Validation of a novel, low-fidelity virtual reality simulator and an artificial intelligence assessment approach for peg transfer laparoscopic training.

Simulators are widely used in medical education, but objective and automatic assessment is not feasible with low-fidelity simulators, which can be solved with artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR) solutions. The effectiveness of a custom-made VR simulator and an AI-based evaluator of a laparoscopic peg transfer exercise was investigated. Sixty medical students were involved in a single-blinded randomised controlled study to compare the VR simulator with the traditional box trainer. A total of 240 peg transfer exercises from the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery programme were analysed. The experts and AI-based software used the same criteria for evaluation. The algorithm detected pitfalls and measured exercise duration. Skill improvement showed no significant difference between the VR and control groups. The AI-based evaluator exhibited 95% agreement with the manual assessment. The average difference between the exercise durations measured by the two evaluation methods was 2.61 s. The duration of the algorithmic assessment was 59.47 s faster than the manual assessment. The VR simulator was an effective alternative practice compared with the training box simulator. The AI-based evaluation produced similar results compared with the manual assessment, and it could significantly reduce the evaluation time. AI and VR could improve the effectiveness of basic laparoscopic training.

Deep Learning-Derived Myocardial Strain.

BACKGROUND: Echocardiographic strain measurements require extensive operator experience and have significant intervendor variability. Creating an automated, open-source, vendor-agnostic method to retrospectively measure global longitudinal strain (GLS) from standard echocardiography B-mode images would greatly improve post hoc research applications and may streamline patient analyses. OBJECTIVES: This study was seeking to develop an automated deep learning strain (DLS) analysis pipeline and validate its performance across multiple applications and populations. METHODS: Interobserver/-vendor variation of traditional GLS, and simulated effects of variation in contour on speckle-tracking measurements were assessed. The DLS pipeline was designed to take semantic segmentation results from EchoNet-Dynamic and derive longitudinal strain by calculating change in the length of the left ventricular endocardial contour. DLS was evaluated for agreement with GLS on a large external dataset and applied across a range of conditions that result in cardiac hypertrophy. RESULTS: In patients scanned by 2 sonographers using 2 vendors, GLS had an intraclass correlation of 0.29 (95% CI: -0.01 to 0.53, P = 0.03) between vendor measurements and 0.63 (95% CI: 0.48-0.74, P < 0.001) between sonographers. With minor changes in initial input contour, step-wise pixel shifts resulted in a mean absolute error of 3.48% and proportional strain difference of 13.52% by a 6-pixel shift. In external validation, DLS maintained moderate agreement with 2-dimensional GLS (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]: 0.56, P = 0.002) with a bias of -3.31% (limits of agreement: -11.65% to 5.02%). The DLS method showed differences (P < 0.0001) between populations with cardiac hypertrophy and had moderate agreement in a patient population of advanced cardiac amyloidosis: ICC was 0.64 (95% CI: 0.53-0.72), P < 0.001, with a bias of 0.57%, limits of agreement of -4.87% to 6.01% vs 2-dimensional GLS. CONCLUSIONS: The open-source DLS provides lower variation than human measurements and similar quantitative results. The method is rapid, consistent, vendor-agnostic, publicly released, and applicable across a wide range of imaging qualities.

[Robotic surgery]. / Robotsebészet.

Due to the fast spread of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, surgical procedures have been changed essentially. The new techniques applied for both abdominal and thoracic procedures provided the possibility for minimally invasive access with all its advantages. Robots - originally developed for industrial applications - were retrofitted for laparoscopic procedures. The currently prevailing robot-assisted surgery is ergonomically more advantageous for the surgeon, as well as for the patient through the more precise preparative activity thanks to the regained 3D vision. The gradual decrease of costs of robotic surgical systems and development of new generations of minimally invasive devices may lead to substantial changes in routine surgical procedures.

[New possibilities in practical education of surgery]. / Új lehetoségek a sebészet gyakorlati oktatásában.

The fast spread of laparoscopic surgery in the surgical community also required introduction of new methods of surgical education of these techniques. Training boxes applied for this reason meant a considerable help. The technique of the virtual reality introduced simulation, which is a new possibility in education. For the first time in the history of surgery we can measure medical students' or residents' dexterity and one can get acquainted with a surgical procedure in the form of "serious games". By application of the up-to-date imaging methods we can plan the movements of the surgeon's hand even before the planned operation, practice and repeating can contribute to the safety of the real procedure. Open surgical procedures can be practiced on plastic phantoms mimicking human anatomy and the use of interactive touch devices and e-learning can also contribute to practical education of surgery.

[Examination of cytoprotective and anti-inflammatory effect of PACAP-38 on small bowel autotransplantation]. / A PACAP-38 citoprotektív és antiinflammatórikus hatásának vizsgálata vékonybél-autotranszplantációs modellben.

INTRODUCTION: The small intestine is one of the most sensitive organs to ischemia-reperfusion injury during transplantation. Cytoprotective effect of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) is well known. The aim of our study was to measure changes of PACAP-38-like immunoreactivities and cytokine levels in intestinal grafts stored PACAP-38 containing preservation solution. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Small-bowel autotransplantation was performed on male Wistar rats (n = 56). Grafts were stored in University of Wisconsin (UW) solution at 4 °C for 1 (GI), 3 (GII), and 6 hours (GIII); and in PACAP-38 containing UW solution for 1 (GIV), 3 (GV), and 6 hours (GVI). Reperfusion lasted 3 hours in each group. Intestinal PACAP-38 immunoreactivities were measured by radioimmunoassay. To measure cytokine from tissue homogenates we used rat cytokine array and Luminex Multiplex Immunoassay. RESULTS: Levels of PACAP-38-like and PACAP-27-like immunoreactivities decreased by preservation time compared to control. This decrease was significant following 6 hours cold storage (p < 0.05). Values remained significantly higher in grafts stored in PACAP-38 containing UW. Expressions of sICAM-1, L-selectin, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 were increased in GIII and were decreased in GVI. CONCLUSION: PACAP-38 increased tissue levels of PACAP-38 and PACAP-27, and decreased cytokine expression. This indicates that PACAP-38 has anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective effects in intestinal autotransplantation model.

[The mechanism of adhesion formation and the possibilities of modeling -- a preliminary study]. / Az adhaesioképzodés mechanizmusa és modellezésének lehetoségei -- Elokísérleti modellek.

A huge number of factors play a significant role in the process of adhesion formation, like bleeding, the presence of foreign bodies, tissue injury, tissue destruction, ischemia and hypoxia. Adhesions are present in 95% of the cases following abdominal surgery. As a result of adhesions a large number of postoperative complications can occur, such as abdominal pain, bowel motility disturbances and infertility. Hence, it is important to know the precise mechanism of adhesion formation process and establish a suitable animal model to investigate the underlying mechanisms. Molecules which play a part in the process of adhesion formation were collected from the international literature. Male Wistar rats were used to create the adhesion model. Bleeding, implantation of foreign bodies, creation of ischemic areas and tissue destructions were carried out. Within this experiment the tiny bleeding and ischemic areas did not result in adhesion formation. The adhesion formation due to foreign body implantation depends on the type of the materials. Due to the inhibitory mechanism of adhesion formation there was no adhesion detectable due to tiny peritoneal destruction. The most reliable model was the one when gross tissue destruction of the abdominal wall was applied and the resulting bleeding initiated the adhesion formation process. It is also extremely important to know the key participants in the complex process of adhesion formation. This reliable model can help to work out the proper method of prevention.

[Trocar site herniation (TSH) following laparoscopic cholecystectomy: incidence, pathogenesis, and prevention -- animal study]. / A trokárok helyén kialakult hasfali sérvekrol (Trocar Site Hernia) laparoscopos cholecystectomia után: incidencia és megelozés -- állatkísérletes tanulmány.

INTRODUCTION: In 1968 R. E. Fear first reported a trocar site hernia (TSH) in his large series on laparoscopy. Currently, the incidence of TSH is estimated to be 0.65-2.80%. Ports ≥10-mm are usually closed, but ports of the 5-mm trocars are always left open, which may lead to herniation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Authors guided teaching courses for hands-on animal laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) operations, where trainees performed LC-s on 60 animals. Two and four weeks following the operations the animals underwent second look laparoscopy to detect adhesion formation. RESULTS: Trocar site herniation was observed, and in 20% of the animals herniation was found. 70% of the hernias were situated in the 5-mm ports and 30% in the 10-mm ports. CONCLUSION: Port sites should be closed to prevent the formation of TSH. Attention should be payed on the closure of 5-mm trocar sites as well.

Cheap and clean dry balloon training model for laparoscopic pyeloplasty.

Simulation-based training (SBT) has a significant role in training in complex procedure like laparoscopic pyeloplasty. We propose a new training model for laparoscopic pyeloplasty which has been compared to other models. Trainees (n = 22) evaluated our balloon model (BM) and three other models -glove finger model (GFM), chicken thigh model (ChTM) and chicken crop model (ChCrM)- subjectively, based on a 5-point Likert scale. The face validity mean score of our BM model was 3.58 ± 0.69. Our novel model can be a cost-effective, hygienic, and easy-access alternative to other laparoscopic pyeloplasty models.

Esophageal Magnetic Anastomosis Device (EMAD) to Simplify and Improve Outcome of Thoracoscopic Repair for Esophageal Atresia with Tracheoesophageal Fistula: A Proof of Concept Study.

BACKGROUND: We designed a new Esophageal Magnetic Anastomosis Device (EMAD) for thoracoscopic repair of esophageal atresia (EA) with tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) without the need of handheld suturing or additional gastrostomy. METHODS: Synthetic EA-TEF model: Spherical and tubular shaped rubber balloons and a term infant sized plastic doll were used. Medical students (n = 10) and surgical trainees (n = 10) were asked to perform thoracoscopic repair of an "EA" with a hand sutured anastomosis (HA) and with the EMAD. Euthanized animal model: The esophagus in 5 piglets (3-4 kg) was dissected and a thoracoscopic esophageal magnetic anastomosis (EMA) was performed. Bursting pressure (BP) and pulling force (PF): HA and EMA were created on ex vivo New Zealand white rabbit (2.5-3 kg) esophagi (n = 25 in each test series). BP and PF were measured and compared against each other. RESULTS: Medical students were unable to complete HA, but were successful with the EMAD in 11.1 ± 2.78 min. Surgical trainees completed EMA in 4.6 ± 2.06 min vs. HA 30.8 ± 4.29 min (p<0.001). The BP following a HA (14.1 ± 3.32 cmH2O) was close to the physiological intraluminal pressure reported in a neonatal esophagus (around 20 cmH2O), whereas the BP with the EMAD was extremely high (>90 cmH2O) (p<0.001). The PF of an EMA (1.8 ± 0.30 N) was closer to the safety limits of anastomotic tension reported in the literature (i.e. 0.75 N) compared with the HA (3.6 ± 0.43 N) (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: The EMAD could simplify, shorten, and potentially improve the outcome of thoracoscopic repair for EA with TEF in the future. A high BS and a relative low PF following EMAD application may lower the risk of postoperative complications such as esophageal leakage and stricture formation.

Long-term prognostic value of left atrial longitudinal strain in an elderly community-based cohort.

Despite the well-known importance of left atrial (LA) mechanics in diastolic function, data are scarce regarding the prognostic power of LA longitudinal strain and its potential added value in the risk stratification of an elderly population. Accordingly, our aim was to determine the long-term prognostic importance of 2D speckle-tracking echocardiography-derived peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS) in a community-based screening sample. Three hundred and fourteen volunteers were retrospectively identified from a population-based screening program (mean age 62 ± 11 years; 58% female) with a median follow-up of 9.5 years. All subjects who participated in the screening program underwent 2D echocardiography to measure left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF), global longitudinal strain (GLS), and PALS, as well as low-dose cardiac CT to determine the Agatston score. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. Thirty-nine subjects (12.4%) met the primary endpoint. Subjects with adverse outcomes had significantly lower LV GLS (dead vs. alive; - 19.2 ± 4.3 vs. - 20.6 ± 3.5%, p < 0.05) and PALS (32.3 ± 12.0 vs. 41.8 ± 14.2%, p < 0.001), whereas LV EF did not show a difference between the two groups (51.1 ± 7.0 vs. 52.1 ± 6.2, %, p = NS). By multivariable Cox regression analysis, PALS was found to be a significant predictor of adverse outcomes independent of LV GLS, and Agatston and Framingham scores. In subjects with PALS values below the standard cut-off of 39%, the risk of all-cause mortality was almost 2.5 times higher (hazard ratio: 2.499 [95% confidence interval: 1.334-4.682], p < 0.05). Beyond the assessment of LV EF and LV GLS, PALS offers incremental value in cardiovascular risk stratification in a community-based elderly cohort. PALS was found to be a significant and independent predictor of long-term mortality among other classical cardiovascular risk estimators.

There is more than just longitudinal strain: Prognostic significance of biventricular circumferential mechanics.

Introduction: Despite the significant contribution of circumferential shortening to the global ventricular function, data are scarce concerning its prognostic value on long-term mortality. Accordingly, our study aimed to assess both left (LV) and right ventricular (RV) global longitudinal (GLS) and global circumferential strain (GCS) using three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) to determine their prognostic importance. Methods: Three hundred fifty-seven patients with a wide variety of left-sided cardiac diseases were retrospectively identified (64 ± 15 years, 70% males) who underwent clinically indicated 3DE. LV and RV GLS, and GCS were quantified. To determine the prognostic power of the different patterns of biventricular mechanics, we divided the patient population into four groups. Group 1 consisted of patients with both LV GLS and RV GCS above the respective median values; Group 2 was defined as patients with LV GLS below the median while RV GCS above the median, whereas in Group 3, patients had LV GLS values above the median, while RV GCS was below median. Group 4 was defined as patients with both LV GLS and RV GCS below the median. Patients were followed up for a median of 41 months. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. Results: Fifty-five patients (15%) met the primary endpoint. Impaired values of both LV GCS (HR, 1.056 [95% CI, 1.027-1.085], p < 0.001) and RV GCS (1.115 [1.068-1.164], p < 0.001) were associated with increased risk of death by univariable Cox regression. Patients with both LV GLS and RV GCS below the median (Group 4) had a more than 5-fold increased risk of death compared with those in Group 1 (5.089 [2.399-10.793], p < 0.001) and more than 3.5-fold compared with those in Group 2 (3.565 [1.256-10.122], p = 0.017). Interestingly, there was no significant difference in mortality between Group 3 (with LV GLS above the median) and Group 4, but being categorized into Group 3 versus Group 1 still held a more than 3-fold risk (3.099 [1.284-7.484], p = 0.012). Discussion: The impaired values of both LV and RV GCS are associated with long-term all-cause mortality, emphasizing the importance of assessing biventricular circumferential mechanics. Reduced RV GCS is associated with significantly increased risk of mortality even if LV GLS is preserved.

[Differential scanning calorimetry of blood plasma in breast cancer patients]. / Emlodaganatos betegek vérplazmájának differenciál pásztázó kalorimetriás vizsgálata.

Breast cancer is the commonest cause of cancer death in women worldwide. Its incidence has been increasing for many years in economically developed countries. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is a thermoanalytical technique which monitors small heat changes between sample and reference materials. This examination is a validly efficient method for the demonstration of structural changes not only in the physical sciences, but in numerous human oncological diseases. The goal of this study was to measure DSC thermogram of blood plasma in breast cancer patients with different stages. Nineteen women with different tumor diameter (0.5-7.5 mm) and with or without regional lymph node metastases were involved in the study. Preoperatively peripheral blood samples were collected from the patients and from healthy controls, and plasma components were analysed by SETARAM micro DSC-II calorimeter. The diameter of the tumor tissue and the number of metastatic lymph nodes were evaluated on the basis of postoperative histological results. In the current study we found difference in changes of the thermal parameters (transition temperature, calorimetric enthalpy) of breast cancer patients' plasma components. Moreover, a tendency has been found for association of these results with tumor size and with the degree of regional lymph node involvement. Preliminary study of the clinical utility of DSC technology arises, even though there is no data in the literature. In cases of breast cancer the blood plasma may be suitable for DSC analysis for diagnosis or staging as well. In order to clarify the relationships we are planning further studies.

Thermodynamic Sensitivity of Blood Plasma Components in Patients Afflicted with Skin, Breast and Pancreatic Forms of Cancer.

According to the World Health Organization's 2018 Global Cancer Survey, cancer is the second leading cause of death. From this survey, the third most common is breast cancer, the fifth is melanoma malignum and pancreatic adenocarcinoma ranks twentieth. Undoubtedly, the early diagnosis and monitoring of these tumors and related research is important for aspects of patient care. The aim of our present review was to explain an impressive methodology that is deemed suitable in reference to studying blood sample deviations in the case of solid tumors. Essentially, we compared the heat denaturation responses of blood plasma components through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). In the control, between five and seven separable components can be detected, in which the primary component was albumin, while in the case of tumorous patients, the peaks of immunoglobulins were dominant. Moreover, the shape of the plasma DSC curves changed with a shift in the higher temperature ranges; thus, their pattern can be used as a suitable marker of direct immunological responses. The further development of the analysis of DSC curves raises the possibility of the early diagnosis of a potential tumor, the monitoring of diseases, or testing the efficacy of the therapy from a single drop of blood.

Paradoxical alteration of indocyanine green concentration in bile and the visibility of the intra-operative fluorescence cholangiography in pigs.

Background: A significant difference exists between the reported optimal timing of indocyanine green (ICG) injection during fluorescence cholangiography and ICG dissipation time from the serum. There are no reports on alterations in ICG concentration in biliary fluid over time. Herein, we measured the concentration of ICG and the fluorescence intensity ratio between the common bile duct (CBD) and liver, which was recognized as a parameter of the visibility of the CBD. Materials and methods: ICG (0.05 mg/kg) was injected intravenously into female pigs (n = 7). Afterwards, the fluorescence of the CBD and liver was detected at 30 min, 2 h, and 4 h. Biliary fluid was collected from cannulated CBD tubes. The fluorescence intensity was measured using captured images and calculated using the ImageJ image-processing program. ICG concentration was measured using spectrophotometry and compared using an analysis of variance test. Results: Biliary ICG concentrations at 30 min, 2 h, and 4 h were 92.07 ± 27.72 µg/mL, 37.14 ± 9.76 µg/mL (p < 0.05 vs. 30 min), and 13.91 ± 5.71 µg/mL (p < 0.05 vs. 30 min), respectively; p < 0.01. The CBD/liver fluorescence intensity ratios at 30 min, 2 h, and 4 h were 1.25 ± 0.72, 2.39 ± 1.28 (p < 0.05 vs. 30 min and 4 h), and 3.38 ± 1.73 (p < 0.05 vs. 30 min and 2 h), respectively. Conclusions: The ICG biliary concentration was highest at 30 min, whereas the CBD/liver fluorescence intensity ratio was highest at 4 h. Decreasing the fluorescence intensity of the liver may be an important approach for improving the visualization of the CBD during fluorescence cholangiography. Institutional protocol number: PE/EA/491-5/2020.

An Implantable Magneto-Responsive Poly(aspartamide) Based Electrospun Scaffold for Hyperthermia Treatment.

When exposed to an alternating magnetic field, superparamagnetic nanoparticles can elicit the required hyperthermic effect while also being excellent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents. Their main drawback is that they diffuse out of the area of interest in one or two days, thus preventing a continuous application during the typical several-cycle multi-week treatment. To solve this issue, our aim was to synthesise an implantable, biodegradable membrane infused with magnetite that enabled long-term treatment while having adequate MRI contrast and hyperthermic capabilities. To immobilise the nanoparticles inside the scaffold, they were synthesised inside hydrogel fibres. First, polysuccinimide (PSI) fibres were produced by electrospinning and crosslinked, and then, magnetitc iron oxide nanoparticles (MIONs) were synthesised inside and in-between the fibres of the hydrogel membranes with the well-known co-precipitation method. The attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) investigation proved the success of the chemical synthesis and the presence of iron oxide, and the superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) study revealed their superparamagnetic property. The magnetic hyperthermia efficiency of the samples was significant. The given alternating current (AC) magnetic field could induce a temperature rise of 5 °C (from 37 °C to 42 °C) in less than 2 min even for five quick heat-cool cycles or for five consecutive days without considerable heat generation loss in the samples. Short-term (1 day and 7 day) biocompatibility, biodegradability and MRI contrast capability were investigated in vivo on Wistar rats. The results showed excellent MRI contrast and minimal acute inflammation.

[Effect of ischemic postconditioning on oxidative stress and structural tissue changes in intestinal warm ischemic and autotransplantation models]. / Az ischaemiás posztkondicionálás hatása az oxidatív stresszre és a szöveti struktúrára vékonybél meleg ischaemiás és autotranszplantációs modellekben.

INTRODUCTION/AIM: Our study investigated the effect of ischemic postconditioning (IPO) in intestinal warm ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) and autotransplantation models. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Warm ischemia was performed by occlusion of superior mesenteric artery for 1, 3 and 6 hours in white domestic pigs (n = 15). Prior to 3 hours reperfusion the intestine was postconditioned by 3 cycles of 30-seconds ischemia and 30-seconds reperfusion (IPO protocol). In the cold ischemia group (n = 15) the bowel was preserved in University of Wisconsin solution for 1, 3, and 6 hours. Prior to 3 hours reperfusion IPO protocol was applied, too. Tissue samples were collected after laparotomy (control) and at the end of the reperfusion periods. As far as oxidative stress markers, malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were determined. Tissue damage was evaluated by qualitative (Park-classification) and quantitative (Scion Image) methods. RESULTS: As regards oxidative stress parameters, lipidperoxidation decreased and the protective effect of endogenous antioxidants (GSH, SOD) retained significantly by IPO procedure at the end of reperfusion. Tissue injury correlated significantly by the duration of warm ischemia and cold preservation. Quantitative analysis demonstrated that IPO ameliorated tissue injury in each group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: IPO significantly attenuated intestinal oxidative stress and morphological damages in warm and cold I/R models.

A large-scale investigation of alcohol-based handrub (ABHR) volume: hand coverage correlations utilizing an innovative quantitative evaluation system.

BACKGROUND: Current hand hygiene guidelines do not provide recommendations on a specific volume for the clinical hand rubbing procedure. According to recent studies volume should be adjusted in order to achieve complete coverage. However, hand size is a parameter that highly influences the hand coverage quality when using alcohol-based handrubs (ABHR). The purpose of this study was to establish a quantitative correlation between applied ABHR volume and achieved hand coverage. METHOD: ABHR based hand hygiene events were evaluated utilizing a digital health device, the Semmelweis hand hygiene system with respect to coverage achieved on the skin surface. Medical students and surgical residents (N = 356) were randomly selected and given predetermined ABHR volumes. Additionally, hand sizes were calculated using specialized software developed for this purpose. Drying time, ABHR volume awareness, as well spillage awareness were documented for each hand hygiene event. RESULTS: Hand coverage achieved during a hand hygiene event strongly depends on the applied ABHR volume. At a 1 ml dose, the uncovered hand area was approximately 7.10%, at 2 ml it decreased to 1.68%, and at 3 ml it further decreased to 1.02%. The achieved coverage is strongly correlated to hand size, nevertheless, a 3 ml applied volume proved sufficient for most hand hygiene events (84%). When applying a lower amount of ABHR (1.5 ml), even people with smaller hands failed to cover their entire hand surface. Furthermore, a 3 ml volume requires more than the guideline prescribed 20-30 s to dry. In addition, results suggest that drying time is not only affected by hand size, but perhaps other factors may be involved as well (e.g., skin temperature and degree of hydration). ABHR volumes of 3.5 ml or more were inefficient, as the disinfectant spilled while the additional rubbing time did not improve hand coverage. CONCLUSIONS: Hand sizes differ a lot among HCWs. After objectively measuring participants, the surface of the smallest hand was just over half compared to the largest hand (259 cm2 and 498 cm2, respectively). While a 3 ml ABHR volume is reasonable for medium-size hands, the need for an optimized volume of handrub for each individual is critical, as it offers several advantages. Not only it can ensure adequate hand hygiene quality, but also prevent unnecessary costs. Bluntly increasing the volume also increases spillage and therefore waste of disinfectant in the case of smaller hands. In addition, adherence could potentially decrease due to the required longer drying time, therefore, adjusting the dosage according to hand size may also increase the overall hand hygiene compliance.

#Erasmus+ ­ or surgical research, development and innovation at the Department of Surgical Research and Techniques at Semmelweis University / #Erasmus+ - avagy sebészeti kutatás-fejlesztés és innováció a Semmelweis Egyetem Kísérletes és Sebészeti Mutéttani Tanszékén

The European Union is earmarking more and more resources each cycle to support research, development and innovation, and the projects set up by the working groups are helping to develop innovative solutions to reflecting societal issues of today. Since 2014, the Department of Surgical Research and Techniques of the Cardiovascular Center at Semmelweis University has been participating in international consortia supported by the Erasmus+ programme, which aim to modernise the teaching methodology of surgical training and to integrate IT technology into the training of surgical residents at pan-European level. This paper briefly summarises the international projects in which the Department has been involved over the last 7 years.

Adhesion stabilization in the early postoperative period in a rat model / Az adhézió stabilizálódásának meghatározása a korai posztoperatív idoszakban patkány modellen

Introduction: Adhesion formation is a complex series of events that results from cellular and molecular processes where, in contrast to the normal case, events that support adhesion genesis dominate over adhesion lysis. Tissue injury, haemorrhage, tissue desiccation and inflammatory processes, among others, play a role in its induction. Since the presence of adhesions can be associated with a number of negative complications, the primary aim is to prevent their development. There are several preventive targets for the process, but in many cases therapy is only provided immediately after the procedure. In this study, we present an experimental rat model of adhesion, where the aim is to understand the stabilization period of adhesion. All animals underwent the same surgical procedure, inducing tissue injury, minor haemorrhage and tissue desiccation, differing only in the timing of reoperations and sampling. On postoperative days 1­7, we assessed macroscopically and histopathologically the type of adhesions formed, the adhesive tissue, the stability of the adhesion. We found that stabilization was a process lasting several days, with unstable and moderately stable adhesions predominating by postoperative day 4. Knowing this allows to broaden the therapeutic window, targeting the most appropriate period in the early postoperative period, possibly combining treatments, to make adhesion prevention even more effective.

Peritoneum, the multifunctional membrane / Peritoneum, a multifunkcionális hártya

Introduction: Not only atraumatic surgical technique, precise bleeding control, removal foreign materials from the abdomen, but also avoiding desiccation or mechanical damage of peritoneal surface at abdominal surgery mean today evidence based expectation. Peritoneum with its extensive surface and special histological structure represents an important factor in normal physiological processes, furthermore as "Guard of abdomen" it has an important role to localise inflammatory reactions, useful as dialysing surface and provides also possibility for hyperthermic abdominal chemotherapy in tumour treatment. Largest part of peritoneal sac covers small intestine and colon. To prevent postoperative complications it is necessary to avoid desiccation of intestinal tract at laparoscopic and at open procedures as well ­ consequently "rehyration" is a routine recommendation today. Desiccation of intestinal tract results postoperative adhesions, furthermore damage of serosa will increase permeability of intestine wall and can result perforation. All the surgical recommendations suggest keeping intestine moist, whereas there are only a few real studies in surgical literature to support or to deny this theory. Our study reviews the pathophysiological and surgical respects of this situation and summarizes the results of latest researches of combined functions of peritoneum.