Validity of a low-cost Lichtenstein open inguinal hernia repair simulation model for surgical training.

PURPOSE: Simulation training allows trainees to gain experience in a safe environment. Computer simulation and animal models to practice a Lichtenstein open inguinal hernia repair (LOIHR) are available; however, a low-cost model is not. We constructed an inexpensive model using fabric, felt, and yarn that simulates the anatomy and hazards of the LOIHR. This study examined the fidelity, and perceived usefulness of our developed simulation model by surgical residents and expert surgeons. METHODS: A total of 66 Dutch surgical residents and ten international expert surgeons were included. All participants viewed a video-demonstration of LOIHR on the simulation model and subsequently performed the surgery themselves on the model. Afterward, they assessed the model by rating 13 statements concerning its fidelity (six model, three equipment, and four psychological) and six usefulness statements on a five-point Likert scale. One-sample Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare to the neutral value of 3. RESULTS: The fidelity was assessed as being high by residents [model 4.00 (3.00-4.00), equipment 4.00 (3.00-4.00), psychological 4.00 (3.00-4.00); all p's < 0.001] and by expert surgeons [model 4.00 (3.00-4.00), p = 0.025; equipment 4.00 (3.00-5.00), p < 0.001; psychological 4.00 (3.00-4.00), p = 0.053]. The usefulness was rated high by residents and experts, especially the usefulness for training of residents [residents 4.00 (4.00-5.00), p < 0.001; experts 4.50 (3.75-5.00), p = 0.015]. CONCLUSION: Our developed Lichtenstein open inguinal hernia repair simulation model was assessed by surgical residents and expert surgeons as a model with high fidelity and high potential usefulness, especially for the training of surgical residents.

Surgical trends of groin hernia repairs performed for recurrence in medicare patients.

BACKGROUND: The recurrence rate after groin hernia repair (GHR) has been estimated to be between 1-10% in adult patients. Neither national rates nor trends in recurrence over time have been reliably established for Medicare patients in the USA. MATERIALS: We evaluated patients undergoing GHR (inguinal = IHR; femoral = FHR) from 2011 to 2014 from the Medicare Provider Analysis and Review database. Patients were identified using ICD-9 diagnosis and ICD-9 and CPT procedure codes, stratified both by primary vs. recurrent hernia repair and by sex. One-tailed Cochran-Armitage tests evaluated trends over time and a generalized estimating equation model estimated factors associated with recurrent IHR or FHR. RESULTS: We identified 407,717 patients (87.0%, ≥ 65 years) who underwent an IHR and 11,578 (91.0%, ≥ 65 years) who underwent a FHR. The proportion of IHRs for recurrence decreased statistically from 14.3% in 2011 to 13.9% in 2014 (p < 0.01) in males and was increased, but not statistically so (7.0-7.4%) in females (p = 0.08). The proportion of FHRs for recurrence was decreased, but not statistically so (16.3-14.8%, p = 0.29) in males and increased in females (5.3-6.3%, p = 0.02). On multivariable analysis, males were more than twice as likely as females to undergo recurrent repair (IHR or FHR, both p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Within the Medicare population, recurrence rates after groin hernia repairs were found to be higher than previously reported but have remained clinically stable over time. Establishing and reducing this rate is important for patient outcomes and expectations.

History of the development of antiemetic guidelines at Mayo Clinic Rochester.

This article describes the historic experience of the development of antiemetic guidelines for patients taking chemotherapy drugs at Mayo Clinic Rochester. The initial guidelines for the use of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine3) receptor antagonists for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting were developed in early 1995 and implemented in September 1995. In February 1997, the guidelines were reviewed and modified. In the spring of 1998, major changes were made based on new data from the literature and discussions with antiemetic authorities in the United States. These guidelines were implemented in July 1998. The guidelines were again reviewed and modified in December 1998. In addition, we compared costs associated with the 1997 guidelines and the December 1998 guidelines. The developed guidelines, utilizing clinically available agents, seem to provide high-quality patient care at a reasonable cost.

The care and cost of snowmobile-related injuries.

From January 1, 1991, through May 1, 1993, we identified 42 patients from our prospective computer-based trauma registry (38 males, four females; mean age, 25 years) who were hospitalized after snowmobile accidents. The primary reason for hospitalization varied: bone fracture (n = 18), blunt abdominal trauma (n = nine), closed head injury (n = five), and miscellaneous injuries (n = 10). The mean injury Severity Score was 9.3 (range, one to 43; median, nine). Twenty-six patients (62%) required emergent operation. Mean hospital stay was six days (range, one to 16 days). Thirteen patients had complications: seven had wound infection; three, ileus; and three, miscellaneous. One severely injured hypothermic patient died. Medical charges totaled $569,566 (mean, $16,227; range, $1,003 to $51,642). Snowmobiling causes significant accidental injury in young persons. The physical and financial costs of such injuries are high.