Robotic transversus abdominis release using HUGO RAS system: our initial experience.

BACKGROUND: Transversus abdominis release (TAR) is an effective technique for treating large midline and off-midline hernias. Recent studies have demonstrated that robotic TAR (rTAR) is technically feasible and associated with improved outcomes compared to open surgery. There is no published experience to date describing abdominal wall reconstruction using the novel robotic platform HUGO RAS System (Medtronic®). METHODS: All consecutive patients who underwent a rTAR in our institution were included. Three of the four arm carts of the HUGO RAS System were used at any given time. Each arm configuration was defined by our team in conjunction with Medtronic® personnel. rTAR was performed as previously described. Upon completion of the TAR on one side, a redocking process with different, mirrored arms angles was performed to continue with the contralateral TAR. Operative variables and early morbidity were recorded. RESULTS: Ten patients were included in this study. The median BMI was 31 (21-40.6) kg/m2. The median height was 1.6 m (1.5-1.89 m). A trend of decreased operative time, console time, and redocking time was seen in these consecutive cases. No intraoperative events nor postoperative morbidity was reported. The median length of stay was 3 (1-6) days. CONCLUSION: Robotic TAR utilizing the HUGO RAS system is a feasible and safe procedure. The adoption of this procedure on this novel platform for the treatment of complex abdominal wall hernias has been successful for our team.

Risk factors for readmission after a cholecystectomy: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the risk factors associated with 30-day hospital readmissions after a cholecystectomy. METHODS: We conducted a case-control study, with data obtained from UC-Christus from Santiago, Chile. All patients who underwent a cholecystectomy between January 2015 and December 2019 were included in the study. We identified all patients readmitted after a cholecystectomy and compared them with a randomized control group. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify risk factors. RESULTS: Of the 4866 cholecystectomies performed between 2015 and 2019, 79 patients presented 30-day hospital readmission after the surgical procedure (1.6%). We identified as risk factors for readmission in the univariate analysis the presence of a solid tumor at the moment of cholecystectomy (OR = 7.58), high pre-operative direct bilirubin (OR = 2.52), high pre-operative alkaline phosphatase (OR = 3.25), emergency admission (OR = 2.04), choledocholithiasis on admission (OR = 4.34), additional surgical procedure during the cholecystectomy (OR = 4.12), and post-operative complications. In the multivariate analysis, the performance of an additional surgical procedure during cholecystectomy was statistically significant (OR = 4.24). CONCLUSION: Performing an additional surgical procedure during cholecystectomy was identified as a risk factor associated with 30-day hospital readmission.

OBJETIVO: El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los factores de riesgo asociados al reingreso hospitalario en los primeros 30 días post colecistectomía. MÉTODOS: Estudio de casos-controles con datos obtenidos del Hospital Clínico de la UC-Christus, Santiago, Chile. Se ­incluyeron las colecistectomías realizadas entre los años 2015-2019. Se consideraron como casos aquellos pacientes que reingresaron en los 30 primeros días posterior a una colecistectomía. Se realizó un análisis univariado y multivariado de diferentes posibles factores de riesgo. RESULTADOS: De un total de 4866 colecistectomías, 79 pacientes presentaron reingreso hospitalario. Los resultados estadísticamente significativos en el análisis univariado fueron; tumor sólido al momento de la colecistectomía (OR = 7.58) bilirrubina directa preoperatoria alterada (OR = 2.52), fosfatasa alcalina preoperatoria alterada (OR = 3.25), ingreso de urgencia (OR = 2.04), coledocolitiasis al ingreso (OR = 4.34) realización de otros procedimientos (OR = 4.12) y complicaciones postoperatorias. En el análisis multivariado sólo la realización de otro procedimiento durante la colecistectomía fue estadísticamente significativa (OR = 4.24). CONCLUSIÓN: La realización de otros procedimientos durante la colecistectomía es un factor de riesgo de reingreso hospitalario en los 30 días posteriores a la colecistectomía.

Taking advantage of asynchronous digital feedback: development of an at-home basic suture skills training program for undergraduate medical students that facilitates skills retention.

Purpose: To date, there are no training programs for basic suturing that allow remote deliberate practice. This study seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of a basic suture skills training program and its 6-month skill retention applying unsupervised practice and remote digital feedback. Methods: Fourth-year medical-student trainees reviewed instructional videos from a digital platform and performed unsupervised practice as needed at their homes. When they felt competent, trainees uploaded a video of themselves practicing the skill. In < 72 h, they received expert asynchronous digital feedback. The course had two theoretical stages and five video-based assessments, where trainees performed different suturing exercises. For the assessment, a global (GRS) and specific rating scale (SRS) were used, with a passing score of 20 points (max:25) and 15 (max:20), respectively. Results were compared to previously published work with in-person expert feedback (EF) and video-guided learning without feedback (VGL). A subgroup of trainees underwent a 6-month skills retention assessment. Results: Two-hundred and forty-three trainees underwent the course between March and December 2021. A median GRS of 24 points was achieved in the final assessment, showing significantly higher scores (p < 0.001) than EF and VGL (20.5 and 15.5, respectively). Thirty-seven trainees underwent a 6-month skills retention assessment, improving in GRS (23.38 vs 24.03, p value = 0.06) and SRS (18.59 vs 19, p value = 0.07). Conclusion: It is feasible to teach basic suture skills to undergraduate medical students using an unsupervised training course with remote and asynchronous feedback through a digital platform. This methodology allows continuous training with the repetition of quality practice, personalized feedback, and skills retention at 6 months.

Bariatric Surgery Before and After the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: a Comparative Study of Cases Before the Onset of the Pandemic in a High-Volume Academic Center.

INTRODUCTION: At the beginning of the pandemic, studies showed a higher risk of severe surgical complications and mortality among patients with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection, which led to the suspension of elective surgery. Confinement and lockdown measures were shown to be associated with weight gain and less access to medical and surgical care in patients with obesity, with negative health consequences. To evaluate the safety of bariatric surgery during the pandemic, we compared 30-day complications between patients who underwent bariatric surgery immediately before with those who underwent bariatric surgery during the opening phase of the pandemic. METHODS: Observational analytical study of a non-concurrent cohort of patients who underwent bariatric surgery in 2 periods: pre-pandemic March 1 to December 31, 2019, and pandemic March 1 to December 31, 2020. Surgical complications were defined using the Clavien-Dindo classification. RESULTS: Pre-pandemic and pandemic groups included 256 and 202 patients who underwent primary bariatric surgery, respectively. The mean age was 37.6 + 10.3 years. The overall complication rate during the first 30 days of discharge was 7.42%. No differences between groups were observed in severe complications (pre-pandemic 1.56% vs. pandemic 1.98%, p: 0.58). No mortality was reported. Overall 30-day readmission was 3.28% with no differences between groups. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study did not find a difference in the rate of severe complications, nor also we report severe COVID-19 complications in this high-risk population. During the pandemic, with appropriately implemented protocol, the resumption of bariatric surgery is possible with no increased risk for patients.

GALLBLADDER POLYPS: CORRELATION AND AGREEMENT BETWEEN ULTRASONOGRAPHIC AND HISTOPATHOLOGICAL FINDINGS IN A POPULATION WITH HIGH INCIDENCE OF GALLBLADDER CANCER.

BACKGROUND: Gallbladder polyps are becoming a common finding in ultrasound. The management has to consider the potential risk of malignant lesions. AIMS: The aim of this study was to analyze the ultrasound findings in patients undergoing cholecystectomy due to gallbladder polyps and compare them for histopathological findings (HPs). METHODS: Patients with an ultrasonographic diagnosis of gallbladder polyp and who underwent cholecystectomy from 2007 to 2020 were included in the study. RESULTS: A total of 447 patients were included, of whom 58% were women. The mean age was 45±12 years. The mean size of polyps in US was 7.9±3.6 mm. Notably, 9% of polyps were greater than 10 mm, and single polyps were significantly larger than the multiple ones (p=0.003). Histopathological findings confirmed the presence of polyps in 88.4%, with a mean size of 4.8±3.4 mm. In all, 16 cases were neoplastic polyps (4.1%), 4 of them being malignancies, and all were single and larger than 10 mm. We found a significant correlation between ultrasound and histopathological findings polyp size determination (r=0.44; p<0.001). The Bland-Altman analysis obtained an overestimation of the US size of 3.26 mm. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis between both measures obtained an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.77 (95%CI 0.74-0.81). Ultrasound polyps size larger than 10 mm had an odds ratio (OR) of 8.147 (95%CI 2.56-23.40) for the presence of adenoma and malignancy, with a likelihood ratio of 2.78. CONCLUSIONS: There is a positive correlation and appropriate diagnostic accuracy between ultrasound size of gallbladder polyps compared to histopathological records, with a trend to overestimate the size by about 3 mm. Neoplastic polyps are uncommon, and it correlates with size. Polyps larger than 10 mm were associated with adenoma and malignancy.

Five-Year Experience Training Surgeons with a Laparoscopic Simulation Training Program for Bariatric Surgery: a Quasi-experimental Design.

PURPOSE: Nearly 200,000 laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) are performed yearly. Reported learning curves range between 50 and 150, even 500 cases to decrease the operative risk. Simulation programs could accelerate this learning curve safely; however, trainings for LRYGB are scarce. This study aims to describe and share our 5-year experience of a simulated program designed to achieve proficiency in LRYGB technical skills. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A quasi-experimental design was used. All recruited participants were previously trained with basic and advanced laparoscopic simulation curriculum completing over 50 h of practical training. Ex vivo animal models were used to practice manual and stapled gastrojejunostomy (GJ) and stapled jejunojejunostomy (JJO) in 10, 3, and 4 sessions, respectively. The main outcome was to assess the manual GJ skill acquisition. Pre- and post-training assessments using a Global Rating Scale (GRS; max 25 pts), Specific Rating Scale (SRS; max 20 pts), performance time, permeability, and leakage rates were analyzed. For the stapled GJ and JJO, execution time was registered. Data analysis was performed using parametric tests. RESULTS: In 5 years, 68 trainees completed the program. For the manual GJ's pre- vs post-training assessment, GRS and SRS scores increased significantly (from 17 to 24 and from 13 to 19 points respectively, p-value < 0.001). Permeability rate increased while leakage rate and procedural time decreased significantly. CONCLUSION: This simulated training program showed effectiveness in improving laparoscopic skills for manual GJ and JJO in a simulated scenario. This new training program could optimize the clinical learning curve. Further studies are needed to assess the transfer of skills to the operating room.

Remote and asynchronous training network: from a SAGES grant to an eight-country remote laparoscopic simulation training program.

BACKGROUND: Limitations in surgical simulation training include lack of access to validated training programs with continuous year-round training and lack of experts' ongoing availability for feedback. A model of simulation training was developed to address these limitations. It incorporated basic and advanced laparoscopic skills curricula from a previously validated program and provided instruction through a digital platform. The platform allowed for remote and asynchronous feedback from a few trained instructors. The instructors were continuously available and provided personalized feedback using a variety of different media. We describe the upscaling of this model to teach trainees at fourteen centers in eight countries. METHODS: Institutions with surgical programs lacking robust simulation curricula and needing instructors for ongoing education were identified. The simulation centers ("skills labs") at these sites were equipped with necessary simulation training hardware. A remote training-the-administrators (TTA) program was developed where personnel were trained in how to manage the skills lab, schedule trainees, set up training stations, and use the platform. A train-the-trainers (TTT) program was created to establish a network of trained instructors, who provided objective feedback through the platform remotely and asynchronously. RESULTS: Between 2019 and 2022, seven institutions in Chile and one in each of the USA, Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, El Salvador, México, and Perú implemented a digital platform-based remote simulation curriculum. Most administrators were not physicians (19/33). Eight Instructors were trained with the TTT program and became active proctors. The platform has been used by 369 learners, of whom 57% were general surgeons and general surgery residents. A total of 6729 videos, 28,711 feedback inputs, and 233.7 and 510.2 training hours in the basic and advanced programs, respectively, were registered. CONCLUSION: A remote and asynchronous method of giving instruction and feedback through a digital platform has been effectively employed in the creation of a robust network of continuous year-round simulation-based training in laparoscopy. Training centers were successfully run only with trained administrators to assist in logistics and setup, and no on-site instructors were necessary.

Artificial intelligence in laparoscopic simulation: a promising future for large-scale automated evaluations.

INTRODUCTION: A limitation to expanding laparoscopic simulation training programs is the scarcity of expert evaluators. In 2019, a new digital platform for remote and asynchronous laparoscopic simulation training was validated. Through this platform, 369 trainees have been trained in 14 institutions across Latin America, collecting 6729 videos of laparoscopic training exercises. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) has recently emerged in surgical simulation, showing usefulness in training assessment, virtual reality scenarios, and laparoscopic virtual reality simulation. An AI algorithm to assess basic laparoscopic simulation training exercises was developed. This study aimed to analyze the agreement between this AI algorithm and expert evaluators in assessing basic laparoscopic-simulated training exercises. METHODS: The AI algorithm was trained using 400-bean drop (BD) and 480-peg transfer (PT) videos and tested using 64-BD and 43-PT randomly selected videos, not previously used to train the algorithm. The agreement between AI and expert evaluators from the digital platform (EE) was then analyzed. The exercises being assessed involve using laparoscopic graspers to move objects across an acrylic board without dropping any objects in a determined time (BD < 24 s, PT < 55 s). The AI algorithm can detect object movement, identify if objects have fallen, track grasper clamps location, and measure exercise time. Cohen's Kappa test was used to evaluate the agreement between AI assessments and those performed by EE, using a pass/fail nomenclature based on the time to complete the exercise. RESULTS: After the algorithm was trained, 79.69% and 93.02% agreement were observed in BD and PT, respectively. The Kappa coefficients test observed for BD and PT were 0.59 (moderate agreement) and 0.86 (almost perfect agreement), respectively. CONCLUSION: This first approach of AI use in basic laparoscopic skills simulated training assessment shows promising results, providing a preliminary framework to expand the use of AI to other basic laparoscopic skills exercises.

Gallbladder polyps: correlation and agreement between ultrasonographic and histopathological findings in a population with high incidence of gallbladder cancer / Pólipos da vesícula biliar: correlação e concordância entre achados ultrassonográficos e histopatológicos em uma população com alta incidência de câncer de vesícula biliar

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Gallbladder polyps are becoming a common finding in ultrasound. The management has to consider the potential risk of malignant lesions. AIMS: The aim of this study was to analyze the ultrasound findings in patients undergoing cholecystectomy due to gallbladder polyps and compare them for histopathological findings (HPs). METHODS: Patients with an ultrasonographic diagnosis of gallbladder polyp and who underwent cholecystectomy from 2007 to 2020 were included in the study. RESULTS: A total of 447 patients were included, of whom 58% were women. The mean age was 45±12 years. The mean size of polyps in US was 7.9±3.6 mm. Notably, 9% of polyps were greater than 10 mm, and single polyps were significantly larger than the multiple ones (p=0.003). Histopathological findings confirmed the presence of polyps in 88.4%, with a mean size of 4.8±3.4 mm. In all, 16 cases were neoplastic polyps (4.1%), 4 of them being malignancies, and all were single and larger than 10 mm. We found a significant correlation between ultrasound and histopathological findings polyp size determination (r=0.44; p<0.001). The Bland-Altman analysis obtained an overestimation of the US size of 3.26 mm. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis between both measures obtained an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.77 (95%CI 0.74-0.81). Ultrasound polyps size larger than 10 mm had an odds ratio (OR) of 8.147 (95%CI 2.56-23.40) for the presence of adenoma and malignancy, with a likelihood ratio of 2.78. CONCLUSIONS: There is a positive correlation and appropriate diagnostic accuracy between ultrasound size of gallbladder polyps compared to histopathological records, with a trend to overestimate the size by about 3 mm. Neoplastic polyps are uncommon, and it correlates with size. Polyps larger than 10 mm were associated with adenoma and malignancy.

RESUMO RACIONAL: Os pólipos da vesícula biliar estão se tornando um achado comum na ultrassonografia (US). O manejo deve levar em consideração o risco de lesões malignas. OBJETIVOS: Analisar os achados da ultrassonografia em pacientes submetidos à colecistectomia por pólipos vesicais e compará-los com os achados histopatológicos. MÉTODOS: Foram revisados os prontuários médicos dos pacientes com diagnóstico ultrassonográfico de pólipo vesicular e submetidos à colecistectomia no período de 2007 a 2020. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos no estudo 447 pacientes. A média de idade foi 45±12anos, sendo 58% mulheres. O tamanho médio dos pólipos na US foide 7,9±3,6mm. Nove por cento foram maiores que 10 mm, e os pólipos únicos encontrados foram maiores do que os múltiplos (p=0,003). A HP confirmou a presença de pólipos em 88,4%, tamanho médio 4,8±3,4mm. Dezesseis eram pólipos neoplásicos (4,1%) e quatro deles malignos, únicos e maiores que 10 mm. Foi encontrado correlação significativa entre a determinação do tamanho do pólipo ao ultrassonografia e histopatológicos (r=0,44; p<0,001). A análise de Bland-Altman obteve uma superestimação do tamanho do pólipo ao US em 3,26 mm. A análise da curva da característica de operação do receptor entre as duas medidas obteve uma área sob a curva curva da característica de operação do receptor (AUC) de 0,77 (IC95% 0,74-0,81). Pólipos ao ultrassonografia maiores que 10 mm apresentaram razão de chance (OR) de 8,147 (IC95% 2,56-23,40) para presença de adenoma e malignidade, com razão de verossimilhança de 2,78. CONCLUSÕES: Há uma correlação positiva e acurácia diagnóstica apropriada entre o tamanho dos pólipos da vesícula biliar por ultrassonografia em comparação com os achados histopatológicos, com uma tendência de superestimar o tamanho em cerca de 3 mm. Pólipos maiores que 10 mm foram associados a adenoma e malignidade.

Enhanced-view totally extraperitoneal (eTEP) approach for the treatment of abdominal wall hernias: mid-term results.

INTRODUCTION: Multiple minimally invasive techniques have been described for ventral hernia repair. The recently described enhanced view totally extraperitoneal (eTEP) ventral hernia repair seems an appealing option since it allows to address midline and lateral hernias, placing the mesh in the retromuscular position without the use of traumatic fixation. AIM: To report on the mid-term result of a series of patients with ventral hernias repaired by the eTEP approach. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of our case series between June 2017 and December 2019. Demographic and clinical data were gathered. Hernia characteristics, surgical details, hernia recurrences, and complications are reported. RESULTS: 66 patients were included in the study. Median follow-up was 22 months (interquartile range 12-26). 60% of patients were male. Mean age, BMI, % of Type-2 diabetes and % of smoking were 59 ± 12 years, 30 kg/m2, 24% and 23%, respectively. Mean hernia defect size was 5.5 ± 2.9 cm. Forty-three eTEP Rives-stoppa and 23 eTEP-Transversus abdominis release (14 unilateral, 9 bilateral) were performed. 22 inguinal hernias and 15 lateral defects were simultaneously repaired. We report 1 recurrence (1.5%) and 10 surgical site occurrences (15%; 6 seromas, 2 hematomas and 2 surgical site infections). Four patients required reinterventions (6%). CONCLUSION: eTEP is a promising approach to treat midline hernias and allows the simultaneous treatment of lateral and inguinal defects, keeping the mesh in the retromuscular position. However, comparative studies must be performed to know its real benefit in laparoscopic ventral hernia repair.

Follow-up of gallbladder polyps in a high-risk population of gallbladder cancer: a cohort study and multivariate survival competing risk analysis.

BACKGROUND: The risk of neoplasia in gallbladder polyps seems to be low, but the evidence from populations at high-risk of gallbladder cancer is limited. We aimed to estimate the risk and to identify the factors associated with neoplastic polyps in a high-risk Hispanic population. METHODS: A retrospective cohort was recruited between January 2010 and December 2019 at a Chilean university center. Multivariate survival analyses were conducted. Fine-Gray models were fitted to account for competing risks. Covariate adjustment was conducted using propensity scores. The main outcome was the development of gallbladder adenomas or adenocarcinoma. RESULTS: Overall, 748 patients were included, 59.6% underwent cholecystectomy. The median follow-up of patients not subjected to cholecystectomy was 54.7 months (12-128.6 months). Seventeen patients (2.27%) developed the outcome. After adjustment by age, sex, intralesional blood flow, lithiasis and gallbladder wall thickening, only polyp size (≥10 mm, adjusted-HR: 15.01, 95%CI: 5.4-48.2) and number of polyps (≥3 polyps, adjusted-HR: 0.11, 95%CI: 0.01-0.55) were associated with neoplasia. CONCLUSION: In a Hispanic population at high-risk for gallbladder cancer, gallbladder polyps seem to have a low risk of neoplasia. Polyp size was the main risk factor, while having multiple polyps was associated with an underlying benign condition.

Midterm Results of the Open and Minimally Invasive Transversus Abdominis Release Technique for the Treatment of Abdominal Wall Hernias in an Academic Center.

Introduction: Large hernia defects are a challenge for general and specialized hernia surgeons. The transversus abdominis release (TAR) technique has revolutionized the treatment of complex hernias since it allows the closure of large midline hernias, as well as hernias in different locations. This study aims to report the experience with the TAR technique and mid-term results in the first 101 patients. Methods: Non-concurrent cohort review of our prospectively collected electronic database. All patients submitted to a TAR (open or minimally invasive eTEP-TAR) from 2017 to 2020 were included. Demographic data, comorbidities, hernia characteristics, preoperative optimization, intraoperative variables, and clinical outcomes were gathered. The main outcomes of this study are hernia recurrences and surgical morbidity. Results: A total of 101 patients were identified. The median follow-up was 26 months. Mean age and body mass index was 63 years and 31.4 Kg/m2, respectively. Diabetes was present in 22% of patients and 43% had at least one previous hernia repair. Nineteen patients had significant loss of domain. Mean hernia size and area were 13 cm and 247 cm2, respectively. Ninety-six percent of cases were clean or clean-contaminated. The mean operative time was 164 min and all patients received a synthetic mesh. We diagnosed two hernia recurrences and the overall (medical and surgical) complication rate was 32%. The hernia-specific complication rate was 17%, with seven surgical site infections and seven surgical site occurrences requiring procedural interventions. Notably, weight loss was associated with a lower risk of SSOPI and reoperations. Conclusion: We show an encouraging 2% of recurrences in the mid-term follow-up in the setting of clinically complex hernia repair. However, we observed a high frequency of overall and hernia-specific complications pointing to the complexity of the type of surgery itself and the patients we operated on.

Safety of Bariatric Surgery During the Opening Phase After the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Experience at an Academic Center.

INTRODUCTION: Increased morbimortality in patients with COVID-19 infection who had undergone surgery has raised concerns about bariatric surgery safety during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, there is scarce literature on safety outcomes after bariatric surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVES: To determine the risk of symptomatic COVID-19 infection and associated complications during the first 30 days after bariatric surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective observational cohort study including all patients who consecutively underwent primary bariatric surgery between August and December 2020. RESULTS: A total of 189 patients were included. Median age and BMI were 36 (17-70) years and 38 (35-41) kg/m2, respectively. Forty percent of patients were women (n = 76), 59.3% (n = 112) underwent sleeve gastrectomy (SG), and 40.7% (n = 77) underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). All surgeries were performed laparoscopically. The median length of postoperative stay was 2 (0-5) days. Postoperative COVID-19 infection was detected in two patients (1.1%): one patient was readmitted without the need of intermediate or ICU care, and the other was managed as an outpatient. Major complications occurred in three patients (1.6%); none of them was COVID-19 related. Two patients required an unplanned reoperation. No patient required intermediate or ICU care, no severe COVID-19 complications were observed, and no mortality was reported. CONCLUSION: Bariatric surgery can be safely performed during the ongoing pandemic, albeit a low risk of COVID-19 symptomatic infection. Rigorous perioperative COVID-19 institutional protocols are required to perform bariatric surgery safely during the current pandemic.

Small bowel obstruction following laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: is it always necessary to operate? A 5-year, high volume center experience.

PURPOSE: This study aims to describe the incidence, associated factors, etiology, and management of small bowel obstructions following laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted between January 15 and December 19 using the surgery database of our hospital. Included LRYGB patients were those that evolved with a prolonged length of stay; readmission; emergency room consult; and re-intervention due to small bowel obstruction (SBO) related symptoms with compatible radiological or intraoperative findings. The LRYGB technique implied an antecolic alimentary limb reconstruction and systematic closure of mesenteric defects. Descriptive and analytical statistics were carried out, using a parametric or non-parametric approach as needed. RESULTS: Nine hundred forty-one LRYGB were performed. 9.9% were revisional surgeries of patients with a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. During the study period, 36 SBOs occurred, representing 3.8% of operated patients, with no mortality. 58.3% had successful non-operative management, while 41.7% required surgical exploration, of which 73.3% were treated laparoscopically and 20% needed conversion to open surgery. Etiologies of SBO were jejuno-jejunostomy (JJO) related stenosis (22, 61.1%), internal hernias (6, 16.7%), adherences (3, 8.3%), and other diagnoses (5, 13.9%). Regarding JJO stenosis and internal hernias, median time to diagnosis was 8 days (IQR 7-11) and 12 months (IQR 8.7-16) respectively. Previous sleeve gastrectomy, age, or sex was not associated to the incidence of small bowel obstruction. CONCLUSIONS: LRYGB is safe when performed by experienced surgeons. SBO due to internal hernias were scarce in this series. JJO stenosis could explain most cases of SBO; under this diagnosis, non-surgical management was successful frequently.

Morbidity and Mortality in Patients with Perioperative COVID-19 Infection: Prospective Cohort in General, Gastroesophagic, Hepatobiliary, and Colorectal Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Severe acute respiratory syndrome due to coronavirus 2 has rapidly spread worldwide in an unprecedented pandemic. Patients with an ongoing COVID-19 infection requiring surgery have higher risk of mortality and complications. This study describes the mortality and morbidity in patients with perioperative COVID-19 infection undergoing elective and emergency surgeries. METHODS: Prospective cohort of consecutive patients who required a general, gastroesophageal, hepatobiliary, colorectal, or emergency surgery during COVID-19 pandemic at an academic teaching hospital. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality and major complications. Secondary outcomes were specific respiratory mortality and complications. RESULTS: A total of 701 patients underwent surgery, 39 (5.6%) with a perioperative COVID-19 infection. 30-day mortality was 12.8% and 1.4% in patients with and without COVID-19 infection, respectively (p < 0.001). Major surgical complications occurred in 25.6% and 6.8% in patients with and without COVID-19 infection, respectively (p < 0.001). Respiratory complications occurred in 30.8% and 1.4% in patients with and without COVID-19 infection, respectively (p < 0.001). Mortality due to a respiratory complication was 100% and 11.1% in patients with and without COVID-19 infection, respectively (p < 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: 30-day mortality and surgical complications are higher in patients with perioperative COVID-19 infection. Indications for elective surgery need to be reserved for non-deferrable procedures in order to avoid unnecessary risks of non-urgent procedures.

Telemedicine for postoperative follow-up, virtual surgical clinics during COVID-19 pandemic.

Recent coronavirus outbreak and "stay at home" policies have accelerated the implementation of virtual healthcare. Many surgery departments are implementing telemedicine to enhance remote perioperative care. However, concern still arises regarding the safety of this modality in postoperative follow-up after gastrointestinal surgery. The aim of the present prospective study is to compare the use of telemedicine clinics to in-person follow-up for postoperative care after gastrointestinal surgery during COVID-19 outbreak. METHODS: Prospective study that included all abdominal surgery patients operated since the COVID-19 outbreak. On discharge, patients were given the option to perform their postoperative follow-up appointment by telemedicine or by in-person clinics. Demographic, perioperative, and follow-up variables were analyzed. RESULTS: Among 219 patients who underwent abdominal surgery, 106 (48%) had their postoperative follow-up using telemedicine. There were no differences in age, gender, ASA score, and COVID-19 positive rate between groups. Patients who preferred telemedicine over in-person follow-up were more likely to have undergone laparoscopic surgery (71% vs. 51%, P = 0.037) and emergency surgery (55% vs. 41%; P = 0.038). Morbidity rate for telemedicine and in-person group was 5.7% and 8%, (P = 0.50). Only 2.8% of patients needed an in-person visit following the telemedicine consult, and 1.9% visited the emergency department. CONCLUSIONS: In the current pandemic, telemedicine follow-up can be safely and effectively performed in selected surgical patients. Patients who underwent laparoscopic and emergency procedures opted more for telemedicine than in-person follow-up.

Video-Based Guided Simulation without Peer or Expert Feedback is Not Enough: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Simulation-Based Training for Medical Students.

BACKGROUND: Feedback is a pivotal cornerstone and a challenge in psychomotor training. There are different teaching methodologies; however, some may be less effective. METHODS: A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted in 130 medical students to compare the effectiveness of the video-guided learning (VLG), peer-feedback (PFG) and the expert feedback (EFG) for teaching suturing skills. The program lasted 4 weeks. Students were recorded making 3-simple stitches (pre-assessment and post-assessment). The primary outcome was a global scale (OSATS). The secondary outcomes were performance time, specific rating scale (SRS) and the impact of the intervention (IOI), defined as the variation between the final and initial OSATS and SRS scores. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between PFG and EFG in post-assessment results of OSATS, SRS scores or in the IOI for OSATS and SRS scores. Post-assessment results of PFG and EFG were significantly superior to VLG in OSATS and SRS scores [(19.8 (18.5-21); 16.6 (15.5-17.5)) and (20.3 (19.88-21); 16.8 (16-17.5)) vs (15.7 (15-16); 13.3 (12.5-14)) (p < 0.05)], respectively. The results of PFG and EFG were significantly superior to VLG in the IOI for OSATS [7 (4.5-9) and 7.4 (4.88-10) vs 3.5 (1.5-6) (p < 0.05)] and SRS scores [5.4 (3.5-7) and 6.3 (4-8.5) vs 3.1 (1.13-4.88) (p < 0.05)], respectively. CONCLUSION: The video-guided learning methodology without any kind of feedback is not enough for teaching suturing skills compared to expert or peer feedback. The peer feedback methodology appears to be a viable alternative to handling the emerging demands in medical education.

Implementation of intracorporeal anastomosis in laparoscopic right colectomy is safe and associated with a shorter hospital stay.

Reconstruction after laparoscopic right colectomy (LRC) can be achieved by performing an intracorporeal (IA) or an extracorporeal anastomosis (EA). This study aims to assess the safety of implementing IA in LRC, and to compare its perioperative outcomes with EA during an institution's learning curve. Patients undergoing elective LRC with IA or EA in a teaching university hospital between January 2015 and December 2018 were included. Demographic, clinical, perioperative and histopathological data were collated and outcomes investigated. One hundred and twenty-two patients were included; forty-three (35.2%) had an IA. The main indication for surgery was cancer in both groups (83.7% for IA and 79.8% for EA; p = 0.50). Operative time was longer for IA (180 [150-205] versus 150 [120-180] minutes; p < 0.001). A Pfannenstiel incision was used as extraction site in 97.7% of patients receiving an IA; while a midline incision was used in 97.5% of patients having an EA (p < 0.001). Hospital stay was significantly shorter for IA (3 [3, 4] versus 4 [3-6] days; p = 0.003). There were no differences in postoperative complications rates between groups. There was a 4.7% and 3.8% anastomotic leak rate in the IA and EA group, respectively (p = 1). Re-intervention and readmission rates were similar between groups, and there was no mortality during the study period. The implementation of IA in LRC is safe. Despite longer operative times, IA is associated with a shorter hospital stay when compared to EA in the setting of an institution's learning curve.

Bariatric Surgery in Cirrhotic Patients: a Matched Case-Control Study.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic bariatric surgery (LBS) in liver end-stage organ disease has been proven to improve organ function and patients' symptoms. A series of LBS in patients with cirrhosis have shown good results in weight loss, but increased risk of complications. Current literature is based on clinical series. This paper aims to compare LBS (69% gastric bypass) between patients with cirrhosis and without cirrhosis. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective 1:3 matched case-control study including bariatric patients with cirrhosis and without cirrhosis. Demographics, operative variables, postoperative complications, long-term weight loss, and comorbidity resolution were compared between groups. RESULTS: Sixteen Child A patients were included in the patients with cirrhosis (PC) group and 48 in patients without cirrhosis (control) group. Mean age was 50 years; preoperative BMI was 39 ± 6.8 kg/m2. Laparoscopic gastric bypass and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy were performed in 69% and 31%, respectively. Follow-up was 81% at 2 years for both groups. PC group had a higher rate of overall (31% vs. 6%; p < 0.05) and severe (Clavien-Dindo ≥ III; 13% vs. 0%; p = 0.013) complications than that of the control group. Mean %EWL of PC at 2 years of follow-up was 84.9%, without differences compared with that of the control group (83.1%). Comorbidity remission in PC was 14%, 50%, and 85% for hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and dyslipidemia, respectively. Patients without cirrhosis had a higher resolution rate of hypertension (65% vs. 14%, p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: LBS is effective for weight loss and comorbidity resolution in patients with obesity and Child A liver cirrhosis. However, these results are accompanied by significantly increased risk of complications.