Current status of resident simulation training curricula: pearls and pitfalls.

BACKGROUND: Residency programs are required to incorporate simulation into their training program. Ideally, simulation provides a safe environment for a trainee to be exposed to both common and challenging clinical scenarios. The purpose of this review is to detail the current state of the most commonly used laparoscopic, endoscopic, and robotic surgery simulation programs in general surgery residency education, including resources required for successful implementation and benchmarks for evaluation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Members of the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) Resident and Fellow Task Force (RAFT) Committee performed a literature review using PubMed and training websites. Information regarding the components of the most commonly used laparoscopic, endoscopic, and/or robotic simulation curriculum, including both formal and informal benchmarks for evaluating training competence, were collected. RESULTS: Laparoscopic simulation revolves around the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS). Proficiency-based as well as virtual simulation have been utilized for FLS training curricula. Challenges include less direct translation to the technical complexities that can arise in laparoscopic surgery. Endoscopic simulation focuses on the Fundamentals of Endoscopic Surgery. There are virtual reality simulation platforms that can be used for skills assessment and training. Challenges include simulator types and access, as well as structured mentoring and feedback. Robotic simulation training curricula have not been standardized. Simulation includes one primary technology, which can be prohibitive based on cost and requirements for onboarding. CONCLUSIONS: While surgical simulation seems to be a fundamental and integrated part of surgical training, it requires a significant number of resources, which can be daunting for residency training programs. Regardless of the barriers outlined, the need for surgical simulation in laparoscopy, endoscopy, and robotics at surgical education training programs is clear.

Sociodemographic factors leading to preventable emergency department visits after bariatric surgery: a single-institution analysis.

BACKGROUND: An important quality benchmark after bariatric surgery is 30-day emergency department (ED) visits. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to identify risk factors for ED visits not requiring readmission and thus deemed preventable. SETTING: University Hospital. METHODS: Patients who underwent a minimally invasive sleeve gastrectomy between 2017 and 2022 at a single institution were identified. Among these patients, those who presented to the ED within 30 days after surgery were matched 3:1 to controls. Sociodemographic and clinical variables were collected from the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program database and the electronic medical record. Univariate conditional logistic regression analysis was performed to determine predictive factors of ED visits. RESULTS: Overall, 648 patients underwent sleeve gastrectomy, of which 53 (8.2%) presented to the ED within 30 days postoperatively without requiring readmission. Patients who presented to the ED were more likely to be unemployed (42% versus 24%, P = .04) and have government insurance (68% versus 41%, P = .001). Significant risk factors included lower versus upper socioeconomic bracket (odds ratio [OR] 3.6, P = .042), primary care physician (PCP) outside the health system versus within (OR 2.15, P = .032), greater number of PCP visits within the past year (OR 1.27, P < .001), and greater number of postoperative clinic phone calls (OR 2.04, P < .001). The number of ED visits within 1 year before surgery was a significant risk factor, with an OR of 1.44 for each visit (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Modifiable and unmodifiable risk factors contribute to ED visits after bariatric surgery. Identifying these risk factors can aid in the development of quality improvement initiatives.

Identifying the optimal STOP-Bang screening score for obstructive sleep apnea among bariatric surgery patients.

BACKGROUND: Undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) increases the risk of perioperative complications in bariatric patients. Validated screening methods exist, but are not specific to patients with severe obesity. OBJECTIVES: Determine the ideal OSA screening tool for bariatric surgery patients balancing accuracy and cost-effectiveness. SETTING: University Hospital. METHODS: Bariatric surgery patients from January 2018 to September 2023 were identified from the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) database. For patients with a STOP-Bang score of ≥4 referred for polysomnogram additional variables were collected from the electronic medical record. The Berlin Score was retrospectively calculated. RESULTS: Out of 484 patients who underwent bariatric surgery, 167 (34.5%) had a STOP-Bang score ≥4. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for STOP-Bang scores ≥4 had an area under the curve (AUC) of 78.5% for predicting OSA and 83.7% for OSA requiring treatment (Apnea Hypopnea Index [AHI] ≥ 15), compared to Berlin Scores' AUC of 80.7% and 88.6%, respectively. A STOP-Bang score of 4 had a sensitivity of 55.6% and specificity of 36.8%, while a score of 5 had 29.3% and 66.2%, respectively. A Berlin Score of 3 had a sensitivity of 47.5% and specificity of 69.1%, with 30 patients (44.1%) starting OSA treatment. Thirty-five patients (21%) experienced a delay in insurance submission, averaging 41.5 days, related to OSA workup. CONCLUSION: The Berlin questionnaire outperforms STOP-Bang in predicting OSA requiring treatment. Raising the polysomnography referral score from STOP-Bang ≥4 to ≥5 or utilizing a Berlin Score of ≥3, may alleviate resource burden, reduce costs, and expedite medical optimization for bariatric surgery.

Robotic Repair: An Alternative Technique for Rectus Diastasis and Abdominal Bulge Following DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: The deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap is the gold standard in autologous breast reconstruction. Despite advances in perforator dissection, abdominal morbidity still occurs. Traditional rectus diastasis (RD), abdominal bulge, and hernia repair with open techniques are associated with higher complication rates and recurrence. OBJECTIVES: We present a novel case series of robotic repair of symptomatic RD and/or abdominal bulge with concurrent hernia following DIEP flap surgery. METHODS: A single-center, retrospective review was conducted of 10 patients who underwent bilateral DIEP flap breast reconstruction and subsequent robotic repair of RD and/or abdominal bulge and hernia. Preoperative demographics and postoperative clinical outcomes were reviewed. RD up to 5 cm, abdominal bulge, and any concurrent ventral/umbilical hernias were repaired robotically with retrorectus plication and macroporous mesh reinforcement. RESULTS: The average age and BMI were 49 years (range 41-63) and 31 kg/m2 (range 26-44), respectively. The average number of perforators harvested per flap was 2.5 (range 1-4). Average RD and hernia size were 3.95 cm (range 2-5) and 5.8 cm2 (1-15), respectively. Eight patients stayed 1 night in the hospital, and 2 went home the same day as the robotic repair. No patients were converted to open technique and none experienced complications within 30 days. CONCLUSIONS: For patients who experience donor site morbidity following DIEP flap breast reconstruction, minimally invasive robotic repair of RD and/or abdominal bulge with hernia can be performed with mesh reinforcement. This technique is effective, with low complication rates, and should be considered over open repair.

Bariatric Surgeon Ergonomics: A Comparison of Laparoscopy and Robotics.

INTRODUCTION: Bariatric surgery is routinely performed using laparoscopic and robotic approaches. Musculoskeletal injuries are prevalent among both robotic and laparoscopic bariatric surgeons. Studies evaluating ergonomic differences between laparoscopic and robotic bariatric surgery are limited. This study aims to analyze the ergonomic, physical, and mental workload differences among surgeons performing robotic and laparoscopic bariatric surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All primary laparoscopic and robotic bariatric surgeries, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, and sleeve gastrectomy between May and August 2022 were included in this study. Objective ergonomic analysis was performed by an observer evaluating each surgeon intraoperatively according to the validated Rapid Entire Body Assessment tool, with a higher score indicating more ergonomic strain. After each operation, surgeons subjectively evaluated their physical workload using the body part discomfort scale, and their mental workload using the surgery task load index. RESULTS: Five bariatric surgeons participated in this study. In total, 50 operative cases were observed, 37 laparoscopic and 13 robotic. The median total Rapid Entire Body Assessmentscore as a primary surgeon was significantly higher in laparoscopic (6.0) compared to robotic (3.0) cases (P < 0.01). The laparoscopic and robotic approaches had no significant differences in the surgeons' physical (body part discomfort scale) or mental workload (surgery task load index). CONCLUSIONS: This study identified low-risk ergonomic stress in surgeons performing bariatric surgery robotically compared to medium-risk stress laparoscopically. Since ergonomic stress can exist even without the perception of physical or mental stress, this highlights the importance of external observations to optimize ergonomics for surgeons in the operating room.

The Association of Preoperative Food Insecurity With Early Postoperative Outcomes After Bariatric Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: To assess the rate of food insecurity in patients undergoing bariatric surgery. To compare the rates of 30-d postoperative complications based on food security status. METHODS: Patients undergoing primary Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy between 7/2020 - 3/2022 were screened for food insecurity via telephone using questions from the Accountable Health Communities Health-Related Social Needs Screening Tool. Screens were matched to patient data and 30-d outcomes from the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program database. RESULTS: In total, 213 (59%) of the 359 bariatric surgery patients were screened with 81 (38%) screening positive for food insecurity. Evaluation of preoperative variables based on food security status showed comparable age, body mass index, and comorbidity status. Food insecure patients were found to have an increased length of stay following surgery compared to food secure patients (P = 0.003). Food insecurity was not associated with higher rates of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program reported 30-d postoperative complications including emergency department/urgent care visits (P = 0.34) and hospital readmissions (P = 0.94). CONCLUSIONS: Food insecurity was prevalent at 38% of the bariatric surgical population. Food insecure patients had a statistically longer length of stay after primary bariatric surgery but were not associated with an increased risk of 30-d complications. Future studies are needed to determine the mid-term and long-term effects of food insecurity status on bariatric surgical outcomes and the potential impact of food insecurity on length of stay.

Gender Disparities in General Surgery Resident Subspecialization.

BACKGROUND: There are an increasing number of women entering medical school and general surgery residency. Despite this, there remains an underrepresentation of women in some surgical specialties. The purpose of this study is to examine gender differences in fellowship subspecialization of recent general surgery graduates. METHODS: Graduating residents from general surgery residencies from 2016 to 2020 were identified. Referring to each residency's graduating resident website, we noted whether or not listed alumni were reported to have entered a fellowship. If applicants were listed as having completed a fellowship, the fellowship was noted along with each applicant's expressed gender. Differences across groups were analyzed using SPSS. RESULTS: The majority (82.4%) of graduates pursued a fellowship after residency training. Men were more likely to enter fellowships in Cardiothoracic Surgery, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Vascular Surgery, and practice than women. Women were more likely to enter fellowships in Breast Surgery, Acute Care Surgery/Trauma Surgery, Pediatric Surgery, and Endocrine Surgery than men. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of general surgery residency graduates pursue fellowship training. Gender disparities continue for a minority of subspecialties for both men and women.

Preparing for and passing the fundamentals of laparoscopic surgery (FLS) exam improves general surgery resident operative performance and autonomy.

BACKGROUND: The American Board of Surgery made the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) exam a prerequisite for board certification in 2009. Some residency programs have questioned the need for a continued FLS testing mandate given limited evidence that supports the impact of FLS on intraoperative skills. The Society for Improving Medical Professional Learning (SIMPL) app is a tool to evaluate resident intraoperative performance. We hypothesized that general surgery resident operative performance would improve immediately after preparing for the FLS exam. METHODS: The national public FLS data registry was matched with SIMPL resident evaluations from 2015 to 2021 and de-identified. SIMPL evaluations are scored in three categories: supervision required (Zwisch scale 1-4, 1 = show and tell and 4 = supervision only), performance (scale 1-5, 1 = exceptional and 5 = unprepared), and case complexity (scale 1-3, 1 = easiest and 3 = hardest). Statistical analyses compared pre and post-FLS exam resident average operative evaluation scores. RESULTS: There were a total of 76 general surgery residents, and 573 resident SIMPL evaluations included in this study. Residents required more supervision in laparoscopic cases performed before compared to after the FLS exam (2.84 vs. 3.03, respectively, p = 0.007). Residents performance scores improved from cases before compared to after the FLS exam (2.70 vs. 2.43, respectively, p = 0.001). Case complexity did not differ before versus after the FLS exam (2.13 vs. 2.18, respectively, p = 0.202). PGY level significantly predicted evaluation scores with a moderate correlation. A sub analysis grouped by PGY level revealed a significant improvement after the FLS exam in supervision among PGY-2 residents (2.33 vs. 2.58, respectively, p = 0.04) and performance among PGY-4 residents (2.67 vs 2.04, respectively, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Preparation for, and passing, the FLS exam improves resident intraoperative laparoscopic performance and independence. We recommend taking the exam in the first two years of residency to enhance the laparoscopic experience for the remainder of training.

Effectiveness of Body Mass Index-Based Prophylactic Enoxaparin Dosing in Bariatric Surgery Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Enoxaparin is administered for venous thromboembolic (VTE) prophylaxis in bariatric surgery patients. There is concern whether body mass index (BMI)-based enoxaparin dosing consistently achieves prophylactic targets in patients with severe obesity. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients who underwent bariatric surgery at an academic medical center from Jan 2015-May 2021 and had an anti-Xa level drawn 2.5-6 h after ≥3 doses of BMI-based prophylactic enoxaparin. The primary outcome was the percentage of patients who achieved a target anti-Xa level. Secondary outcomes were prevalence of venous thromboembolic and bleeding events within 30 d post-operatively. RESULTS: Overall, 137 patients were included. Mean BMI was 59.1 ± 10.4 kg/m2, mean age was 43.9 ± 13.3 y and 110 patients (80.3%) were female. Target anti-Xa levels were achieved in 116 patients (84.7%); 14 (10.2%) were above target and 7 (5.1%) were below target. Patients with above target anti-Xa levels were significantly shorter in height than those within target range (167.1 versus 159.8 cm, P = 0.003). Five patients (3.6%) had a bleeding event; no thromboembolisms occurred. Anti-Xa levels correlated more strongly with enoxaparin dose per unit estimated blood volume (EBV) than dose per unit BMI (Rho = 0.54 versus Rho = 0.33). CONCLUSIONS: Target range anti-Xa levels were achieved in 85% of patients using BMI-based enoxaparin dosing. Patients with above target anti-Xa levels were significantly shorter by nearly 3 inches, suggesting an increased risk of overdosing enoxaparin in shorter, obese patients. An EBV-based dosing regimen may better account for patient height and is supported by a greater correlation with anti-Xa levels with dosing based on EBV than BMI.

Laparoscopic versus robotic inguinal hernia repair: 1- and 2-year outcomes from the RIVAL trial.

INTRODUCTION: Robotic inguinal hernia repair is growing in popularity among general surgeons despite little high-quality evidence supporting short- or long-term advantages over traditional laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. The original RIVAL trial showed increased operative time, cost, and surgeon frustration for the robotic approach without advantages over laparoscopy. Here we report the 1- and 2-year outcomes of the trial. METHODS: This is a multi-center, patient-blinded, randomized clinical study conducted at six sites from 2016 to 2019, comparing laparoscopic versus robotic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) inguinal hernia repair with follow-up at 1 and 2 years. Outcomes include pain (visual analog scale), neuropathic pain (Leeds assessment of neuropathic symptoms and signs pain scale), wound morbidity, composite hernia recurrence (patient-reported and clinical exam), health-related quality of life (36-item short-form health survey), and physical activity (physical activity assessment tool). RESULTS: Early trial participation included 102 patients; 83 (81%) completed 1-year follow-up (45 laparoscopic vs. 38 robotic) and 77 (75%) completed 2-year follow-up (43 laparoscopic vs. 34 robotic). At 1 and 2 years, pain was similar for both groups. No patients in either treatment arm experienced neuropathic pain. Health-related quality of life and physical activity were similar for both groups at 1 and 2 years. No long-term wound morbidity was seen for either repair type. At 2 years, there was no difference in hernia recurrence (1 laparoscopic vs. 1 robotic; P = 1.0). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic and robotic inguinal hernia repairs have similar long-term outcomes when performed by surgeons with experience in minimally invasive inguinal hernia repairs.

Implementation of a standardized multimodal pain regimen significantly reduces postoperative inpatient opioid utilization in patients undergoing bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: Routine opioid use in surgical patients has received attention given the opioid epidemic and a renewed focus on the dangers and drawbacks of opioids in the postoperative setting. Little is known about opioid use in bariatric surgery, especially in the inpatient setting. We hypothesize that a standardized opioid-sparing protocol reduces postoperative inpatient opioid use in bariatric surgery patients. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted of bariatric surgery patients at a single institution. From March to September 2019, a standardized intraoperative and postoperative opioid-sparing protocol was designed and implemented along with an educational program for patients regarding safe pain management. Inpatient opioid utilization in patients undergoing surgery in the preintervention phase between April and March 2019 was compared to patients from a postintervention phase of October 2019 to December 2020. Opioid utilization was measured in morphine milliequivalents (MME). RESULTS: A total of 359 patients were included; 192 preintervention and 167 postintervention. Patients were similar demographically. For all patients, mean age was 44.1 years, mean BMI 49.2 kg/m2, and 80% were female. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy was performed in 48%, laparoscopic gastric bypass in 34%, robotic sleeve gastrectomy in 17%, and robotic gastric bypass in 1%. In the postintervention phase inpatient opioid utilization was significantly lower [median 134.8 [79.0-240.8] MME preintervention vs. 61.5 [35.5-150.0] MME postintervention (p < 0.001)]. MME prescribed at discharge decreased from a median of 300 MME preintervention to 75 MME postintervention (p < 0.001). In the postintervention phase, 16% of patients did not receive an opioid prescription at discharge compared to 0% preintervention (p < 0.001). When examining by procedure, statistically significant reductions in opioid utilization were seen for each operation. CONCLUSION: Implementation of a standardized intraoperative and postoperative multimodal pain regimen and educational program significantly reduces inpatient opioid utilization in patients undergoing bariatric surgery.

Medical students and mattering on the surgery clerkship rotation.

BACKGROUND: Mattering is a psychosocial construct that describes an individual's perception that they make a difference in the lives of others and that they are significant in the world. The purpose of this study was to explore the current perception of behaviors that impact mattering among third year medical students on their surgery clerkship with the goal of improving the clerkship experience. METHODS: A qualitative interview study was conducted during the 2019-2020 academic year. Medical students who had completed their surgery clerkship at a single institution volunteered to participate. Qualitative thematic analysis of students' comments during interviews were categorized to the three primary domains of mattering: awareness, importance, and reliance. RESULTS: Six medical student interviews were conducted and responses were coded for the three primary domains of mattering. Eight subthemes emerged highlighting positive observations that may influence student mattering on the surgery clerkship. Awareness behaviors included acknowledging the student's presence, maintaining eye contact, educators offering students their undivided attention, and getting to know the students as individuals. Importance behaviors included taking time to teach, setting expectations early, and providing timely feedback. Reliance behaviors involve developing trust to match autonomy with experience and depending on students to provide unique information about patient care to the team. CONCLUSIONS: These findings can help educators recognize the words, actions, and behaviors that make medical students feel they matter on their surgery clerkship. Interventions should continue focus on how to increase the sense of awareness, importance, and reliance for both the students and faculty.

Enhancing robotic efficiency through the eyes of robotic surgeons: sub-analysis of the expertise in perception during robotic surgery (ExPeRtS) study.

BACKGROUND: Robotic technology affords surgeons many novel and useful features, but two stereotypes continue to prevail: robotic surgery is expensive and inefficient. To identify educational opportunities and improve operative efficiency, we analyzed expert commentary on videos of robotic surgery. METHODS: Expert robotic surgeons, identified through high case volumes and contributions to the surgical literature, reviewed eight anonymous video clips portraying key portions of two robotic general surgery procedures. While watching, surgeons commented on what they saw on the screen. All interactions with participants were in person, recorded, transcribed, and subsequently analyzed. Using content analysis, researchers double-coded each transcript applying a consensus developed codebook. RESULTS: Seventeen surgeons participated. The average participant was male (82.4%), 47 (SD = 6.6) years old, had 13.2 (SD = 8.23) years of teaching experience, worked in urban academic hospitals (64.7%) and had performed 643 (SD = 467) robotic operations at the time of interviews. Emphasis on efficiency (or lack thereof) surfaced across three main themes: overall case progression, robotic capabilities, and instrumentation. Experts verbally rewarded purposeful and "ergonomically sound" movements while language reflecting impatience with repetitive and indecisive movements was attributed to presumed inexperience. Efficient robotic capabilities included enhanced visualization, additional robotic arms to improve exposure, and wristed instruments. Finally, experts discussed instrument selection with regards to energy modality, safety features, cost, and versatility. CONCLUSION: This study highlights three areas for improved efficiency: case progression, robotic capabilities, and instrumentation. Development of education materials within these themes could help surgical educators overcome one of robotic technology's persistent challenges.

Robotic simulation: validation and qualitative assessment of a general surgery resident training curriculum.

BACKGROUND: The da Vinci skills simulation curriculum has been validated in the literature. The updated simulator, SimNow, features restructured exercises that have not been formally validated. The purpose of this study is to validate the SimNow resident robotic basic simulation curriculum. This study also consists of a qualitative assessment that gives greater insight into the learner's experience completing the robotic curriculum. METHODS: There were 18 participants in this study: 6 novices, 6 competent surgeons, and 6 expert surgeons. The curriculum comprised 5 exercises; participants completed three consecutive scored trials. Computer-derived performance metrics were recorded. The NASA Task Load Index survey was used to assess subjective mental workload. Subjects were asked a series of open-ended questions regarding their experience that were recorded and transcribed. Codes were identified using an inductive method, and themes were generated. RESULTS: Performance metrics were significantly different between novice versus competent and expert surgeons. There was no significant difference in any score metric between competent and expert surgeons. On average, overall score percentages for competent and expert surgeons were between 90.4 and 92.8% versus 70.5% for novices (p = 0.02 and p = 0.01). Expert surgeons perceived a higher level of performance completing the exercises than novice surgeons (15.8 vs. 45.8, p = 0.02). Participants noted a similar robotic experience, utilizing efficiency of motion and visual field skills. Participants agreed on exercise strengths, exercise weaknesses, and software limitations. Competent and expert surgeons were better able to assess the exercises' clinical application. CONCLUSIONS: The SimNow curriculum is a valid simulation training as part of a general surgery resident robotic curriculum. The curriculum distinguishes between novices compared to competent and expert surgeons, but not between competent and expert surgeons. Clinical training level does not affect the experience and mental workload using the robotic simulator, except for competent and expert surgeons' ability to better assess clinical application.

Auto-diuresis Predicts Return of Bowel Function.

PURPOSE: Feeding a ventral hernia repair (VHR) patient before the return of bowel function (ROBF) can lead to distention and emesis. Many patients spontaneously diurese after surgery. We hypothesized that this auto-diuresis would signal ROBF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 395 patients who underwent open, laparoscopic, or mixed VHR were evaluated for correlation between fluid status and ROBF or discharge. ROBF within 24 hours and discharge within 24 hours or 48 hours were used as outcome measures. RESULTS: Patients remained an average 3.59 days after surgery in the hospital and the average ROBF was on day 2.99. The first shift of ≥700 mL of urine predicted ROBF ( P =0.03) and discharge ( P =0.04) within 24 hours. The first shift output of ≥500 mL predicted discharge within 48 hours ( P =0.02). CONCLUSION: Auto-diuresis after surgery is correlated to ROBF and discharge. Accurate fluid measurement can predict bowel function and allow early diet and discharge.

Transversus abdominis plane blocks for complex abdominal wall reconstruction decrease hospital length of stay compared to epidurals.

BACKGROUND: Complex abdominal wall reconstruction for ventral and incisional hernias can be quite painful with prolonged length of stay (LOS). There are a variety of options to manage post-operative pain after a ventral hernia repair, including epidural catheters, transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks, and intravenous narcotic pain medications (IVPM). We hypothesized that TAP blocks with liposomal bupivacaine decrease the LOS compared to epidurals and IVPM. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients who underwent an open ventral hernia repair with retromuscular mesh between 2016 and 2020 was conducted. LOS was used as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included post-operative pain and 90-day post-operative complications. RESULTS: An epidural was used in 66 patients, a TAP block with liposomal bupivacaine in 18 patients, and IVPM in 11 patients. The epidural group was noted to have a significantly longer duration of surgery (251.11 vs. 207.94 min; P < 0.05) and larger area of mesh (461.85 vs. 338.17 cm2; P < 0.05) when compared to the TAP block group. Hospital LOS was significantly shorter for the TAP block group compared to the epidural group (4.22 vs. 5.62 days; P < 0.05). There were no differences in post-operative complications between the groups. The epidural group reported significantly lower post-operative day one (POD1) pain scores measured on a 10-point scale, compared to the IVPM and TAP block groups (5.00 vs. 6.91 vs. 7.50; P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Patients who received a TAP block for post-operative pain management had a significantly shorter length of stay compared to those patients who received an epidural. While the TAP block group reported higher POD1 pain scores, they did not have a significant difference in post-operative complications. TAP blocks with liposomal bupivacaine should be considered for post-operative pain control in complex ventral hernia repairs.

Robotic surgery training curricula: prevalence, perceptions, and educational experiences in general surgery residency programs.

BACKGROUND: Utilization of robotics in general surgery has increased exponentially in the past decade. The purpose of this study was to provide an updated analysis of the prevalence of robotic training curricula among general surgery residency programs across the United States. METHODS: A 19-item survey was distributed to program directors of the Association of Program Directors in Surgery email list. The survey focused on the programs' demographics, program directors' opinions of robotic surgery, and status of robotic surgery curricula. Data was compiled and analyzed using Qualtrics Survey Software, Microsoft Excel and IBM SPSS. Chi-Squared statistical significance was defined as a p value of < 0.05. RESULTS: Of the 280 program directors, 107 (38.2%) responded. Overall, 75 (70%) residency programs provided a formal robotic surgery curriculum. Regarding the importance of robotics to general surgery training, 67 (89%) programs that provided a formal robotic surgery curriculum stated it was either 'Very important' or 'Probably important' as opposed to 23 (72%) programs that did not offer a formal robotic surgery curriculum (p = 0.017). 73 of the 75 residency programs with a formal robotic surgery training curriculum answered the curriculum specific questions. 58 (79%) had been present for 3 years or less. Bedside assisting began in 62 (85%) programs as a post-graduate year (PGY) 1 or PGY2 and residents began operating on the console as a PGY2 or PGY3 in 53 (72%) programs. However, there was variability regarding the percentage of the case a senior resident actually operated on the robotic console. CONCLUSIONS: A majority of general surgery residency programs offer formal robotic surgery curricula and have been present for 3 years or less. Most residencies begin their curricula in PGY1 or PGY2 year, with an opportunity to bedside assist and operate on the robotic console in the first 3 years of residency. Operative barriers and defined milestones for general surgery trainees need to be identified.

The evolution of the general surgery resident operative case experience in the era of robotic surgery.

BACKGROUND: Robotic-assisted general surgery procedures are becoming commonplace, requiring more residency programs to establish training curricula for residents. Concerns exist regarding the impact this will have on surgical residents' operative case distribution in laparoscopic and open surgery. This study aimed to analyze the impact of a growing robotic operative case volume and established robotic surgery training curriculum on the general surgery resident operative experience. METHODS: The robotic surgery training curriculum at the Medical College of Wisconsin was established in 2017. ACGME operative case logs of residents from 2014 to 2020 were analyzed to determine resident participation in open, laparoscopic, and robotic cases. Case categories included alimentary tract, abdomen, endocrine, thoracic, pediatric, and trauma. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze overall cases, as well as participation by case type, post-graduate year (PGY) level, resident role, and institution type. Statistical significance was defined as a p value < 0.05. RESULTS: Operative case logs from 77 residents were analyzed with a total of 34,757 cases: 59.3% open, 39.6% laparoscopic, and 1.1% robotic. There was no significant change in open or laparoscopic case volumes. However, there was a 3.4% increase in robotic cases, from 2014 to 2020 (p = 0.01), specifically in foregut (4.0%, p = 0.01), intestinal (1.6%, p = 0.03), and hernia (8.3%, p = 0.003) procedures. Academic (2.8%, p = 0.01) and veterans' hospital (2.0%, p = 0.01) institutions saw a significant increase in their residents' robotic cases. The only resident role with a significant increase in robotic cases was first assistant (8.0%, p = 0.004). There was no significant difference across PGY levels by surgical approach. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights that the growth of robotic cases has not had a detrimental effect on the resident experience with open and laparoscopic cases. As robotic cases continually increase, the impact on laparoscopic and open case volumes must be monitored to ensure a well-balanced training experience.

Examining current patterns of opioid prescribing and use after bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: Evidence-based guidelines on the appropriate amount of opioid medications to prescribe following bariatric surgery are lacking. We sought to determine our current opioid-prescribing practices, patient utilization, and satisfaction with pain control following elective bariatric surgery. METHODS: A retrospective chart review and phone survey were conducted on patients who underwent laparoscopic or robotic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) from April 2018 to March 2019 at a single academic medical center. Opioid medications were converted to morphine milligram equivalents provided (MMEs). RESULTS: In total, 192 patients met inclusion criteria. The median amount of opioid medication prescribed on discharge was 300 oral MMEs, although there was a significant difference between the MMEs prescribed to patients with and without chronic opioid therapy (median 300 MMEs opioid naïve vs. 375 MMEs chronic opioid therapy, p = 0.01). Significantly fewer SG patients required a refill of their opioid medication compared to RYGB (8.3% vs. 23.9%, p = 0.003). Of the 192 patients, 87 (45.3%) completed the phone survey. Fifty-six patients (64%) reported that they took half or less of the initially prescribed opioids. Of the patients with leftover medication, 36% reported that they did not dispose of the medication. Overall understanding of pain control options after surgery was significantly lower in patients who felt they were prescribed "too little" opioids (p = 0.01), patients requiring refills (p = 0.02), and patients who were not satisfied with their pain control (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: There is a gap between the amount of opioid medication prescribed and taken by patients following bariatric surgery in our practice. Patients who were least satisfied with their pain control reported knowledge gaps about pain control options that were more significant than patients who were more satisfied. Future initiatives should focus on the reduction of opioids prescribed to bariatric surgery patients post-operatively and on opioid education for patients.