedic surgeons across the world. From pediatrics to geriatrics, disruption of the blood supply to the femoral neck is a well-recognized source of morbidity and mortality, oftentimes resulting in avascular necrosis of the femoral head. This devastating complication occurs in 10-45% of femoral neck fractures. Therefore, it is vital for orthopedic surgeons provide efficient treatment of this injury, in order to optimize the patient's potential outcome and prevent long-term sequelae. Methods: In this study, the anatomy of the proximal femur, including femoral metaphysis, femoral neck, vasculature, and femoral head, were simulated in COMSOL Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software. Electric fields were generated in a fashion that exploited disruptions within the vasculature of the femoral neck. This study was aimed at developing an alternative imaging modality for narrowing or disrupting the femoral neck's vasculature. The variables used for investigation included: frequency, penetration depth, and magnitude of the electrical energy. These variables, when combined, allowed for enhanced simulated visualization of the vasculature of the femoral neck and theoretically expedited diagnosis of obvious, or occult, femoral neck injury. Results: Simulated blood vessels were developed in two-dimensions: the phi direction (circular), and z-direction. Two different frequencies, 3 GHz, and 5 GHz were considered, with 100-J energy pulses within blood vessels of 2.54mm in diameter. The fat surrounding the bone to the outside surface body was simulated at 0.25 inch (0.65 cm). An additional model, with layered fat and skin above the vessels, was simulated at 2000J and successfully able to visualize the femoral neck's blood vessels. Results showed a distinguished E field across the blood boundary of nearly 170 V/M. Conclusions: The electric field simulation data within the Phi and Z directions promises the feasibility of a subsequent practical model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ongoing outbreak of COVID-19, also known as SARS-CoV-2 and coronavirus disease 2019, is considered a major public concern that propagates steadily by the increased number of the infected cases and the mortality rate. In this article, we provide a brief review for Orthopedic surgeons as regard COVID-19 virus microbiology, epidemiology, clinical picture, and diagnosis. Moreover, what measures should be taken amid this pandemic to assess its control, maintain the urgent duties, and protect health care workers (HCW) are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We designed a two-day multidisciplinary course to update practicing surgeons in Canada with the current guidelines for the management of gastric cancer and improve upon the D2 LND technique. The course was modelled after successful gastric surgery courses in the United Kingdom, Sweden, Korea, and Japan. The curriculum included a 2-day short course comprised of didactic lectures and a hands-on training component in a technical skills simulation laboratory. Three international experts in gastric cancer from Japan, Korea and the United States were invited to provide course participants with insight on the D2 LND technique. Feedback from the course was very positive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We aimed to develop a structured scoring tool: cystectomy assessment and surgical evaluation (CASE) that objectively measures and quantifies performance during robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) for men.Methods: A multinational 10-surgeon expert panel collaborated towards development and validation of CASE. The critical steps of RARC in men were deconstructed into nine key domains, each assessed by five anchors. Content validation was done utilizing the Delphi methodology. Each anchor was assessed in terms of context, score concordance, and clarity. The content validity index (CVI) was calculated for each aspect. A CVI ≥ 0.75 represented consensus, and this statement was removed from the next round. This process was repeated until consensus was achieved for all statements. CASE was used to assess de-identified videos of RARC to determine reliability and construct validity. Linearly weighted percent agreement was used to assess inter-rater reliability (IRR). A logit model for odds ratio (OR) was used to assess construct validation.Results: The expert panel reached consensus on CASE after four rounds. The final eight domains of the CASE included: pelvic lymph node dissection, development of the peri-ureteral space, lateral pelvic space, anterior rectal space, control of the vascular pedicle, anterior vesical space, control of the dorsal venous complex, and apical dissection. IRR > 0.6 was achieved for all eight domains. Experts outperformed trainees across all domains.Conclusion: We developed and validated a reliable structured, procedure-specific tool for objective evaluation of surgical performance during RARC. CASE may help differentiate novice from expert performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Arthroscopic knot tying is a necessary skill for arthroscopic surgeons. Different arthroscopic knot configurations are available, and young surgeons may find it difficult choose which one is best suited to them. Methods: We describe a simple technique sliding locking arthoscopic knot, which is execute, and easy to perform and to teach young surgeons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surgery is traditionally taught by using Halsteadian principle, which includes “see one, do one, teach one”. This principle relies on sheer volume of surgical exposure rather than a specific course structure. Simulation in minimally invasive surgery allows the learner to practice new motor skills in a safe and stress free environment outside the operating room, thereby decreasing the learning curve. A non-structured exhaustive MEDLINE search was done using MeSH words: “Simulation, Urological Training, Training Models, Laparoscopy Urology, Laparoscopic Skill, Endotrainer, Surgical Simulators, Simulator Validation”. The “ Pros and Cons of simulation based training in laparoscopic urology” were studied. Results were discussed along the following lines : 1. How does skill acquisition occur? 2. Factors affecting simulator-based training. 3. Description of types of simulators and models. 4. Validating a simulator. 5. Task analysis after training on a simulator. 6. How effectively does simulation based training, translate into improved surgical performance in real time? Pros: Simulators have the ability to teach a novice basic psychomotor skills. Supervision and feedback enhance learning in a simulation-based training. They are supplements to and not a substitution for traditional method of teaching. These models can be used as a part of most of the surgical training curriculum. Cons: Cost and availability are the key issues. The cost will determine the availability of the simulators at a center and the availability in turn would determine whether a trainee will get the opportunity to use the simulator. Also, teacher training is an important aspect which would help teachers to understand the importance of simulation in student training. The domains in which it would improve and the extent to which simulation will improve surgical skills is dependent on various factors. Most simulators cannot train a surgeon to deal with anatomical and physiological variations. At present, it is not possible to re-validate all the surgeons in terms of their surgical skills, using simulators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]