Communication in your department and beyond.

Technical skills and clinical acumen are necessary for success in a surgical career. However, these skills alone are not sufficient. A surgeon's emotional intelligence and ability to communicate, manage conflict, and cultivate relationships may be even more critical to success. Health care environments are increasingly complex. An individual surgeon's or surgical department's success depends highly on the teams around them, including anesthesia, nursing, hospital administration, clinic teams, and many more. The surgeon's ability to communicate across the organization and lead by influence is critical.

A self-selecting prophecy: prevalence of burnout in surgical fellows.

BACKGROUND: Burnout has become a prominent topic, yet there are limited data on the manifestation of this phenomenon among surgical fellows. The goal of this study is to elucidate the prevalence of burnout and determine if there are protective or predisposing factors in surgical fellowship training. METHODS: A confidential electronic survey was distributed to Fellowship Council accredited fellows during the 2020-2021 academic year. Demographic information and training characteristics were queried. The fellows were then asked to complete the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Short Grit Scale (SGS), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SLS), and General Self-Efficacy Scale (SE). Data were analyzed using p values of ≤ 0.05 as statistically significant. RESULTS: At the end of the survey period, 92 out of 196 (46.9%) fellowship trainees responded. 69.6% of respondents identified as men, 29.7% as international medical school graduates (IMGs), and 15.3% non-US IMGs. Based on criteria defined by the MBI, there was an 8.4% rate of burnout. Most respondents noted low stress levels (62.3%), good satisfaction with life (58.9%), a moderate amount of grit, and a high level of self-esteem. On comparative analysis, fellows with burnout had significantly higher stress levels, lower levels of satisfaction with life, and less self-esteem. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, there was a low rate of burnout among fellows. We suggest this may be reflective of a self-selecting effect, as trainees who choose to undergo additional training may be less likely to experience this syndrome. In addition, there may be a protective factor during fellowship that results from inherent mentoring, increased specialization, and autonomy. Further investigation of the predisposing factors to burnout in fellowship trainees is warranted based on the results of this study.

Factors associated with cancer treatment delay: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Treatment delays are significantly associated with increased mortality risk among adult cancer patients; however, factors associated with these delays have not been robustly evaluated. This review and meta-analysis will evaluate factors associated with treatment delays among patients with five common cancers. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Scientific databases including Ovid MEDLINE, Elsevier Embase, EBSCOhost CINAHL Plus Full Text, Elsevier Scopus and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global will be searched to identify relevant articles published between January 2000 and October 2021. Research articles published in the USA evaluating factors associated with treatment delay among breast, lung, prostate, cervical or colorectal adult cancer patients will be included. The primary outcome of the meta-analysis will be the pooled adjusted and unadjusted odds of treatment delay for patient, disease, provider and system-level factors defined according to specified time intervals. The secondary outcomes will be mean or median treatment delay for each cancer site according to first treatment and the influence of factors on the pooled mean treatment delay for each cancer site (via meta-regression analyses). Results from qualitative and mixed-methods studies will be narratively synthesised. Three reviewers will independently screen records generated from the search and two reviewers will independently extract data following a consensus agreement. Statistical heterogeneity will be assessed with a standard I2 test and funnel plots will be conducted to evaluate publication bias. Risk of bias will be assessed independently by two authors using validated tools according to the article's study design. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Formal ethical approval is not required because the work is being carried out on publicly accessible studies. The findings of this review will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed scientific journal, academic conferences, social media, and key stakeholders. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42021293131.

Emotional Regulation in Surgery: Fostering Well-Being, Performance, and Leadership.

Emotional regulation is increasingly gaining acceptance as a means to improve well-being, performance, and leadership across high-stakes professions, representing innovation in thinking within the field of surgical education. As one part of a broader cognitive skill set that can be trained and honed, emotional regulation has a strong evidence base in high-stress, high-performance fields. Nevertheless, even as Program Directors and surgical educators have become increasingly aware of this data, with emerging evidence in the surgical education literature supporting efficacy, hurdles to sustainable implementation exist. In this white paper, we present evidence supporting the value of emotional regulation training in surgery and share case studies in order to illustrate practical steps for the development, adaptation, and implementation of emotional regulation curricula in three key developmental contexts: basic cognitive skills training, technical skills acquisition and performance, and preparation for independence. We focus on the practical aspects of each case to elucidate the challenges and opportunities of introducing and adopting a curricular innovation into surgical education. We propose an integrated curriculum consisting of all three applied contexts for emotional regulation skills and advocate for the dissemination of such a longitudinal curriculum on a national level.

Minimally invasive vs open pancreatoduodenectomy on oncological adequacy: a propensity score-matched analysis.

BACKGROUND: The adoption of minimally invasive pancreatoduodenectomy (MIPD) has increased over the last decade. Most of the data on perioperative and oncological outcomes derives from single-center high-volume hospitals. The impact of MIPD on oncological outcomes in a multicenter setting is poorly understood. METHODS: The National Cancer Database was utilized to perform a propensity score matching analysis between MIPD vs open pancreatoduodenectomy (OPD). The primary outcomes were lymphadenectomy ≥ 15 nodes and surgical margins. Secondary outcomes were 90-day mortality, length of stay, and overall survival. RESULTS: A total of 10,246 patients underwent pancreatoduodenectomy for ductal adenocarcinoma between 2010 and 2016. Among these patients, 1739 underwent MIPD. A propensity score matching analysis with a 1:2 ratio showed that the rate of lymphadenectomy ≥ 15 nodes was significantly higher for MIPD compared to OPD, 68.4% vs 62.5% (P < .0001), respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of positive margins, 90-day mortality, and overall survival. OPD was associated with an increased rate of length of stay > 10 days, 36.6% vs 33% for MIPD (P < .01). Trend analysis for the patients who underwent MIPD revealed that the rate of adequate lymphadenectomy increased during the study period, 73.1% between 2015 and 2016 vs 63.2% between 2010 and 2012 (P < .001). In addition, the rate of conversion to OPD decreased over time, 29.3% between 2010 and 2012 vs 20.2% between 2015 and 2016 (P < .001). CONCLUSION: In this propensity score matching analysis, the MIPD approach was associated with a higher rate of adequate lymphadenectomy and a shorter length of stay compared to OPD. The surgical margins status, 90-day mortality, and overall survival were similar between the groups.

Aspartate Aminotransferase-to-Platelet Ratio Index Predicts Liver Failure After Resection of Colorectal Liver Metastases.

BACKGROUND: Chemotherapy agents for metastatic colorectal cancer can cause liver injury, increasing the risk of post-hepatectomy liver failure after hepatectomy for metastases. The role of noninvasive fibrosis markers in this setting is not well established. AIMS: To evaluate the aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) as a predictor of postoperative liver failure. METHODS: The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was utilized to identify patients who received preoperative chemotherapy and underwent hepatectomy for colorectal metastases between 2015 and 2017. Concordance index analysis was conducted to determine APRI's contribution to the prediction of liver failure. The optimal cutoff value was defined and its ability to predict post-hepatectomy liver failure and perioperative bleeding were examined. RESULTS: A total of 2374 patients were identified and included in the analysis. APRI demonstrated to be a better predictor of postoperative liver failure than MELD score, with a statistically significant larger area under the curve. The optimal APRI cutoff value to predict liver failure was 0.365. The multivariable logistic regression showed that APRI ≥ 0.365 was independently associated with PHLF, odds ratio (OR) 2.51, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.67-3.77, P < .0001. Likewise, APRI ≥ 0.365 was independently associated with perioperative bleeding complications requiring transfusions, OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.13-1.77, P = 0.002. MELD score was not statistically associated with PHLF or bleeding complications. CONCLUSIONS: APRI was independently associated with post-hepatectomy liver failure and perioperative bleeding requiring transfusions after resection of colorectal metastases in patients who received preoperative chemotherapy. Concordance index showed APRI to add significant contribution as a predictor of postoperative liver failure.

Does Preoperative Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) Predict Short-Term Surgical Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Pancreatic Resections?

INTRODUCTION: Preoperative eGFR has been found to be a reliable predictor of post-operative outcomes in patients with normal creatinine levels who undergo surgery. The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of preoperative eGFR levels on short-term post-operative outcomes in patients undergoing pancreatectomy. METHODS: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) pancreatectomy file (2014-2017) was queried for all adult patients (age ≥ 18) who underwent pancreatic resection. Patients were stratified into two groups based on their preoperative eGFR (eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73m2 and eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73m2). Outcome measures included post-operative pancreatic fistula, discharge disposition, hospital length of stay, 30-day readmission rate, and 30-day morbidity and mortality. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: A total of 21,148 were included in the study of which 12% (n = 2256) had preoperative eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73m2. Patients in the eGFR < 60 group had prolonged length of stay, were less likely to be discharged home, had higher minor and major complication rates, and higher rates of mortality. On logistic regression analysis, lower preoperative eGFR (< 60 mL/min/1.73m2) was associated with higher odds of prolonged length of stay [aOR: 1.294 (1.166-1.436)], adverse discharge disposition [aOR: 1.860 (1.644-2.103)], minor [aOR: 1.460 (1.321-1.613)] and major complications [aOR: 1.214 (1.086-1.358)], bleeding requiring transfusion [aOR: 1.861 (1.656-2.091)], and mortality [aOR: 2.064 (1.523-2.797)]. CONCLUSION: Preoperative decreased renal function measured by eGFR is associated with adverse outcomes in patients undergoing pancreatic resection. The results of this study may be valuable in improving preoperative risk stratification and post-operative expectations.

The Impact of Frailty on Patients Undergoing Liver Resection for Colorectal Liver Metastasis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to assess the impact of frailty on short-term outcomes after hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM). METHODS: Patients were identified using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP). Patients were divided into 3 categories using the 5-item Modified Frailty Index (mFI). RESULTS: There were 5230 patients included. 52%, 35%, and 13% had mFI scores of 0, 1, and ≥ 2 respectively. Patients with a ≥ 2 mFI score were more likely to experience minor complication (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.06-1.69), major complication (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.15-2.12), readmission (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.12-2.14), unfavorable discharge (OR 2.48, 95% CI 1.62-3.80), 30-day mortality (OR 3.02, 95% CI 1.02-8.95), prolonged length of stay (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.18-1.83), and bile leak (OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.02-2.24). CONCLUSION: Frailty is associated with increased post-operative complications. The 5-item mFI can guide risk stratification, optimization, and counseling.

Attending Surgeon Influences Operative Time More Than Resident Level in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: Prior studies on laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) have concluded that resident involvement lengthens operative time without impacting outcomes. However, the lack of effect of resident level on operative duration has not been explained. We hypothesized that attending-specific influence on average operative time for LC is more pronounced than resident post-graduate year level. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed all LC cases performed on patients 18 y and older between November 2018 and March 2020 at 2 academic medical center-affiliated hospitals. Regression models were used to compare operative times, conversion to open rates, and complication rates by attending surgeon and resident level. RESULTS: Nine hundred twenty-five LCs were performed over the study period, 862 (93.1%) with resident participation. Of the 44.5% variation in operative time was explained by differences in attending surgeon, as compared to 11.0% attributable to differences in resident level (P < 0.0001). This effect persisted after adjusting for patient and disease factors (33.0% versus 7.1%, P < 0.0001). Neither attending surgeon (P = 0.80), nor the level of the involved resident (P = 0.94) demonstrated a significant effect on the conversion-to-open rate (4.9%). Similarly, neither the attending surgeon (P = 0.33), nor resident level (P = 0.81) significantly affected the complication rate (8.58%). CONCLUSIONS: Operative time for LC is primarily determined by patient- and disease-specific factors; resident level has no effect on conversion to open or complication rates. Attending influence on operative time was more pronounced than resident level influence. These findings suggest attending surgeon-related factors are more important than resident experience in determining operative duration for LC.

Adherence to a standardized infection reduction bundle decreases surgical site infections after colon surgery: a retrospective cohort study on 526 patients.

BACKGROUND: Colon surgical site infections (SSI) are detrimental to patient safety and wellbeing. To achieve clinical excellence, our hospital set to improve patient safety for those undergoing colon surgery. Our goal was to implement a perioperative SSI prevention bundle for all colon surgeries to reduce colon surgery SSI rates. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study evaluated the impact of implementing a perioperative SSI prevention bundle in patients undergoing colon surgery at Banner University Medical Center - Tucson. We compared SSI rates between the Pre- (1/1/2016 to 12/31/2016) and post-bundle (1/1/2017 to 12/31/2017) cohorts using a chi-square test. RESULTS: In total, we included 526 consecutive patients undergoing colon surgery in our study cohort; 277 pre-bundle and 249 post-bundle implementation. The unadjusted SSI rates were 8.7 % and 1.2 %, pre- and post-bundle, respectively. Our CMS reportable standard infection rate decreased by 85.4 % from 3.08 to 0.45 after implementing our SSI prevention bundle. CONCLUSIONS: Implementing a standardized colon SSI prevention bundle reduces the overall 30-day colon SSI rates and national standardized infection rates. We recommend implementing colon SSI reduction bundles to optimize patient safety and minimize colon surgical site infections.

Survival after Margin-Positive Resection in the Era of Modern Chemotherapy for Pancreatic Cancer: Do Patients Still Benefit?

BACKGROUND: R0 resection for pancreatic cancer is considered standard of care, but is not always achieved. This study looks at R1/R2 resection outcomes compared with chemotherapy alone. Our hypothesis is that patients with margin-positive disease have better outcomes than those receiving chemotherapy alone. STUDY DESIGN: Stage II pancreatic cancer patients who underwent R1/R2 surgery with/without neoadjuvant chemotherapy, from the National Cancer Database (NCDB) 2010 to 2017 were identified and compared with similar staged patients who received chemotherapy alone. The surgical group was then analyzed by subset based on receipt of chemotherapy: upfront surgery (+/- adjuvant therapy) and neoadjuvant therapy followed by surgery (+/- adjuvant therapy). RESULTS: There were 11,699 Stage II pancreatic cancer patients included, 9,521 (81.4%) of whom were treated with chemotherapy alone, 15.7% (n = 1,836) had upfront surgery, and 2.9% (n = 342) had neoadjuvant therapy with surgery. R1/R2 neoadjuvant patients had the best overall survival at a mean of 19.75 months (95% CI 17.91, 22.28) compared with the upfront surgery group (17.77 months, 95% CI 15.64, 19.55) and the chemotherapy alone group (10.12 months, 95% CI 8.97, 11.50) (hazard ratio [HR] 0.46 upfront surgery and 0.32 neoadjuvant group, respectively, p < 0.0001). Even with R2 resection, survival was better in surgical patients compared with patients who underwent chemotherapy only (15.76 mo vs 10.22 mo, p = 0.06). Patients with R1/R2 resections had improved survival if they received neoadjuvant/adjuvant chemotherapy, though the survival rates were significantly lower than those with standard R0 resections (n = 16,129). CONCLUSIONS: R1 resection has benefit over chemotherapy alone in pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer patients who are left with microscopic R1 disease have better survival than without surgery, particularly in the setting of neoadjuvant therapy.

Development of a conceptual model for understanding the learning environment and surgical resident well-being.

BACKGROUND: Surgeon burnout is linked to poor outcomes for physicians and patients. Several conceptual models exist that describe drivers of physician wellness generally. No such model exists for surgical residents specifically. METHODS: A conceptual model for surgical resident well-being was adapted from published models with input gained iteratively from an interdisciplinary team. A survey was developed to measure residents' perceptions of their program. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) tested the fit of our proposed model construct. RESULTS: The conceptual model outlines eight domains that contribute to surgical resident well-being: Efficiency and Resources, Faculty Relationships and Engagement, Meaning in Work, Resident Camaraderie, Program Culture and Values, Work-Life Integration, Workload and Job Demands, and Mistreatment. CFA demonstrated acceptable fit of the proposed 8-domain model. CONCLUSION: Eight distinct domains of the learning environment influence surgical resident well-being. This conceptual model forms the basis for the SECOND Trial, a study designed to optimize the surgical training environment and promote well-being.

Impact of facility type on survival after pancreatoduodenectomy for small pancreatic adenocarcinoma (≤ 2 cm).

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have demonstrated that even small pancreatic cancers are associated with poor survival. The role of facility type on survival in this setting is unknown. STUDY DESIGN: The National Cancer Database (NCDB) was utilized. Patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy for adenocarcinoma ≤ 2 cm in Academic/Research Cancer Programs (ACPs) were compared to Non-Academic Cancer Programs (NACPs). RESULTS: A total of 4672 patients were identified. Surgery at ACPs was associated with a lower rate of positive margins (14% vs 17%,P < .0001) and a higher rate of lymphadenectomy ≥15 nodes (49.6% vs 36.3%,P < .0001). Over 75% of the ACPs facilities were high volume vs 25.5% among NACPs. There was no difference in the odds of delivering chemotherapy in the neoadjuvant or adjuvant setting between ACPs and NACPs. The median survival at ACPs was 29.4 months vs 25.7 months at NACPs (Log-rank test:P < .0001). ACPs were associated with improved survival, adjusted Hazard Ratio: 0.88, 95%CI:0.81-0.96. CONCLUSION: Pancreatoduodenectomy for small pancreatic cancers at ACPs is associated with improved survival compared to NACPs.

Outcomes with Preoperative Biliary Stenting After Pancreaticoduodenectomy In the Modern Era.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have documented increased complications following pancreaticoduodenectomy in patients who undergo preoperative biliary stenting (PBS). However, in the modern era, the vast majority of patients with jaundice are stented. We hypothesized that there is no difference in short-term postoperative outcomes between PBS and no PBS in patient with obstructive jaundice undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy. METHODS: We performed an analysis using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) participant use file (2014-2017). Patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and required stenting were excluded from the analysis. A propensity-matched analysis was performed to select obstructive jaundice patients who underwent PBS and those who did not with similar characteristics prior to pancreaticoduodenectomy. Short-term postoperative outcome measures included superficial surgical site infection (S-SSI), deep surgical site infection (D-SSI), hospital length of stay (LOS), postoperative pancreatic fistula (POF), hospital readmission, minor morbidity (Clavien-Dindo I-II), major morbidity (Clavien-Dindo III, IV, V), and 30-day mortality. RESULTS: A total of 5851 patients with obstructive jaundice underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy without neoadjuvant chemotherapy. 81.6% underwent PBS. Based on the propensity-matched analysis, 927 patients who received PBS and 927 patients who did not were selected for comparing the outcomes between the two groups. There was no significant difference in outcome measures between the two groups with respect to S-SSI (OR 1.30 , 95% CI = 0.94-1.80, p = 0.12), D-SSI (OR 1.07, 95% CI = 0.81-1.41, p = 0.62), POF (OR 1.11, 95% CI = 0.87-1.42, p = 0.40), hospital readmission (OR 0.99, 95% CI = 0.77-1.27, p = 0.94), minor morbidity (OR 0.91, 95% CI = 0.76-1.11, p = 0.36), major morbidity (OR 0.84, 95% CI = 0.67-1.06, p = 0.14), and 30-day mortality (OR 1.05, 95% CI = 0.57-1.95, p = 0.87). Patients who underwent PBS were more likely to have shorter LOS (RR 0.87, 95% CI = 0.81-0.93, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Contrary to previously reported studies, there was no increased risk of short-term postoperative outcomes after pancreaticoduodenectomy between PBS and N-PBS in a propensity-matched analysis. Preoperative biliary stenting is safe and does not need to be avoided before surgical intervention in patients who present with obstructive jaundice.

Significance of Lymph Node Resection After Neoadjuvant Therapy in Pancreatic, Gastric, and Rectal Cancers.

OBJECTIVE: Gastrointestinal cancers are increasingly being treated with NAT before surgical resection. Currently, quality metrics are linked to the number of LNs resected to determine subsequent treatment and prognosis. We hypothesize that NAT decreases LN metastasis, downstages patients, and decreases overall lymph node yields (LNY) compared to initial surgical resection. With increasing use of NAT, this brings into question the validity of quality metrics. METHODS: Gastric (stage II/III), pancreatic (stage I/II/III), and rectal cancers (stage II/III) (2010-2015) treated with surgery with/without NAT were identified in National Cancer Database. We evaluated total LNY and LN metastasis with/without NAT and clinical and pathological stage to evaluate rates of downstaging. RESULTS: A total of 7934 gastric, 15,908 pancreatic, and 21,354 rectal cancer patients were included of which 61.1%, 21.2%, and 85.7% received NAT, respectively. NAT patients were more likely to be downstaged (39.9% vs 11.1% gastric P< 0.001, 30.6% vs 3.2% pancreatic P< 0.001, 52.0% vs 16.3% rectal P< 0.001), have lower LNYs (18.8 vs 19.1 gastric P = 0.239, 18.4 vs 17.5 pancreatic P< 0.001, 15.7 vs 20.0 rectal P< 0.001) and have N0 pathologic disease (43.6% vs 26.7% gastric P< 0.001, 51.1% vs 30.9% pancreatic P< 0.001, 65.9% vs 49.4% rectal P< 0.001) when compared to initial surgical resection. CONCLUSION: NAT for gastrointestinal cancers results in overall lower LN yields, lower LN metastases, and significant downstaging of tumors. As all patients undergoing NAT receive multimodality therapy, LN yield recommendations may not be true quality metric changing.

Do General Surgery Residency Program Websites Feature Diversity?

OBJECTIVE: This study assesses ways in which General Surgery residency program websites demonstrate diversity. DESIGN: Literature review and diversity expert opinion informed selection of diversity elements. We limited our evaluation to residency program-specific webpages. We identified 8 program website elements that demonstrate programmatic commitment to diversity: (1) standard nondiscrimination statement; (2) program-specific diversity and inclusion message; (3) community demographics; (4) personalized biographies of faculty, (5) personalized biographies of residents; (6) individual photographs of faculty; (7) individual photographs of residents; and (8) list of additional resources available for trainees. We evaluated the impact of program type (university, independent, or military); city population; region; program director gender and ethnicity; and program size on incorporation of these eight elements. We dichotomized programs that had ≥4 of these elements on their website and determined association with the above factors using chi-square or Fisher's exact test. SETTING: Website review July to December 2019. PARTICIPANTS: All nonmilitary-based general surgery residency program members of the Association of Program Directors in Surgery (APDS) (n = 242/251). RESULTS: General Surgery residency program websites included a mean of 2.7 ± 1.5 elements that showcase diversity. Most program websites (n = 215, 89%) featured ≤4 elements (range 1-4), while 15 (6.2%) had none. When stratified by programs having 4 or more elements on their website, university-based program (p < 0.001) was the only factor associated. Resident photos (n = 147, 61%), resources available to trainees (n = 146, 60%), faculty photos (n = 139, 57%), and community demographics (n = 93, 38%) were the most common of the 8 website elements. CONCLUSIONS: Residency program websites are vital to recruiting applicants. Featuring specific elements on the General Surgery residency website that display a program's commitment to diversity and inclusion may be important in attracting a diverse candidate pool. This research highlights opportunities programs may use to demonstrate more effectively a residency program's commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Safe Cholecystectomy Multi-society Practice Guideline and State of the Art Consensus Conference on Prevention of Bile Duct Injury During Cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: BDI is the most common serious complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. To address this problem, a multi-society consensus conference was held to develop evidenced-based recommendations for safe cholecystectomy and prevention of BDI. METHODS: Literature reviews were conducted for 18 key questions across 6 broad topics around cholecystectomy directed by a steering group and subject experts from 5 surgical societies (Society of Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons, Americas Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association, International Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association, Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, and European Association for Endoscopic Surgery). Evidence-based recommendations were formulated using the grading of recommendations assessment, development, and evaluation methodology. When evidence-based recommendations could not be made, expert opinion was documented. A number of recommendations for future research were also documented. Recommendations were presented at a consensus meeting in October 2018 and were voted on by an international panel of 25 experts with greater than 80% agreement considered consensus. RESULTS: Consensus was reached on 17 of 18 questions by the guideline development group and expert panel with high concordance from audience participation. Most recommendations were conditional due to low certainty of evidence. Strong recommendations were made for (1) use of intraoperative biliary imaging for uncertainty of anatomy or suspicion of biliary injury; and (2) referral of patients with confirmed or suspected BDI to an experienced surgeon/multispecialty hepatobiliary team. CONCLUSIONS: These consensus recommendations should provide guidance to surgeons, training programs, hospitals, and professional societies for strategies that have the potential to reduce BDIs and positively impact patient outcomes. Development of clinical and educational research initiatives based on these recommendations may drive further improvement in the quality of surgical care for patients undergoing cholecystectomy.

Safe cholecystectomy multi-society practice guideline and state-of-the-art consensus conference on prevention of bile duct injury during cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: Bile duct injury (BDI) is the most common serious complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. To address this problem, a multi-society consensus conference was held to develop evidenced-based recommendations for safe cholecystectomy and prevention of BDI. METHODS: Literature reviews were conducted for 18 key questions across six broad topics around cholecystectomy directed by a steering group and subject experts from five surgical societies (SAGES, AHPBA IHPBA, SSAT, and EAES). Evidence-based recommendations were formulated using the GRADE methodology. When evidence-based recommendations could not be made, expert opinion was documented. A number of recommendations for future research were also documented. Recommendations were presented at a consensus meeting in October 2018 and were voted on by an international panel of 25 experts with greater than 80% agreement considered consensus. RESULTS: Consensus was reached on 17 of 18 questions by the Guideline Development Group (GDG) and expert panel with high concordance from audience participation. Most recommendations were conditional due to low certainty of evidence. Strong recommendations were made for (1) use of intraoperative biliary imaging for uncertainty of anatomy or suspicion of biliary injury; and (2) referral of patients with confirmed or suspected BDI to an experienced surgeon/multispecialty hepatobiliary team. CONCLUSION: These consensus recommendations should provide guidance to surgeons, training programs, hospitals, and professional societies for strategies that have the potential to reduce BDIs and positively impact patient outcomes. Development of clinical and educational research initiatives based on these recommendations may drive further improvement in the quality of surgical care for patients undergoing cholecystectomy.