Financial Toxicity in Complex Gastrointestinal Surgery and Correlation with Patient Reported Outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: To describe financial toxicity (FT) in patients who have undergone gastrointestinal (GI) surgery and its correlation with patients' emotional (EWB) and social well-being (SWB). BACKGROUND: FT describes the financial burden associated with treatment and its impact on patient outcomes. Few prior studies have examined FT in gastrointestinal surgery and its impact on patient quality of life. METHODS: Patients who underwent gastrointestinal surgery at our institution were assessed for FT with a validated instrument between Jan 2022 and Jan 2023. EWB and SWB were assessed with a validated instrument. Risk factors for FT were determined using a multivariable model. The correlation between FT and patient EWB and SWB was assessed using Pearson correlation. RESULTS: 188 patients were surveyed, the majority had pancreatic resections (n = 90, 47.9%), 59 (31.4%) patients experienced FT. On multivariable analysis, categories associated with increased likelihood of exhibiting financial toxicity included single marital status and not receiving chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy, with odds ratio (95% C.I) of [3.02 (1.07, 8.51), P=.037] and [3.86 (1.3, 11.44), P=.015) respectively. Higher EWB and SWB scores directly correlated with higher FT scores. CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing complex gastrointestinal surgery often experience financial toxicity that affects patient reported outcomes. Financial toxicity is associated with identifiable pre-operative factors that can be utilized to screen patients for interventions that may mitigate some of the harmful effects of FT.

The Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA): An Iterative Approach to Optimize Residents Performance in the American Board of Surgery in-Training Exam (ABSITE).

INTRODUCTION: American Board of Surgery (ABS) In-Training Examination (ITE), or ABSITE, preparation requires an effective study approach. In 2014, the ABS announced the alignment of ABSITE to the SCORE® Curriculum. We hypothesized that implementing a Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) approach would help surgery residents improve their performance on the ABSITE. METHOD: Over 20 years, in a single institution, residents' ABSITE performance was evaluated over 3 timeframes: Time A (2004-2013), no specific curriculum; Time B (2014-2019), an annual comprehensive ABSITE-simulated SCORE®-based multiple-choice exam (MCQ) was administered; and Time C (2020-2023), like Time B with the addition of the PDSA approach for those with less than 60% correct on the ABSITE-simulated SCORE®-based exam. At the beginning of the academic year, in July, all residents are encouraged to (1) initiate a study plan for the upcoming ABSITE using SCORE® guided by the published ABSITE outlines content topics (Plan), (2) take an ABSITE-simulated SCORE®-based exam in October (Do), (3) assess the results/scores (Study), and (4) identify appropriate next steps (Act). Correlational analysis was performed to evaluate the association between ABSITE scores and ABSITE-simulated SCORE®-based exam scores in Time B and Time C. The primary outcome was the change in the proportions of ABSITE scores <30th percentile. RESULTS: A total of 294 ABSITE scores of 94 residents (34 females and 60 males) were analyzed. We found stronger correlation between the correct percentage on ABSITE and ABSITE-simulated SCORE®-based exam scores in Time C (r = 0.73, p < 0.0001) compared to Time B (0.62, p < 0.0001). The percentage of residents with ABSITE scores lower than 30th percentile dropped significantly from 14.0% to 3.7% (p = 0.016). CONCLUSION: Implementing the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) approach using the SCORE® curriculum significantly enhances residents' performance on the ABSITE exam. Surgery residents are encouraged to use this approach and to utilize the SCORE-contents outlined by the ABS in their study plan.

Prophylactic Enoxaparin Dosing Using Anti-Factor Xa Levels in Hepatic Surgery Patients: A Pilot Study.

This study examines the safety and efficacy of using peak anti-Xa levels to achieve prophylactic enoxaparin (Lovenox, Sanofi-Aventis) levels in patients who underwent hepatic surgery. Prospectively enrolled patients undergoing major and minor hepatic procedures received postoperative enoxaparin dosing. The enoxaparin dose was adjusted to attain a peak anti-Xa level ≥ 0.20 U/ml. This group was compared to a historical cohort of patients who underwent similar procedures and received standard postoperative VTE chemoprophylaxis dosing. Inpatient postoperative VTE rates were higher in the control group when compared to the experimental group (0 patients [0.00%] vs 4 patients [8.16%]; P = .035). There was no statistically significant difference in number of postoperative blood transfusions, discharge hemoglobin, or in-hospital bleeding events. Adjusting enoxaparin dosing to achieve prophylactic peak anti-Xa levels of ≥0.20 IU/ml was associated with a reduced incidence of symptomatic inpatient postoperative VTE in patients who underwent hepatic surgery without increasing postoperative bleeding events.

Do Surgery Residents Prepare Enough for Surgical Cases?

IMPORTANCE: This study aimed to identify both modifiable and nonmodifiable factors that affect intraoperative-specific surgical education and performance, with an overall goal of increasing cognizance of such factors to improve surgical training. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether surgery residents prepare adequately for participation in surgical cases and to examine specific variables that affect resident preparation. DESIGN: This study is a retrospective survey-based study that included data from 1945 postoperative case evaluations completed by 59 different general surgery residents over a period of 8 years (2014-2022). SETTING: A Midwestern medical school's general surgery residency program. PARTICIPANTS: Fifty-nine general surgery residents at Western Michigan University's medical school; 50 attending surgeons and faculty with whom residents regularly operate. The sample was comprised of residents and attendings who voluntarily filled out postoperative performance surveys after elective cases. RESULTS: This retrospective survey-based study included postoperative evaluation data from 1945 procedures performed by 59 different residents and 50 attendings. Participants included 36 male residents, 23 female residents, 39 male attendings, and 11 female attendings. All included data were for elective cases. Self-reported preoperative communication was worst at the PGY1 level with positive correlation of improvement yearly (r = 0.30, p < 0.001). Positive correlation was seen between overall preparedness and case complexity (r = 0.25, p < 0.001). Positive correlation was seen between case complexity and resident perception of intraoperative teaching quality (r = 0.53, p < 0.001). Preoperative communication initiated by residents was significantly worse when the attending surgeon was female, regardless of resident gender (p < 0.001); this effect was particularly profound with male residents. Male residents overall rated themselves as more prepared compared to their female counterparts (11.13 ± 1.96 vs. 10.84 ± 2.03, p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: There is a need to identify and address quantifiable gaps in communication between residents and faculty to optimize surgical education; one of the first steps is characterizing nonmodifiable factors that correlate with differences in pre-operative communication and case preparation.

Are There Racial Differences in the Rate of Surgical Site Infection Based on Surgical Subspecialty?

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is a common, morbid post-operative complication. We hypothesized the presence of racial differences in SSI rates, comparing black/African American (BAA) to white non-Hispanic (WNH) patients. Patients and Methods: Using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database (2017), BAA and WNH surgery patients across 10 surgical specialties were identified: general surgery (GS), vascular surgery (VS), cardiac surgery (CS), thoracic surgery (TS), orthopedics (OS), neurosurgery (NS), urology (US), otolaryngology (ENT), plastic surgery (PS), and gynecology (GYN). The primary outcome was SSI rate (superficial, deep incisional, or organ/space). The secondary outcome was rate of non-surgical infection. Pearson χ2 and Fisher exact tests were used to test group differences of categorical variables. Continuous variables were tested with the Student t-test, or Mann-Whitney U test, with statistical significance set at a value of p < 0.05. Multivariable logistic regression models were conducted to analyze the association between race/ethnicity and the infection outcomes. Results: A total of 740,144 patients were included: 99,425 (13.4%) BAA and 640,749 (86.6%) WNH, distributed as follows; 32,2976 GS, 17,6175 OS, 44,383 VS, 2,227 CS, 9,645 TS, 42,298 NS, 42,726 US, 18,518 ENT, 20,709 PS, and 60,517 GYN cases. Surgical site infection rates were higher among WNH in GS (4.4% vs. 4.1%; p = 0.003) and TS (3.1% vs. 1.7%; p = 0.015); lower in VS (3.2% vs. 4.4%; p < 0.001), OS (1.2% vs.1.6%; p < 0.001), and GYN (2.4% vs. 3%; p < 0.001); and similar between WNH and BAA in ENT (1.8% vs 1.8%; p = 0.76), and US (1.9% vs. 1.9%; p = 0.90). Non-surgical infection was higher in BAA in NS (3.2% vs. 2.5%; p = 0.003), and higher in WNH in GYN (2.6% vs. 2%; p < 0.001), OS (1.7% vs. 1.1%; p < 0.001), US (4.4% vs. 3.6%; p = 0.014), and VS (3.4% vs. 2.6%; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Variation exists in SSI rates between WNH and BAA patients among surgical subspecialties. Further research is required to understand these differences and address racial disparities in outcomes.

The importance of USMLE step 2 on the screening and selection of applicants for general surgery residency positions.

Background: As announced by the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) and National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME), the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 score reporting has transitioned to pass/fail outcomes instead of the traditional numeric score after January 26, 2022. USMLE Step 1 scores have been used widely as a crucial tool in screening and selecting applicants for residency programs. This study aims to determine the role of USMLE Step 2 in the selection of applicants for general surgery residency. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted over six recruiting cycles from 2016 to 2021. The data from 334 interviewed applicants from one general surgery residency program were assessed. Data analyzed included USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 scores, applicant gender, Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) status, letters of recommendation (LOR), and research/publications (RS). Results: Of the 334 interviewed applicants, 209 (62.6%) were male. The mean [SD] USMLE Step 1 and USMLE Step 2 C K (Clinical Knowledge) scores were 239.6 [±10.4] and 249.2 [±11.4], respectively. The mean (SD) LOR and RS scores were 4.24 [±0.4] and 3.9 [±0.7], respectively. A positive correlation was observed between USMLE Step 1 and USMLE Step 2 C K (Clinical Knowledge) scores (r = 0.60, p < .001), LOR scores (r = 0.24, p = .008), and AOA status (r = 0.19, p = .038). There was a negligible correlation between USMLE scores and applicant gender. Conclusion: Transitioning USMLE Step 1 to pass/fail will make the initial screening and selection process of applications challenging for residency programs. In the short term, USMLE Step 2 scores, LOR, and AOA status are important as screening assessments. Valid measures to ensure appropriate, equitable, and fair assessments are needed.

Safety and Efficacy of Prophylactic Enoxaparin Adjusted by Anti-Factor Xa Peak Levels in Pancreatic Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Recommended prophylactic doses of enoxaparin (Lovenox) are associated with subprophylactic anti-Factor Xa (anti-Xa) levels. This study examines the safety and efficacy of anti-Xa-guided dosing of enoxaparin in pancreatic surgery. METHODS: Prospectively enrolled patients undergoing pancreatic surgery received enoxaparin dosing adjusted based on peak anti-Xa levels and were compared to a historical cohort of patients. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were similar between the intervention and control groups. In the intervention group, 73.9% initially had subprophylactic peak anti-Xa levels. There were no differences in the venous thromboembolism (VTE) rates between the intervention and control groups (0% vs. 7.69%; P = .084), major bleeding events (4.35% vs. 2.56%; P = .627), RBC transfusion (15.2% vs. 25.6%; P = .257), or Hgb on discharge (9.82 vs. 9.44 g/dL; P = .244). Subtherapeutic anti-Xa levels were correlated with a higher BMI (P = .033), longer OR time (P = .011), and length of stay (P = .018). CONCLUSIONS: Enoxaparin 40 mg once daily is associated with subprophylactic peak anti-Xa levels. Dose adjustment based on anti-Xa levels trended toward a lower rate of in-hospital VTE without an increase in bleeding or transfusion requirement.

Frailty as a Predictor of Surgical Outcomes Following Femoral Hernia Repair.

BACKGROUND: Femoral hernias are associated with significant morbidity and mortality due to risk of strangulation. Frailty has shown to be strongly associated with adverse outcomes. A modified five-factor frailty index (mFI-5) is a simple validated predictor of postoperative complications and mortality within the ACS-NSQIP® database. This study aims to evaluate the impact of frailty and age on 30-day outcomes after femoral hernia repair. METHODS: Patients who underwent femoral hernia repair were queried using the ACS-NSQIP database (2017) and divided into two groups based on frailty score (FS): Frail (FS = 1-5) and Non-frail (FS = 0). We evaluated the association between postoperative outcomes and frailty, age, sex, presentation, ASA class, timing of surgery, and surgical approaches. Univariate analysis followed by a multivariable logistic regression model was performed to evaluate postoperative morbidity. RESULTS: Of a total of 1,295 patients, 540 (42.7%) were in the Frail group. No differences in sex and race proportions were observed between groups. The Frail group had a higher rate of serious morbidity (4.4% vs 1.9%, P < .001), overall morbidity (7.8% vs 3.4%, P < .010), readmission rate (5.4% vs 2.3%, P = .003), and median (IQR) hospital length of stay (1 [0, 4] vs 0 [0, 1] days, P < .001). In multivariable analysis, male sex, presentation with complication, emergency surgery, and FS were associated with increased odds of overall morbidity. All deaths were in the Frail group. CONCLUSION(S): Frailty, male sex, presentation with obstruction/strangulation, and emergency surgery are independent predictors of increased 30-day morbidity. Thirty-day mortality was noted in the Frail group.

A Cohort Study of an Enhanced Recovery Pathway for Pancreatic Surgery at a Community Hospital.

BACKGROUND: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathways have been shown to improve pancreatic surgery outcomes, though feasibility in a community hospital remain unclear. We hypothesized that an ERAS protocol would reduce hospital length of stay (LOS) without increased morbidity. METHODS: An ERAS pathway was initiated for patients undergoing pancreatic surgery at a community cancer center and compared to a historical cohort. The primary outcome was hospital LOS. Secondary outcomes included 30-day readmission rates, comprehensive complication index (CCI®), textbook outcomes (TO), and mortality. RESULTS: A total of 144 patients were included, with 63 patients in the ERAS group and 81 in the control group. The mean LOS decreased significantly in the ERAS group (6.85 [± 4.8]) vs 9.96 [±6.8] days, P = .001), without an increase in 30-day admission rates or CCI. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of an ERAS protocol in a community setting reduced LOS without a corresponding increase in readmission rates or morbidity.

Case report: Multimodal neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy for hepatic undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma in a young adult.

Hepatic undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of the liver (UESL) is a rare hepatic malignancy found more commonly in pediatric patients. It has been associated with poor outcomes in adults and the role and timing of systemic therapy is unclear. There have been very few case reports detailing combination neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy use for hepatic undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma in adults. In this report, a 22-year-old male admitted with right upper quadrant pain was diagnosed with a 20 x 10 x 10 cm well-circumscribed, highly vascularized hepatic mass in the entirety of the left lobe. Biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of UESL. PET/CT showed no evidence of metastatic disease, and he received four cycles of Doxorubicin and Ifosfamide with demonstrated reduction in size and decrease in PET avidity. He underwent left hepatectomy with periportal lymphadenectomy, cholecystectomy, and partial gastrectomy with negative margins and received adjuvant Doxorubicin, Ifosfamide and Mesna. At 48 months, the patient was alive without evidence of disease. We hereby emphasize the potential advantages of combination chemotherapy and surgical resection in the management of UESL in adults.

Trends of the Extra-Hepatic Biliary Cancer and Its Surgical Management: A Cross-Sectional Study From the National Cancer Database.

Introduction Biliary cancers are rare cancers with poor prognoses. In this study, we aimed to evaluate trends in early detection and surgical treatment and approaches in extra-hepatic biliary tract cancers (EBCs) over 13 years in the US. Methods The most recent data on patients diagnosed with EBC between 2004 and 2016 were extracted from the National Cancer Database (NCDB). The patients' demographics (sex, age, race), primary tumor sites, tumor grades and stages, staging modalities, diagnostic confirmation, surgical treatment modalities and approaches, and 90-day mortality were analyzed to determine trends. Results Biopsy was the most common staging modality in 63.9% of total 60,291 patients. The bile duct was the primary tumor site (55.0%). Histologic examination was the most common confirmatory diagnostic modality (77.5%). The most common stage was stage II (23%). The most common surgical treatment modality was radical surgery (13.88%). The open surgical approach was used in 27.1% of patients, followed by a laparoscopic approach (4.3%). Conclusion EBC showed no significant change in the trends of the stage at diagnosis, treatment modality, and extent of surgical procedures despite advances in surgical diagnostic and therapeutic modalities; however, the total number of cases slightly increased between 2004 and 2016.

Resident Autonomy and Performance Independence in Surgical Training Are Time- and Skill-Dependent.

INTRODUCTION: Appropriate faculty supervision and conditional independence of residents during training are required for autonomous and independent postgraduate practice. However, there is a growing concern that competence for transition to independent practice is not universally met. We hypothesize that surgery residents play a significant and active role in achieving their own independent status. METHODS: Over seven academic years (July 2014 through June 2021), 46 surgeons supervised and intraoperatively assessed the performance of 51 residents using validated Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skill (OSATS) and Zwisch Operative Autonomy (ROA) assessments. Resident readiness to perform procedures independently (RRI) was graded as yes, no, or not applicable. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics with categorical variables reported as frequencies and percentages. RESULTS: A total of 1657 elective procedures were performed by residents supervised by faculty. Association between RRI and postgraduate year (PGY), OSATS scores, ROA, resident and faculty gender, and case complexity was analyzed. Results indicated positive correlation between RRI and summative OSATS score (r = 0.510, P < 0.001), PGY (r = 0.535, P < 0.001) and ROA (r = 0.473, P < 0.001). Percentage of overall RRI increased from 7% at PGY1 to 87.4% at PGY5. Meaningful autonomy ratings increased from 23.6% at PGY1 to 92.5% at PGY5. Variations in ratings was observed when considering case category and complexity. CONCLUSIONS: RRI increases with years of training with variation when considering the specialty/The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education procedure category and the complexity of cases. Specialty fellowships are a viable option to address the gap in The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education categories when residency alone cannot reach appropriate independence. Residents' technical skills play a crucial role in evaluating RRI and granting operative autonomy.

Shared Decision-Making in Pancreatic Surgery.

Objective: The objective of this study is to determine the factors influencing pancreatic surgery patients' perceptions of the shared decision-making process (SDM). Background: Decision-making in pancreatic surgery is complicated by the risk of morbidity and mortality and risk of early recurrence of disease. Improvement in SDM has the potential to improve the receipt of goal- and value-concordant care. Methods: This cross-sectional survey included patients who underwent pancreatic surgery. The following components were studied in relation to SDM: modified satisfaction with decision scale (SWD), modified decisional regret scale (DRS), quality of physician and patient interaction, and the impact of quality of life (FACT-Hep). Correlations were computed using Pearson's correlation score and a regression model. Results: The survey completion rate was 72.2% (of 40/55) and the majority (72.5%) of patients underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy. There were significant positive relationships between the SDM measure and (DRS, SWD; r = 0.70, P < 0.001) and responses to questions regarding how well the patient's actual recovery matched their expectations before treatment (r = 0.62, P < 0.001). The quality of the physician-patient relationship correlated with how well recovery matched expectations (r = 0.53, P = 0.002). SDM measure scores were significant predictors of the decision evaluation measure (R2(adj) = 0.48, P < 0.001), FACT-Hep (R2(adj) = 0.15, P < 0.001), and recovery expectations measure (R2(adj) = 0.37, P < 0.001). Conclusions: Improved SDM in pancreatic surgery is associated with more realistic recovery expectations, decreased decisional regret, and improved quality of life.

Surgical Outcomes of Distal Pancreatectomy in Elderly Patients.

BACKGROUND: The extent to which age impacts surgical outcomes remains poorly characterized. This study aims to evaluate the impact of age on 30-day outcomes in patients after distal pancreatectomy. METHODS: Using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database (2017), distal pancreatectomy patients were identified and age-stratified, groups A (≤75 years) and B (>75 years). Outcomes included 30-day mortality, morbidity, readmissions, operative time (min), and hospital length of stay (LOS, days). RESULTS: Of 3042 total patients identified, 1686 (55.4%) were women. A total of 2649 patients (87.1%) were in group A. Overall, both groups had similar baseline characteristics with the exception of the following: diabetes mellitus (24.8% vs. 30.0%, P = .03), smoking (19.3% vs. 4.8%, P < .001), congestive heart failure (.5% vs. 1.8%, P = .010), hypertension (HTN) (47.9% vs. 72.5%, P < .001), bleeding disorders (3.1% vs. 5.3%, P = .036), the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) (III-V) scores (67.6% vs. 85.5%, P < .001), and body mass index (29.2 [±6.7] vs. 27.4 [±5.6], P = .001).Deep surgical site infection was higher in group A (12.1% vs. 6.6%, P = .001), while acute renal failure (ARF) and postoperative myocardial infarction (MI) were higher in group B. 30-day readmissions were higher in group A (17.4% vs. 12.2%, P = .011) despite no statistically significant difference in LOS (7.10 [±6.36] vs. 7.30 [±4.93] days, P = .553) or overall morbidity (29.4% vs. 28.8%, P = .859). CONCLUSION(S): Those undergoing distal pancreatectomy experienced similar overall morbidity and mortality outcomes regardless of age. However, those older than 75 years had more cardiovascular risk factors, which may have contributed to their higher rates of postoperative ARF and MI.

SCORE-Based Simulated ABSITE Exam Performance as a Predictor of Performance on the ABSITE.

INTRODUCTION: The American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination (ABSITE) is a crucial, objective assessment of surgical knowledge during training. In 2014, the American Board of Surgery (ABS) announced the alignment of the ABSITE to the SCORE® (Surgical Council on Resident Education) Curriculum Outline for General Surgery Residency. We hypothesized that implementing a pre-ABSITE SCORE-based exam would help identify underperforming residents and provide early guidance to improve performance on the ABSITE. METHODS: In October 2014, our university-based surgical residency program began administering a yearly comprehensive pre-ABSITE SCORE-based exam consisting of 225 to 250 multiple-choice questions selected from the SCORE question bank to all our general surgery residents, preliminary and categorical. The 4-hour exam addresses both clinical management (80%) and applied sciences (20%). Residents receive reports with their scores (percentage correct). Residents performing at less than 60% meet with the Program Director for discussion and formulation of a study plan. Correlational analysis was performed between resident ABSITE scores, pre-ABSITE SCORE-based exam scores, gender, resident status (preliminary vs. categorical), postgraduate year (PGY), and the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 and Step 2 scores. RESULTS: A total of 244 exam scores (122 pre-ABSITE SCORE-based exams and 122 matched ABSITE) were completed by 51 residents at different PGY levels (32 PGY1, 32 PGY2, 20 PGY3, 19 PGY4, and 18 PGY5). Fifty-seven percent were males, 62% were categorical residents, and 38% were preliminary residents. October pre-ABSITE SCORE-based exam scores were compared to the subsequent January ABSITE scores. Categorical residents completed 101 (83%) of the January exams, while preliminary residents completed 21 (17%) of these paired exams. We found strong correlations between the correct percentage on ABSITE and pre-ABSITE SCORE-based scores (r = 0.637, p < 0.001), between the correct percentage on ABSITE and PGY (r = 0.688, p < 0.001), and between ABSITE and resident status (r = 0.462, p < 0.001). Additionally, there was a weak to negligible correlation between the correct percentage on ABSITE and resident gender (r = 0.274, p = 0.001), USMLE-2 (r = 0.12, p = 0.16), and USMLE-1 (r = 0.04, p = 0.653). Multiple regression analysis, with all predictors, was performed to predict the percentage score on the ABSITE and produced R2 0.58, with an adjusted R2 of 0.57, with a large size effect, p < 0.001. After controlling for the other variables, three factors reached statistical significance (p < 0.05): pre-ABSITE SCORE-based exam scores, PGY, and resident gender. CONCLUSION: We found a strong correlation between performance on the pre-ABSITE SCORE-based exam and performance on the ABSITE exam. Surgery residents are encouraged to start studying earlier and to utilize SCORE contents as outlined by the ABS in their study plan.

Gender perception bias of operative autonomy evaluations among residents and faculty in general surgery training.

BACKGROUND: Resident operative autonomy (ROA) is critical and a shared responsibility of both faculty and residents during training. We hypothesize that there is a perception of gender bias in residents' performance as evaluated by faculty and residents. METHOD: Over a period of five academic years, between July 2014 and June 2019, ROA was evaluated using the Zwisch score. Reciprocal evaluations were completed by faculty and residents. RESULTS: 39 surgeons (30 males, 9 females) and 42 residents (25 males, 15 females) completed 2360 evaluations (1180 by faculty, and a matched number by residents). PGY level was significantly associated with granting a higher level of autonomy. Gender of residents didn't affect the level of granted autonomy as evaluated by faculty. However, on self-evaluations, female residents rated their degree of autonomy lower than that of their male counterparts. CONCLUSION: Gender did not influence the perception of autonomy granted as evaluated by faculty. However, on self-evaluations, female residents reported a lower degree of autonomy received.

Is there a gender bias in milestones evaluations in general surgery residency training?

BACKGROUND: Studies of gender disparity in surgical training have yielded conflicting results. We hypothesize that there is no influence of gender on resident self-evaluation Milestone (SEM) scores and those assigned by the Clinical Competency Committee (CCC). METHODS: 42 residents (25 male & 17 female) and faculty completed 300 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) Milestone evaluations over a 4-year period. Two-way ANOVA, intraclass correlations coefficients, and general linear mixed models were used for analysis. RESULTS: CCC Milestone scores from 150 evaluations, 51 (34%) for female residents and 99 (66%) for male residents, were compared to corresponding SEM scores. There is a high interrater reliability (self vs. CCC). There was a significant increase in scores with advancing PGY levels (p < 0.001). No effect of gender on Milestones scores (p > 0.05) was noted. CONCLUSIONS: We found no significant differences in Milestones scores between male and female residents as determined by the CCC. Both scores improved significantly as residents progressed in training.

Virtual Surgery Oral Board Examinations in the Era of COVID-19 Pandemic. How I Do It!

INTRODUCTION: Traditional in-person Mock Oral Examinations (IP-MOEs) are utilized by surgery residency programs to prepare trainees for the American Board of Surgery Certifying Exam (ABS-CE). However, the COVID-19 Pandemic has led to a profound disruption of on-campus and in-person educational activities, with subsequent instantaneous revolutionization of educational systems all over the world, including a massive switch to virtual platforms. Many in-person didactics and examinations were canceled or rescheduled, including the ABS-CE. The study aims to evaluate Virtual MOEs' (V-MOEs) feasibility as a potential alternative to in-person MOEs in residency programs. METHODS: Twenty-five participants-16 general surgery residents (7 females, 9 males) and 9 faculty - in the inaugural Department of Surgery Virtual Mock Oral Examination completed an anonymous, voluntary online survey via Microsoft Forms. Faculty was given 24 questions, and residents 28, with 9 questions common between both residents and faculty. Participants were asked about the accessibility to virtual examination rooms, V-MOE effectiveness, resident's preparation for the exam, resident's stress, diversity, and number of clinical scenarios, and possible future implementation of, and barriers to, V-MOEs. RESULTS: All participants have participated in IP-MOEs in the past. All faculties were very satisfied or satisfied with IP-MOE, compared to 93.8% of residents. All participants were very satisfied or satisfied with the orientation and instructions before V-MOE. Only 66.6% of faculty, compared to all residents, was satisfied with time allocation for sessions. While 88.9% of faculty felt the V-MOE was less stressful on residents, only 68.8% of residents felt so. Additionally, 87.5% of residents said they prepared for the V-MOE similarly to the IP-MOE. As a future platform, only 22.2% of faculty compared to 43.8% of residents preferred V-MOE over the IP-MOE. Both faculty (88.9%), and residents (81.3%) preferred immediate feedback at the end of sessions. All faculty recommend collaboration with other programs to enhance the resident's preparation. Time constraints, lack of experience with the format, and availability were the top 3 barriers. CONCLUSION: V-MOE is feasible, accessible, and a potential alternative for IP-MOEs at a program level for ABS-CE preparation. Given the time constraints and costs associated with IP-MOEs, it is an opportunity to collaborate with other residency programs.

The Volume-Outcome Relationship and Traveling for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery: A Quantitative Analysis of Patient Perspectives.

Despite the well-established relationship between volume and outcomes, patients continue to have procedures performed at low-volume hospitals. The factors patients use to make the complex decision of where to have hepatopancreaticobiliary (HPB) surgery remain poorly characterized. A novel survey instrument was administered to all patients who had undergone HPB surgery at two university-affiliated community hospitals. 76 patients participated in the study (89% response rate). The majority of patients were unaware of the volume-outcome relationship (58.8%). No demographic factors differed between patients who were or were not aware except for patient research. Physician factors were the most important selection category (64.4%). Only 28.9% of patients were willing to travel more than two hours to have an operation performed at a hospital with a high volume/improved quality. Despite many voices calling for regionalization, patient decision-making factors should be considered before any realistic implementation.

Surgical Transgastric Necrosectomy for Necrotizing Pancreatitis: A Single-stage Procedure for Walled-off Pancreatic Necrosis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of surgical transgastric necrosectomy (TGN) for walled-off pancreatic necrosis (WON) in selected patients. BACKGROUND: WON is a common consequence of severe pancreatitis and typically occurs 3 to 5 weeks after the onset of acute pancreatitis. When symptomatic, it can require intervention. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients with WON undergoing surgical management at 3 high-volume pancreatic institutions was performed. Surgical indications, intervention timing, technical methodology, and patient outcomes were evaluated. Patients undergoing intervention <30 days were excluded. Differences across centers were evaluated using a P value of <0.05 as significant. RESULTS: One hundred seventy-eight total patients were analyzed (mean WON diameter = 14 cm, 64% male, mean age = 51 years) across 3 centers. The majority required inpatient admission with a median preoperative length of hospital stay of 29 days (25% required preoperative critical care support). Most (96%) patients underwent a TGN. The median duration of time between the onset of pancreatitis symptoms and operative intervention was 60 days. Thirty-nine percent of the necrosum was infected. Postoperative morbidity and mortality were 38% and 2%, respectively. The median postoperative length of hospital length of stay was 8 days, with the majority of patients discharged home. The median length of follow-up was 21 months, with 91% of patients having complete clinical resolution of symptoms at a median of 6 weeks. Readmission to hospital and/or a repeat intervention was also not infrequent (20%). CONCLUSION: Surgical TGN is an excellent 1-stage surgical option for symptomatic WON in a highly selected group of patients. Precise surgical technique and long-term outpatient follow-up are mandatory for optimal patient outcomes.