Single operator experience, learning curve, outcomes, and insights gained with conduction system pacing.

BACKGROUND: Conduction system pacing (CSP) is increasingly utilized to prevent and correct dyssynchrony. Barriers to CSP adoption include limited training, methodologic variability, laboratory slot allocation, and few data on learning curves. We report learning curves/clinical outcomes from a single experienced electrophysiologist who was new to CSP, and share gained insights. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent attempted CSP implantation (2016-2023). Patient characteristics, ECGs, echocardiograms, fluoroscopy/procedure times, lead data were recorded at implant and follow-up. RESULTS: CSP leads were implanted successfully in 167/191(87.4%) patients with a follow-up of 278 ± 378 days. His-bundle pacing (HBP = 59) and left-bundle-area pacing (LBAP = 108) had similar procedure/fluoroscopy times, QRS duration decreases, and ejection fraction improvements (all p > NS). Eight HBP lead revisions were required for high capture thresholds LBAP demonstrated lower pacing thresholds, higher lead impedances, and greater R-wave amplitudes at implant and follow-up. After 25 HBP cases, implant pacing thresholds, fluoroscopy, procedural times did not decrease. After 25 LBAP cases, there were significant decreases in all these parameters (p < 0.05). A separate analysis in LBAP patients with recorded Purkinje signals showed no differences in paced ECG characteristics between patients with pre- QRS Purkinje signals versus patients with Purkinje signals post-QRS onset. CONCLUSIONS: Experienced implanters who are new to CSP can achieve steady-state procedural/fluoroscopy times after a learning curve of 25 implants. LBAP showed lower capture thresholds and higher success rates. Adequate depth of lead deployment (as determined by published parameters) does not require Purkinje potential to be pre-QRS. Operators new to CSP.can forego HBP and directly implement LBAP.

The prognostic and diagnostic implications of surveillance serial myocardial perfusion imaging in asymptomatic renal transplant candidates.

BACKGROUND: The utility of serial SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) for CAD surveillance in asymptomatic ESRD patients awaiting kidney transplantation (KT) is uncertain. METHODS AND RESULTS: We retrospectively investigated 700 asymptomatic KT candidates with ≥ 2 pre-transplant SPECT-MPIs (mean interval, 20 ± 13 months). Worsening MPI was defined as total perfusion deficit increase (ΔTPD) > 5%. High clinical risk was defined as ≥ 3 AHA/ACC KT risk factors. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiac events (MACE) of cardiac death or myocardial infarction. The initial MPI was normal in 462 (66%) subjects. On repeat MPI, ΔTPD > 5% was observed in 82 (12%) subjects, and the incidence increased with increasing time gap between MPIs (P = .006). During a mean follow-up of 16 ± 8 months, there were 119 (17%) MACEs. In the entire cohort, ΔTPD > 5% was not significantly associated with MACE (HR = 1.38; P = .210). ΔTPD > 5% was associated with increased MACE rate among patients with normal initial MPI (HR = 2.30; P = .005), but not among those with abnormal initial MPI (P = .260). There was a significant interaction between ΔTPD > 5% and initial MPI normalcy status in predicting MACE (interaction P = .018), such that the predictive value of ΔTPD is dependent on the initial MPI normalcy. Among subjects with normal initial MPI, ΔTPD > 5% was significantly associated with MACE only if the sum of KT risk factors was ≥ 3 (HR = 2.26; P = .016). Among 123 patients who underwent coronary angiography, ΔTPD > 5% was associated with a higher prevalence of obstructive CAD when the initial MPI was normal and the sum of KT risk factors was ≥ 3. CONCLUSION: Among patients with ESRD waitlisted for KT, new/worsening MPI abnormalities are expected. On serial surveillance, ΔTPD > 5% is associated with MACE and obstructive CAD among those with a normal initial MPI and ≥ 3 AHA/ACC KT risk factors.

Perception from students regarding online synchronous interactive teaching in the clinical year during COVID-19 pandemic.

AIM: The global pandemic of COVID-19 has led to extensive practice of online learning. Our main objective is to compare different online synchronous interactive learning activities to evaluate students' perceptions. Moreover, we also aim to identify factors influencing their perceptions in these classes. METHODS: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study focusing on clinical year medical students' perceptions and feedback was conducted between February 2021 -June 2021 at the University of Hong Kong. Online learning activities were divided into bedside teaching, practical skill session, problem-based learning (PBL) or tutorial, and lecture. A questionnaire based on the Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM) was distributed to 716 clinical year students to document their perceptions. RESULTS: One hundred responses were received with a response rate of 15.4% (110/716, including 96 from bedside teaching, 67 from practical skill session, 104 from PBL/tutorial, and 101 from lecture). For the mean score of the DREEM-extracted questionnaire, online PBL/tutorial scored the highest (2.72 ± 0.54), while bedside scored the lowest (2.38 ± 0.68, p = 0.001). Meanwhile, there was no significant difference when we compared different school years (p = 0.39), age (p = 0.37), gender (p = 1.00), year of internet experience (<17 vs ≥17 years p = 0.59), or prior online class experience (p = 0.62). When asked about students' preference for online vs face-to-face classes. Students showed higher preferences for online PBL/tutorial (2.06 ± 0.75) and lectures (2.27 ± 0.81). Distraction remains a significant problem across all four learning activities. A multivariate analysis was performed regarding students' reported behavior in comparison with their perception through the DREEM-extracted questionnaire. The results showed that good audio and video quality had a significant and positive correlation with their perception of online bedside teaching, practical skill sessions, and PBL/tutorial. It also showed that the use of the video camera correlated with an increase in perception scores for lectures. CONCLUSION: The present analysis has demonstrated that students' perception of different online synchronous interactive learning activities varies. Further investigations are required on minimizing distraction during online classes.

Dyssynchronous Heart Failure: A Clinical Review.

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW: Dyssynchrony occurs when portions of the cardiac chambers contract in an uncoordinated fashion. Ventricular dyssynchrony primarily impacts the left ventricle and may result in heart failure. This entity is recognized as a major contributor to the development and progression of heart failure. A hallmark of dyssynchronous heart failure (HFd) is left ventricular recovery after dyssynchrony is corrected. This review discusses the current understanding of pathophysiology of HFd and provides clinical examples and current techniques for treatment. RECENT FINDINGS: Data show that HFd responds poorly to medical therapy. Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in the form of conventional biventricular pacing (BVP) is of proven benefit in HFd, but is limited by a significant non-responder rate. Recently, conduction system pacing (His bundle or left bundle branch area pacing) has also shown promise in correcting HFd. HFd should be recognized as a distinct etiology of heart failure; HFd responds best to CRT.

Prospective clinical trial on the learning curve of high-intensity-focused ultrasound for the treatment of breast fibroadenoma.

INTRODUCTION: High-intensity-focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a safe and feasible treatment option for breast fibroadenoma. However, its learning curve has not been described in the medical literature. METHODS: All patients with biopsy-proven fibroadenoma considered indicated for HIFU were screened for eligibility for HIFU treatment. A total of 60 patients were recruited according to the pre-defined sample size calculation. RESULTS: Sixty consecutive patients were divided into three cohorts in chronological order. The mean tumor volume shrinkage rates in cohorts 1, 2, and 3 at 6 months post-HIFU ablation were 38%, 34%, and 59%, respectively. Significant tumor shrinkage was observed from case 41 onward (p < 0.0001). Similarly, the mean tumor volume shrinkage rates in cohorts 1, 2, and 3 at 12 months post-HIFU ablation were 45%, 51%, and 71%, respectively. Significant tumor shrinkage was observed from case 41 onwards (p < 0.0473). The mean procedure time for the first 20 patients was 48.5 (range 45-75) minutes, while that in the second 20 patients was 39.7 (range 20-60) minutes, and that in the last 20 patients was 28.9 (range 15-45) minutes. The treatment time was significantly shorter from case 41 onwards (p = 0.0481). CONCLUSION: Treatment outcomes and treatment time improved significantly after performing approximately 40 HIFU procedures.

Distance education for anatomy and surgical training - A systematic review.

Rapid development of COVID-19 has resulted in a massive shift from traditional to online teaching. This review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of distance learning on anatomy and surgical training. This systematic review was conducted in line with the PRISMA statement and current methodological literature. The databases CINAHL, Cochrane, EMBASE and Pubmed were searched using the search terms "Distant learning" OR "Distance learning" AND "Anatomy OR Surgery". 182 non-duplicate studies were identified. 20 studies were included for qualitative analysis. 10 studies evaluated students' performance with distance learning. 3 studies suggested that students' learning motivation improved with distance learning pedagogy. 5 studies found improved student performance with distance learning (performance or task completion time) when compared to conventional physical method. While 2 other studies found non-inferior student performance. 10 studies evaluated students' feedback on distance learning. Most feedbacks were positive, with flexibility, efficiency, increased motivation and better viewing angles as the most-liked features of distance teaching. 4 studies pointed out some limitations of distance learning, including the lack of personal contact with tutor, poor network and reduced student concentration. 7 studies evaluated tutors' feedback on distance learning. Tutors generally liked online platforms for the ease of tracking silent students, monitoring performance and updating fast-changing knowledge. Yet the lack of hands-on experience for students, technical issues and high costs are the main concerns for tutors. In conclusion, distance learning is a feasible alternative for anatomy and surgical teaching.

Online teaching of basic surgical skills to medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic: a case-control study.

PURPOSE: Medical education has been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic in many countries, with face-to-face lectures replaced by pre-recorded videos. However, surgical skills training cannot be replaced easily by videos, as a high level of tutor-student interaction is required. Thus, we developed a new web-based surgical skill learning session (WSSL). This case-control study evaluates the surgical skills competency of medical students taught by the WSSL. METHODS: This case-control study compares WSSL with face-to-face tutorials. Students were assigned randomly to one of two groups according to the teaching method. Independent blinded assessment was performed by a standardized marking scheme, modified from the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) global rating scale. RESULTS: We recruited 62 final-year medical students into the study, with 33 randomized to the face-to-face teaching group (control group), and 29 to the WSSL group(case group) according to their student number. The baseline demographic characteristics of the two groups were comparable. The mean score at the clinical competency assessment of the control group was 4.8/5 (range 4-5) and that of the case group was 4.7/5 (range 4-5) (p = 1). There were no difficulties with program or hardware installation reported by the WSSL students. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical skills performance was comparable between students who were taught by the WSSL and those taught by conventional face-to-face tutorials.

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Early Breast Cancer: Magnetic Tracer as the Only Localizing Agent.

BACKGROUND: The combined use of radioisotope and blue dye is the gold standard in sentinel lymph node (SLN) localization in early breast cancer. Superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) has recently emerged as a non-inferior new tracer in sentinel lymph node mapping with fewer disadvantages. This study represents the first and the largest cohort of superparamagnetic iron oxide application in Asian population. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database was performed from August 2016 to December 2017. All patients with SLN localization by SPIO were included in this study. RESULTS: A total of 328 breast cancer patients with 333 SLNB procedures were included in this study. Median age was 54 years (range 32-86). Median tumor size was 1.9 cm (range 0.1-12 cm).There were 138 breast-conserving surgeries and 195 mastectomies. All patients received injection of SPIO 1 day prior to operation. A total of 329 successful sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) procedures were undertaken with 1514 sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) identified. One hundred and fifty-three (10.1%) of the SLNs were positive for malignancy. There were 54 patients with macrometastases, 26 with micrometastases and 24 with isolated tumor cells. Sixty-seven patients underwent subsequent axillary dissection. Four patients failed sentinel lymph node identification with SPIO. The success rate of SPIO in sentinel lymph node localization was 98.8%. CONCLUSION: SPIO represents a feasible alternative in sentinel lymph node mapping with comparably high nodal detection rate.

Mastectomy technique using a self-designed self-retaining retractor system.

Mastectomy is one of the most common procedures for treating breast cancer. It is often performed by a breast surgeon with an assistant holding the retractor to provide adequate tension for dissection of the skin flap. However, the technique is highly dependent on the retraction from the assistant. We herein describe a novel technique using a self-retained retractor system with a specially designed retractor ring and elastic stay hooks to allow adequate and constant tension of retraction throughout the entire mastectomy procedure. This new technique was introduced at our breast center in 2008, and the skin flap necrosis rate and time required for skin flap dissection remain comparable to those in other regions. The retractor ring costs less than $200 USD, and the disposable elastic hooks cost around $50 USD. In conclusion, this new technique is simple, versatile, and effective.

Macrometastasis, micrometastasis, and isolated tumor cells in sentinel lymph nodes of early breast cancers: a 10-year histopathological and survival analysis of 537 Asian patients.

BACKGROUND: In patients with negative sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), axillary dissection (AD) can be avoided to reduce morbidities. However, there is only limited data on the rate of positive non-SLN (NSLN) in those who have micrometastasis and isolated tumor cells (ITC) in the literature. METHODS: We did a retrospective review of all clinically node-negative breast cancer patients with SLNB done at our unit from January 2001 to June 2011. Multivariate analysis was adopted to evaluate the risk factors for NSLN metastasis. Difference in 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) was evaluated with log-rank test. RESULTS: Five-hundred and thirty-seven patients underwent SLNB; 161 (30%) had positive SLN on frozen section (FS), 50 of these patients (31%) had NSLN metastasis, 25 patients had negative SLN on FS but were found to have micrometastasis on histopathology, and only 1 (4%) of them had NSLN metastasis, while 14 patients were found to have ITC in SLN; none of them had NSLN metastasis. Multivariate analysis found that the number of SLN harboring micrometastasis is the only independent risk factor for NSLN metastasis in patients with micrometastasis (p value = 0.008). On the contrary; tumor size, grade, and biology were not associated with NSLN metastasis. 5-year DFS in patients with macrometastasis in SLN was 94.2%, while that in patients with micrometastasis and ITC was 100% (p value <0.001). CONCLUSION: NSLN metastasis in those who only have micrometastasis and ITC is rare, and 5-year DFS is significantly better in this group of patients as well. It is therefore a routine practice in our unit to omit AD in patients with micrometastasis and ITC on SLN.

Surgical management of recurrent pyogenic cholangitis: 10 years of experience in a tertiary referral centre in Hong Kong.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent pyogenic cholangitis (RPC) is common in Asia. Its management differs from centre to centre. METHODS: A retrospective review of 80 patients undergoing surgery for RPC was performed. Immediate and longterm outcomes were analysed. RESULTS: All patients underwent hepaticocutaneousjejunostomy (HCJ) for biliary drainage and stone removal. Additional hepatectomy was performed in 38 patients with intrahepatic ductal stricture or liver segmental atrophy. Twenty-three patients had residual stones and 25 had recurrent stones. All patients with residual stones underwent repeated choledochoscopy (median: four sessions) for stone removal and obtained confirmation of ductal clearance. Four patients developed cholangiocarcinoma, of which two died. The complication rate was 17.5%. Most of the complications were wound infections. No mortality related to surgery occurred. Multivariate analysis found that gender, disease extent (unilobar versus bilobar) and surgery type (HCJ alone versus HCJ with hepatectomy) were not associated with increased risk for residual or recurrent stones. A raised preoperative bilirubin level was the only risk factor identified as associated with an increased risk for recurrent stones (P < 0.001); it was not associated with an increased risk for residual stones. CONCLUSIONS: Recurrent pyogenic cholangitis is a distinct disease, the management of which requires a high level of surgical expertise. Hepaticojejunostomy is recommended as the primary drainage procedure, but hepatectomy should be reserved for complicated RPC.

Surgical margin and local recurrence of ductal carcinoma in situ.

PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate the association between surgical margin status and local recurrence of DCIS. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained 20-year DCIS database was performed. >=2 mm margin was defined as clear margin. Local relapse rate between the patients with clear versus close margins were analyzed with Kaplan-Meier analyses. RESULTS: 654 patients were analyzed. Median age was 46.5 (Range 18 - 80). 205 (31.3%) were high grade, 194 (29.7%) were intermediate grade, 143 (21.9%) were low grade. 112 (18.3%) were unknown. 202 (30.9%) were estrogen receptor positive, 49 (7.4%) were negative, 403 (61.6%) patients were unknown. 403 (61.6%) patients received mastectomy while 251 (38.4%) patients received BCS and radiotherapy. 549 (83.9%) patients had clear surgical margin, 50 (7.7%) patients had involved (positive) resection margin, 55 (8.4%) had close margin (<2 mm margin). All patients with involved margin received re-excision of margin, while 21 patients (out of 55 who had close resection margins) received re-excision of margin. Negative surgical margins were achieved after the re-excision. 34 patients with close resection margin decided not to receive re-excision but to undergo adjuvant radiotherapy. After median follow-up of 128 months, the 10-year ipsilateral breast tumor relapse (IBTR) was 4.5% (N = 28), Of which 27 (96.4%) patients had clear margin after the initial surgical treatment of DCIS. 1 (3.6%) patient had close surgical margin. Difference in IBTR between the two groups was not statistically significant (p = 0.692). CONCLUSION: Close surgical margin for DCIS is not associated with increased risk of IBTR.

Evolution of localization methods for non-palpable breast lesions: a literature review from a translational medicine perspective.

Background and Objective: With an increasing number of non-palpable breast lesions detected due to improved screening, accurate localization of these lesions for surgery is crucial. This literature review explores the evolution of localization methods for non-palpable breast lesions, highlighting the translational journey from concept to clinical practice. Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases until September 2023 was conducted. Key Content and Findings: Multiple methods have been developed throughout the past few decades. (I) Wire-guided localization (WGL) introduced in 1966, has become a reliable method for localization. Its simplicity and cost-effectiveness are its key advantages, but challenges include logistical constraints, patient discomfort, and potential wire migration. (II) Intraoperative ultrasound localization (IOUS) has shown promise in ensuring complete lesion removal with higher negative margin rates. However, its utility is limited to lesions visible on ultrasound (US) imaging. (III) Breast biopsy marker localization: the use of markers has improved the precision of localization without the need for wire. However, marker visibility remains a challenge despite improvements in their design. (IV) Radioactive techniques: radio-guided occult lesion localization (ROLL) and radioactive seed localization (RSL) offer flexibility in scheduling and improved patient comfort. However, they require close multidisciplinary collaboration and specific equipment due to radioactive concerns. (V) Other wireless non-radioactive techniques: wireless non-radioactive techniques have been developed in recent three decades to provide flexible and patient-friendly alternatives. It includes magnetic seed localization, radar techniques, and radiofrequency techniques. Their usage has been gaining popularity due to their safety profile and allowance of more flexible scheduling. However, their high cost and need for additional training remain a barrier to a wider adoption. Conclusions: The evolution of breast lesion localization methods has progressed to more patient-friendly techniques, each with its unique advantages and limitations. Future research on patient-reported outcomes, cosmetic outcomes, breast biopsy markers and integration of augmented reality with breast lesion localization are needed.

Rare Breast Cancer Histotypes-A Retrospective Study and Literature Review.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women globally and can be classified according to various histological subtypes. Current treatment strategies are typically based on the cancer stage and molecular subtypes. This article aims to address the knowledge gap in the understanding of rare breast cancer. A retrospective study was conducted on 4393 breast cancer patients diagnosed from 1992 to 2012, focusing on five rare subtypes: mucinous, invasive lobular, papillary, mixed invasive and lobular, and pure tubular/cribriform carcinomas. Our analysis, supplemented by a literature review, compared patient characteristics, disease characteristics, and survival outcomes of rare breast cancer patients with invasive carcinoma (not otherwise specified (NOS)). Comparative analysis revealed no significant difference in overall survival rates between these rare cancers and the more common invasive carcinoma (NOS). However, mucinous, papillary, and tubular/cribriform carcinomas demonstrated better disease-specific survival. These subtypes presented with similar characteristics such as early detection, less nodal involvement, more hormonal receptor positivity, and less human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) positivity. To conclude, our study demonstrated the diversity in the characteristics and prognosis of rare breast cancer histotypes. Future research should be carried out to investigate histotype-specific management and targeted therapies, given their distinct behavior.

Pregnancy-related breast cancer: 14-year experience in a tertiary institution in Hong Kong.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of pregnancy-associated breast cancer (PABC) is increasing. Its tumor characteristics and overall survival compared with those in nonpregnant patients remain controversial. While there have been suggestions that PABC patients have a 40 % increase in the risk of death compared to non-pregnant patients, other studies suggested similar disease outcomes. This study aims to review our local experience with PABC. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients diagnosed with PABC and twenty-eight patients diagnosed at premenopausal age randomly selected by a computer-generated system during the same period were recruited. Background characteristics, tumor features, and survival were compared. RESULTS: Among the twenty-eight pregnant patients, seventeen were diagnosed during pregnancy, and eleven were diagnosed in the postpartum period. Compared to the non-pregnant breast cancer patients, they presented with less progesterone receptor-positive tumor (35.7 % vs. 64.2 %, p = 0.03). Although there was no statistically significant difference in tumor size (p = 0.44) and nodal status (p = 0.16), the tumor tended to be larger in size (2.94 +/- 1.82 vs 2.40 +/- 1.69 cm) and with more nodal involvement (35.7 % vs 25.0 %). There was also a trend of delayed presentation to medical attention, with a mean duration of 13.1 weeks in the PABC group and 8.6 weeks in the control group. However, the overall survival did not differ (p = 0.63). CONCLUSION: PABC is increasing in incidence. They tend to have more aggressive features, but overall survival remains similar. A multidisciplinary approach is beneficial for providing the most appropriate care.

Prospective Clinical Trial on Expanding Indications for Cryosurgery for Early Breast Cancers.

INTRODUCTION: This is a prospective single arm clinical trial on cryosurgery for early breast cancers, to evaluate the expanded criteria to tumors larger than 1.5 cm and non-luminal breast cancers. METHODS: Inclusion criteria include Solitary T1 breast cancers of any immunohistotypes. Cryosurgery was performed using the IceCure ProSense Cryoablation System. Lumpectomy of the cryoablated tumor was then performed 8 weeks after cryosurgery. RESULTS: Fifteen patients underwent cryosurgery followed by lumpectomy (BCS). Median age was 53 years old 5 (33.3%) patients had ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), while 10 (66.7%) patients had invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), of which 5 (50%) patients had luminal type cancers of which 3 (60%) were luminal A and 2 (40%) luminal B, 3 (30%) patients had HER2 enriched invasive carcinoma and 2 (20%) patients had triple negative IDC. Median tumor size was 13mm (Range 8.6-18mm). Seven (46.7%) patients were found to have residual cancer in the post-cryosurgery lumpectomy specimen. All residual cancers were found at the periphery of the cryoablated breast tissue. All breast cancers were otherwise completely ablated centrally as confirmed by routine histopathology, immunochemistry and TUNEL assay for evaluation of cell viability. None of the tumor factors such as tumor biology, as well as surgical factors such as ablation time and iceball size, were associated with risk of residual cancer. None of the 15 patients developed post-operative complications. CONCLUSION: Residual cancer occurs at the periphery of the cryoablation site, careful pre-operative planning and intra-operative monitoring is crucial to ensure complete cryoablation.

Extended reality in surgical education: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: This review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of extended reality-based training in surgical education. METHODS: This systematic review was conducted in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. RESULTS: A total of 33 studies were included in the qualitative analysis. Nine studies evaluated the effectiveness of virtual reality-based training against no substitutional training. Seven studies looked at training for laparoscopic surgery, and the results were contradicting. Two studies focused on orthopedics training, and the outcomes were positive. Fourteen studies compared the outcomes of virtual reality-based training to conventional didactic teaching, all demonstrating superior outcomes for virtual reality-based training. Nine studies compared the outcomes of virtual reality simulation training to dry lab simulation training. The inferior outcomes of virtual reality simulation training were demonstrated by 5 studies for laparoscopic surgery, 1 study for arthroscopic procedures, 1 study for robotic surgery, and 1 study for dental procedures. One study found potential benefits of virtual reality simulation training on orthopedics surgeries. One study found virtual reality simulation training to be superior to cadaveric training, and 3 studies found augmented reality and virtual reality-based training to be comparable to supervised operative opportunities. CONCLUSION: Extended reality-based training is a potentially useful modality to serve as an adjunct to the current physical surgical training.

Axillary Reverse Mapping in the Prevention of Lymphoedema: A Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis.

BACKGROUND: This is a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCT) comparing the use of axillary reverse mapping (ARM) with conventional technique for axillary dissection (AD) in breast cancer surgery. METHODS: This review was written in line with the PRISMA protocol. Articles were retrieved from PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL and Cochrane databases, using keywords ..úaxillary reverse mapping..Ñ and "axillary lymph node dissection". Non-RCT were excluded. Abstracts were screened independently by 2 reviewers. Data from eligible studies were retrieved for qualitative synthesis and pooled analysis. 73 publications were identified for initial screening. RESULTS: 68 articles were excluded from analysis according to the pre-defined systematic review protocol. 5 RCTS with 1696 subjects were included for analysis. 802 patients received ARM, 894 patients received AD. Pooled ARM node detection rate was 84.9% (Range 79.2 - 94.9%). There was a lower rate of post-operative lymphedema in ARM group patients across all 5 RCTs. The pooled lymphedema incidence in the ARM group was 4.8% (37/766) when compared to 18.8% (164/873) in the AD group (P < .0001). Axillary recurrence rate with median followof 37 months was 1.03% (8/778) in the ARM group, which was identical to 1.03% (9/870) in the AD group (P = 1). CONCLUSION: ARM resulted in decreased incidence of lymphedema. There was no significant increase in axillary recurrence at 37 months post-operation.