Validation of a synthetic simulation model of endoscopic rectus sheath plication.

PURPOSE: Literature reviews outline minimally invasive approaches for abdominal diastasis in patients without skin excess. However, few surgeons are trained in endoscopic rectus sheath plication, and no simulated training programs exist for this method. This study aimed to develop and validate a synthetic simulation model for the training of skills in this approach under the Messick validity framework. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out to assess the participants' previous level of laparoscopic/endoscopic skills by a questionnaire. Participants performed an endoscopic plication on the model and their performance was evaluated by one blinded observer using the global rating scale OSATS and a procedure specific checklist (PSC) scale. A 5-level Likert survey was applied to 5 experts and 4 plastic surgeons to assess Face and Content validity. RESULTS: Fifteen non-experts and 5 experts in abdominal wall endoscopic surgery were recruited. A median OSATS score [25 (range 24-25) vs 14 (range 5-22); p < 0.05 of maximum 25 points] and a median PSC score [11 (range 10-11) vs 8 (range 3-10); p < 0.05 of maximum 11 points] was significantly higher for experts compared with nonexperts. All experts agreed or strongly agreed that the model simulates a real scenario of endoscopic plication of the rectus sheath. CONCLUSION: Our simulation model met all validation criteria outlined in the Messick framework, demonstrating its ability to differentiate between experts and non-experts based on their baseline endoscopic surgical skills. This model stands as a valuable tool for evaluating skills in endoscopic rectus sheath plication.

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.

Liver transplantation for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: who, when and how.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Using transplant oncology principles, selected patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) may achieve long-term survival after liver transplantation. Strategies for identifying and managing these patients are discussed in this review. RECENT FINDINGS: Unlike initial reports, several modern series have reported positive outcomes after liver transplantation for iCCA. The main challenges are in identifying the appropriate candidates and graft scarcity. Tumor burden and response to neoadjuvant therapies have been successfully used to identify favorable biology in unresectable cases. New molecular biomarkers will probably predict this response in the future. Also, new technologies and better strategies have been used to increase graft availability for these patients without affecting the liver waitlist. SUMMARY: Liver transplantation for the management of patients with unresectable iCCA is currently a reality under strict research protocols. Who is a candidate for transplantation, when to use neoadjuvant and locoregional therapies, and how to increase graft availability are the main topics of this review.

Innovations in surgical training: exploring the role of artificial intelligence and large language models (LLM).

The landscape of surgical training is rapidly evolving with the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) and its integration into education and simulation. This manuscript aims to explore the potential applications and benefits of AI-assisted surgical training, particularly the use of large language models (LLMs), in enhancing communication, personalizing feedback, and promoting skill development. We discuss the advancements in simulation-based training, AI-driven assessment tools, video-based assessment systems, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) platforms, and the potential role of LLMs in the transcription, translation, and summarization of feedback. Despite the promising opportunities presented by AI integration, several challenges must be addressed, including accuracy and reliability, ethical and privacy concerns, bias in AI models, integration with existing training systems, and training and adoption of AI-assisted tools. By proactively addressing these challenges and harnessing the potential of AI, the future of surgical training may be reshaped to provide a more comprehensive, safe, and effective learning experience for trainees, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes. .

Implementation of the updated Sydney system biopsy protocol improves the diagnostic yield of gastric preneoplastic conditions: Results from a real-world study.

BACKGROUND: The updated Sydney system biopsy protocol (USSBP) standardizes the sampling of gastric biopsies for the detection of preneoplastic conditions (e.g., gastric intestinal metaplasia [GIM]), but the real-world diagnostic yield is not well-described. AIM: To determine whether regular application of USSBP is associated with higher detection of chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG), GIM and autoimmune gastritis (AIG). METHODS: We performed a real-world retrospective study at an academic urban tertiary hospital in Chile. We manually reviewed medical records from consecutive patients undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) from January to December 2017. Seven endoscopists who performed EGDs were categorized into two groups (USSBP 'regular' and USSBP 'infrequent') based on USSBP adherence, using minimum 20% adherence as the prespecified threshold. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between endoscopist groups and the likelihood of diagnosing CAG, GIM or AIG. RESULTS: 1206 patients were included in the study (mean age: 58.5; 65.3% female). The USSBP regular group demonstrated a higher likelihood of detecting CAG (20% vs. 5.3%; aOR 4.03, 95%CI: 2.69-6.03), GIM (12.2% vs. 3.4%; aOR 3.91, 95%CI: 2.39-6.42) and AIG (2.9% vs. 0.8%; aOR 6.52, 95%CI: 1.87-22.74) compared to infrequent group. Detection of advanced-stage CAG (Operative Link for Gastritis Assessment stage III/IV) was significantly higher in the USSBP regular vs. infrequent group (aOR 5.84, 95%CI: 2.23-15.31). CONCLUSIONS: Routine adherence to USSBP increases the detection rates of preneoplastic conditions, including CAG, GIM and AIG. Standardized implementation of USSBP should be considered in high gastric cancer risk populations.

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.

Liver resection for hepatolithiasis: A multicenter experience in Latin America.

BACKGROUND: Hepatolithiasis is a prevalent disease in Asia but rare in Western countries. An increasing number of cases have been reported in Latin America. Liver resection has been proposed as a definitive treatment for complete stone clearance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the postoperative outcomes of liver resection for the treatment of hepatolithiasis in 2 large hepatobiliary reference centers from South America. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective descriptive analysis from patients with hepatolithiasis who underwent liver resection between November 1986 and December 2018, in 2 Latin-American centers in Chile and Brazil. RESULTS: One hundred forty-nine patients underwent liver resection for hepatolithiasis (72 in Chile, 77 in Brazil). The mean age was 49 years and most patients were female (62.4%). Hepatolithiasis was localized in the left lobe (61.7%), right lobe (24.2%), and bilateral lobe (14.1%). Bilateral lithiasis was associated with higher incidence of preoperative and postoperative cholangitis (81% vs 46.9% and 28.6% vs 6.1%) and need for hepaticojejunostomy (52.4%). In total, 38.9% of patients underwent major hepatectomy and 14.1% were laparoscopic. The postoperative stone clearance was 100%. The 30-day morbidity and mortality rates were 30.9% and 0.7%, respectively. Cholangiocarcinoma was seen in 2 specimens, and no postoperative malignancy were seen after a median follow-up of 38 months. Fourteen patients (9.4%) had intrahepatic stones recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Liver resection is an effective and definitive treatment for patients with hepatolithiasis. Bilateral hepatolithiasis was associated with perioperative cholangitis, the need for hepaticojejunostomy, and recurrent disease. Resection presents a high rate of biliary tree stone clearance and excellent long-term results, with low recurrence rates and low risk of malignancy.

Customized normothermic machine perfusion decreases ischemia-reperfusion injury compared with static cold storage in a porcine model of liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Liver transplantation has been demonstrated to be the best treatment for several liver diseases, while grafts are limited. This has caused an increase in waiting lists, making it necessary to find ways to expand the number of organs available for transplantation. Normothermic perfusion (NMP) of liver grafts has been established as an alternative to static cold storage (SCS), but only a small number of perfusion machines are commercially available. METHODS: Using a customized ex situ machine perfusion, we compared the results between ex situ NMP and SCS preservation in a porcine liver transplant model. RESULTS: During NMP, lactate concentrations were 80% lower after the 3-h perfusion period, compared with SCS. Bile production had a 2.5-fold increase during the NMP period. After transplantation, aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) levels were 35% less in the NMP group, compared to the SCS group. In pathologic analyses of grafts after transplant, tissue oxidation did not change between groups, but the ischemia-reperfusion injury score was lower in the NMP group. CONCLUSION: NMP reduced hepatocellular damage and ischemia-reperfusion injury when compared to SCS using a customized perfusion machine. This could be an alternative for low-income countries to include machine perfusion in their therapeutic options.

Innovations in surgical training: exploring the role of artificial intelligence and large language models (LLM) / Inovações no treinamento cirúrgico: explorando o papel da inteligência artificial e dos grandes modelos de linguagem (LLM)

ABSTRACT The landscape of surgical training is rapidly evolving with the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) and its integration into education and simulation. This manuscript aims to explore the potential applications and benefits of AI-assisted surgical training, particularly the use of large language models (LLMs), in enhancing communication, personalizing feedback, and promoting skill development. We discuss the advancements in simulation-based training, AI-driven assessment tools, video-based assessment systems, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) platforms, and the potential role of LLMs in the transcription, translation, and summarization of feedback. Despite the promising opportunities presented by AI integration, several challenges must be addressed, including accuracy and reliability, ethical and privacy concerns, bias in AI models, integration with existing training systems, and training and adoption of AI-assisted tools. By proactively addressing these challenges and harnessing the potential of AI, the future of surgical training may be reshaped to provide a more comprehensive, safe, and effective learning experience for trainees, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes. .

RESUMO O cenário do treinamento cirúrgico está evoluindo rapidamente com o surgimento da inteligência artificial (IA) e sua integração na educação e simulação. Este artigo explora as aplicações e benefícios potenciais do treinamento cirúrgico assistido por IA, em particular o uso de modelos de linguagem avançados (MLAs), para aprimorar a comunicação, personalizar o feedback e promover o desenvolvimento de habilidades. Discutimos os avanços no treinamento baseado em simulação, ferramentas de avaliação impulsionadas por IA, sistemas de avaliação baseados em vídeo, plataformas de realidade virtual (RV) e realidade aumentada (RA), e o papel potencial dos MLAs na transcrição, tradução e resumo do feedback. Apesar das oportunidades promissoras apresentadas pela integração da IA, vários desafios devem ser abordados, incluindo precisão e confiabilidade, preocupações éticas e de privacidade, viés nos modelos de IA, integração com os sistemas de treinamento existentes, e treinamento e adoção de ferramentas assistidas por IA. Ao abordar proativamente esses desafios e aproveitar o potencial da IA, o futuro do treinamento cirúrgico pode ser remodelado para proporcionar uma experiência de aprendizado mais abrangente, segura e eficaz para os aprendizes, resultando em melhores resultados para os pacientes.

[Outcomes of Laparoscopic Liver Resection for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Single-Center Experience]. / Resecciones Hepáticas Laparoscópicas por Hepatocarcinoma: Resultados Perioperatorios y Oncológicos.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cancer in the world. Surgery is the treatment of choice in stages 0 and A in the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer classification. A minimally invasive technique in this scenario has the advantage of reducing postoperative pain, blood loss, and hospital stay. We present our experience and outcomes in laparoscopic liver resection in HCC. METHODS: Retrospective descriptive analysis from all patients who underwent laparoscopic liver resection for HCC in our center between August 2006 and December 2020. RESULTS: Laparoscopic liver resection for HCC was performed in 20 patients. The median age was 70 years, and the male gender was 75%. Sixteen patients had chronic liver disease, and 87.5% were Child A. The most common liver resection was the non-anatomical (45%). 30-day morbidity was 15%, without the need for reintervention. We had no 30-day mortality and postoperative liver failure. Negative margins were achieved in 90% of patients. Median disease-free survival and overall survival were 25 and 40.5 months, respectively. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic liver resection for the treatment of HCC in our series is safe, with no 30-day mortality, low incidence of complications, no postoperative liver failure, and suitable medium- and long-term oncological results.

Right Lobe Liver Donation After Bariatric Surgery. A Case Series of 4 Living Donors.

BACKGROUND: The increasing prevalence of obesity and need for bariatric surgery as well as the expanding use of living donors for liver transplantation means that potential donors could present with this surgical history. We present 4 cases of liver donors with previous bariatric surgery in our living donor liver transplant program. METHODS: A retrospective descriptive analysis of patients with a bariatric surgery history who underwent right hepatectomy in our living donor liver transplant program is presented. RESULTS: Case 1: A 53-year-old man with body mass index (BMI) of 33 who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). Pretransplant BMI was 21.5. Case 2: A 46-year-old woman with a BMI maximum of 40.8 who underwent LSG and required conversion to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Pretransplant BMI was 35.1. Case 3: A 53-year-old woman with a BMI maximum of 31.6 who underwent LSG. Pretransplant BMI was 24.2. Case 4: A 38-year-old man with a BMI maximum of 41.5 who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass 6 years before the hepatectomy. Pretransplant BMI was 29.4. No complications were observed. Average operative time was 367.5 minutes, with a hospital stay of 5.8 days and 100% graft survival to date. DISCUSSION: Utilization of selected donors with previous bariatric surgery appears to be a safe option and increases the donor pool.

Trasplante hepático por metástasis hepáticas irresecables de cáncer colorrectal: revisión de la literatura / Liver transplantation for non-resectable colorectal liver metastases: A review

In Chile, colorectal cancer ranks third in incidence and fifth in mortality. Half of these patients have liver metastases at the diagnosis, and only 30% of them are resectable. Despite the development of many complex hepatobiliary procedures to achieve the total resection of metastases, the long-term survival with these techniques is not good. Liver transplantation is an alternative to treat unresectable liver metastasis from colorectal cancer with a good outcome. Several prognostic scores allow the selection of patients with good tumor biology. These patients have better overall and disease-free survival after liver transplantation. The use of immunosuppressive treatment doesn't increase recurrence, and even the pattern of tumor growth is slower in liver transplant recipients. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current evidence in this topic and to highlight the need for a formal protocol for liver transplantation for unresectable colorectal liver metastases, using living donors or marginal grafts to avoid competition with the rest of the national waiting list.

A new approach for the acquisition of trauma surgical skills: an OSCE type of simulation training program.

BACKGROUND: Worldwide, trauma-related deaths are one of the main causes of mortality. Appropriate surgical treatment is crucial to prevent mortality, however, in the past decade, general surgery residents' exposure to trauma cases has decreased, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. In this context, accessible simulation-based training scenarios are essential. METHODS: A low-cost, previously tested OSCE scenario for the evaluation of surgical skills in trauma was implemented as part of a short training boot camp for residents and recently graduated surgeons. The following stations were included bowel anastomosis, vascular anastomosis, penetrating lung injury, penetrating cardiac injury, and gastric perforation (laparoscopic suturing). A total of 75 participants from 15 different programs were recruited. Each station was videotaped in high definition and assessed in a remote and asynchronous manner. The level of competency was assessed through global and specific rating scales alongside procedural times. Self-confidence to perform the procedure as the leading surgeon was evaluated before and after training. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were found in pre-training scores between groups for all stations. The lowest scores were obtained in the cardiac and lung injury stations. After training, participants significantly increased their level of competence in both grading systems. Procedural times for the pulmonary tractotomy, bowel anastomosis, and vascular anastomosis stations increased after training. A significant improvement in self-confidence was shown in all stations. CONCLUSION: An OSCE scenario for training surgical skills in trauma was effective in improving proficiency level and self-confidence. Low pre-training scores and level of confidence in the cardiac and lung injury stations represent a deficit in residency programs that should be addressed. The incorporation of simulation-based teaching tools at early stages in residency would be beneficial when future surgeons face extremely severe trauma scenarios.

[Liver transplantation for non-resectable colorectal liver metastases: A review]. / Trasplante hepático por metástasis hepáticas irresecables de cáncer colorrectal: revisión de la literatura.

In Chile, colorectal cancer ranks third in incidence and fifth in mortality. Half of these patients have liver metastases at the diagnosis, and only 30% of them are resectable. Despite the development of many complex hepatobiliary procedures to achieve the total resection of metastases, the long-term survival with these techniques is not good. Liver transplantation is an alternative to treat unresectable liver metastasis from colorectal cancer with a good outcome. Several prognostic scores allow the selection of patients with good tumor biology. These patients have better overall and disease-free survival after liver transplantation. The use of immunosuppressive treatment doesn't increase recurrence, and even the pattern of tumor growth is slower in liver transplant recipients. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current evidence in this topic and to highlight the need for a formal protocol for liver transplantation for unresectable colorectal liver metastases, using living donors or marginal grafts to avoid competition with the rest of the national waiting list.

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.

Implementation and design of customized ex vivo machine perfusion. Analysis of its first results.

The lack of organs available for transplantation is a global problem. The high mortality rates on the waiting list and the high number of discarded livers are reasons to develop new tools in the preservation and transplantation process. New tools should also be available for low-income countries. This article reports the development of customized normothermic machine perfusion (NMP). An ex vivo dual perfusion machine was designed, composed of a common reservoir organ box (CRO), a centrifugal pump (portal system, low pressure), and a roller pump (arterial system, high pressure). Porcine livers (n = 5) were perfused with an oxygenated normothermic (37℃) strategy for 3 hours. Hemodynamic variables, metabolic parameters, and bile production during preservation were analyzed. Arterial and portal flow remain stable during perfusion. Total bilirubin production was 11.25 mL (4-14.5) at 180 minutes. The median pH value reached 7.32 (7.25-7.4) at 180 minutes. Lactate values decreased progressively to normalization at 120 minutes. This perfusion setup was stable and able to maintain the metabolic activity of a liver graft in a porcine animal model. Design and initial results from this customized NMP are promising for a future clinical application in low-income countries.

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.

Validity Argument for a Simulation-Based Objective Structured Clinical Examination Scenario for Evaluation of Surgical Skills in Trauma.

BACKGROUND: Trauma is one of the main causes of death globally, and appropriate surgical care is crucial to impact mortality. However, resident-performed trauma cases have diminished in the last 10 years. Simulation-based tools have proven to be effective to evaluate practical skills in a variety of settings. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding proper validation of trauma surgery models. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate under a contemporary validity framework, an objective structured clinical evaluation (OSCE) scenario for the assessment of basic and advanced surgical skills in trauma and emergency surgery. METHODS: An OSCE-type simulation assessment program was developed incorporating six stations representing basic and advanced surgical skills that are essential in trauma surgery. Each station was designed using ex-vivo animal tissue. The stations included basic knots and sutures, bowel resection and anastomosis, vascular end-to-end anastomosis, lung injury repair, cardiac injury repair, and laparoscopic suturing. Eight postgraduate year 2 (PY-2), eight recently graduated surgeons (RGS), and 3 experts were recruited, and their performance was blindly assessed by experts using the validated general rating scale OSATS (Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills) as well as the time taken to complete the procedure. RESULTS: Significant differences were identified among groups. The average OSATS score was 82 for the PY2 group, 113 for the RGS group, and 147 for the experts (P < 0.01). The average procedural time to complete all the stations was 98 minutes for the PY2 group, 68 minutes for the RGS group, and 35 minutes for the expert surgeons (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: An OSCE scenario designed using ex-vivo tissue met 4 out of 5 criteria of the Messick validity framework: content, relation to other variables, response process and consequences of the test. The results show it is a valid strategy for the evaluation of practical skills in trauma surgery.