Patients' perception of using telehealth for consultation: insights after pandemic and development of an online calculator platform to predict acceptance of remote consultation: the TELEMED international study.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a change in healthcare models. The aim of this study was to evaluate patient acceptance of telehealth as an alternative to physical consultations, and to identify factors predicting higher satisfaction. This was an observational, cross-sectional, multi-center, international study. All consecutive patients for whom telehealth was used in consultations between April and July 2020 were considered for inclusion. The validated Telehealth Usability Questionnaire (TUQ) was used as a model to measure patient acceptance. Overall, 747 patients were observed, of whom 721 agreed to participate (96·5%). The TUQ showed that 86·9% of patients agreed that telehealth was useful; 85·2% supported the interface quality and 81·4% endorsed the interaction quality. Patients aged > 60 y were less likely to agree with the use of telehealth (p < 0·05). A web-based prediction tool was generated to calculate global satisfaction and to identify patients more likely to feel comfortable with telehealth. Telehealth is feasible and allows consultations that are satisfactory for patients. Technological advancements could ease safe implementation of telehealth into everyday practice. Adequate patient selection can be useful to ensure that the ideal strategy is used for each individual during and after the pandemic.

Análisis de la difusión y utilidad percibida a través de la implementación de una plataforma de formación virtual durante la pandemia por COVID-19 / Analysis of the broadcasting and perceived utility through the implementation of a virtual training platform during the pandemic

Introducción: La pandemia de COVID-19 ha afectado a las oportunidades de formación de los profesionales sanitarios, en parte porque se anularon muchos cursos presenciales. En este estudio se analizan los resultados de participación y satisfacción de las sesiones del Aula Virtual AEC durante su primer año. Métodos: El Aula Virtual AEC incluye un formato combinado de seminarios semanales emitidos en directo que pueden ser visionados en diferido. En este estudio se evalúan los resultados en sus primeros 12 meses, considerando el número de participantes en directo, el número de visualizaciones en diferido y el alcance global, así como los resultados de la encuesta de satisfacción realizada en cada una de las sesiones (1-10) Resultados: Desde el 16 de abril de 2020 hasta el 15 de abril de 2021 se realizaron 50 sesiones del Aula Virtual AEC. El alcance medio de las sesiones ha sido de 509 ± 288 visualizaciones con un rango entre 196 y 1490. En los picos de la pandemia se observó un descenso de los participantes en directo: 275 ± 135 vs. 391 ± 233 (p = 0,032) La puntuación media sobre el formato fue 8,46 ± 0,31/10. Las sesiones mejor puntuadas fueron las de temática relacionada con coloproctología con una diferencia estadísticamente significativa en la puntuación media 8,79 ± 0,42 vs. 8,39 ± 0,27 (p = 0,035). Un 90,76% de usuarios consideraron las sesiones útiles. Un 97,2% consideraban que deben mantenerse tras la pandemia. Conclusiones: El Aula Virtual AEC ha tenido muy buenos resultados en los primeros 12 meses de desarrollo, resultando ser una herramienta útil de docencia quirúrgica que previsiblemente sobrevivirá a la época de pandemia. (AU)

Introduction: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has affected training opportunities for healthcare professionals partly because face to face courses were cancelled. This study analyzes the results of participation and satisfaction of the AEC Virtual Classroom sessions during the first year. Methods: The AEC Virtual Classroom includes a combined format of weekly Webinar broadcast live that can be viewed on a delayed basis in a virtual platform. In this study, the results in its first year are evaluated considering the number of live participants, the delayed views and the global reach; as well as the results of the satisfaction survey in each of the sessions (0–10). Results: From 16/04/2020 to 15/04/2021, 50 sessions of the Virtual Classroom AEC were held. The average scope of the sessions was 509 ± 288 views with a range between 196 and 149. At the times of highest incidence of cases during the pandemic, a decrease in live participants was observed 275 ± 135 vs. 391 ± 233 (p = 0.032). The mean score on the format was 8.46 ± 0.31/10. The best-scored sessions were those of the subject related to coloproctology with a statistically significant difference in the mean score 8.79 ± 0.42 vs. 8.39 ± 0.27 (p = 0.035). 90% of users considered the sessions useful. 97.2% of respondents believe that the sessions should be maintained after the pandemic. Conclusions: The AEC Virtual Classroom has a very good results in the first year, proving to be a useful surgical teaching tool that will foreseeably survive once the pandemic is over. (AU)

Análisis de la difusión y utilidad percibida a través de la implementación de una plataforma de formación virtual durante la pandemia por COVID-19 / Analysis of the broadcasting and perceived utility through the implementation of a virtual training platform during the pandemic

Introducción: La pandemia de COVID-19 ha afectado a las oportunidades de formación de los profesionales sanitarios, en parte porque se anularon muchos cursos presenciales. En este estudio se analizan los resultados de participación y satisfacción de las sesiones del Aula Virtual AEC durante su primer año. Métodos: El Aula Virtual AEC incluye un formato combinado de seminarios semanales emitidos en directo que pueden ser visionados en diferido. En este estudio se evalúan los resultados en sus primeros 12 meses, considerando el número de participantes en directo, el número de visualizaciones en diferido y el alcance global, así como los resultados de la encuesta de satisfacción realizada en cada una de las sesiones (1-10) Resultados: Desde el 16 de abril de 2020 hasta el 15 de abril de 2021 se realizaron 50 sesiones del Aula Virtual AEC. El alcance medio de las sesiones ha sido de 509 ± 288 visualizaciones con un rango entre 196 y 1490. En los picos de la pandemia se observó un descenso de los participantes en directo: 275 ± 135 vs. 391 ± 233 (p = 0,032) La puntuación media sobre el formato fue 8,46 ± 0,31/10. Las sesiones mejor puntuadas fueron las de temática relacionada con coloproctología con una diferencia estadísticamente significativa en la puntuación media 8,79 ± 0,42 vs. 8,39 ± 0,27 (p = 0,035). Un 90,76% de usuarios consideraron las sesiones útiles. Un 97,2% consideraban que deben mantenerse tras la pandemia. Conclusiones: El Aula Virtual AEC ha tenido muy buenos resultados en los primeros 12 meses de desarrollo, resultando ser una herramienta útil de docencia quirúrgica que previsiblemente sobrevivirá a la época de pandemia. (AU)

Introduction: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has affected training opportunities for healthcare professionals partly because face to face courses were cancelled. This study analyzes the results of participation and satisfaction of the AEC Virtual Classroom sessions during the first year. Methods: The AEC Virtual Classroom includes a combined format of weekly Webinar broadcast live that can be viewed on a delayed basis in a virtual platform. In this study, the results in its first year are evaluated considering the number of live participants, the delayed views and the global reach; as well as the results of the satisfaction survey in each of the sessions (0–10). Results: From 16/04/2020 to 15/04/2021, 50 sessions of the Virtual Classroom AEC were held. The average scope of the sessions was 509 ± 288 views with a range between 196 and 149. At the times of highest incidence of cases during the pandemic, a decrease in live participants was observed 275 ± 135 vs. 391 ± 233 (p = 0.032). The mean score on the format was 8.46 ± 0.31/10. The best-scored sessions were those of the subject related to coloproctology with a statistically significant difference in the mean score 8.79 ± 0.42 vs. 8.39 ± 0.27 (p = 0.035). 90% of users considered the sessions useful. 97.2% of respondents believe that the sessions should be maintained after the pandemic. Conclusions: The AEC Virtual Classroom has a very good results in the first year, proving to be a useful surgical teaching tool that will foreseeably survive once the pandemic is over. (AU)

Multicenter clinical trial for the resection of rectal polyps using a new laparoendoscopic hybrid transanal access device.

INTRODUCTION: Complex polyps require the use of advanced endoscopic techniques or minimally invasive surgery for their approach. In rectal polyps it is of special relevance to reach a consensus on the best approach to avoid under- or overtreatment that increases unnecessary morbidity and mortality. METHODS: We describe a prospective, multicenter, pilot clinical trial with a first-in-human medical device. It is hypothesized that UNI-VEC® facilitates transanal laparoendoscopic surgery for the removal of early rectal tumors. The primary objective is to evaluate that it is safe and meets the established functional requirements. Secondary objectives are to evaluate results, complications and level of satisfaction. RESULTS: 16 patients were recruited in 12 months with a minimum follow-up of 2 months. The mean size was 3.4 cm with the largest polyp being 6 cm. Regarding location, the mean was 6.6 cm from the anal margin. Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR) (6.3%), Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection ESD (43.8%), REC (6.3%) and TAMIS (43.8%) were performed. The mean time was 73.25 min. The 56.3% used a 30° camera and 43.8% used the flexible endoscope as a viewing instrument. The 56.3% were benign lesions and 43.8% malignant. Complete resection is achieved in 87.5%. Regarding complications, mild bleeding (Clavien I) occurred in 25%, 6.3% and 21.4% at 24 h, 48 h and 7 days respectively. Continence was assessed according to the Wexner scale. At 7 days, 60% showed perfect continence, 26.7% mild FI and 13.3% moderate FI. At 30 days, 66.7% had perfect continence, 20% mild FI and 13.3% moderate FI. At 2 months, 4 patients were reviewed who at 30 days had a Wexner's degree higher than preoperative and perfect continence was demonstrated in 25% of the patients, 50% mild and 25% moderate. In no case did rectal perforation or major complications requiring urgent reintervention occur. As for the level of reproducibility, safety, level of satisfaction with the device and evaluation of the blister, the evaluation on a scale of 0-10 (9.43, 9.71, 9.29 and 9.50 respectively). All the investigators have previous experience with transanal devices. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrates the efficacy and safety of UNI-VEC® for the treatment of rectal lesions. It will facilitate the implementation of hybrid procedures that seek to solve the limitations of pure endoscopic techniques by allowing the concomitant use of conventional laparoscopic and robotic instrumentation with the flexible endoscope.

Analysis of the broadcasting and perceived utility through the implementation of a virtual training platform during the pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has affected training opportunities for healthcare professionals partly because face to face courses were cancelled. This study analyzes the results of participation and satisfaction of the AEC Virtual Classroom sessions during the first year. METHODS: The AEC Virtual Classroom includes a combined format of weekly Webinar broadcast live that can be viewed on a delayed basis in a virtual platform. In this study, the results in its first year are evaluated considering the number of live participants, the delayed views and the global reach; as well as the results of the satisfaction survey in each of the sessions (0-10). RESULTS: From 16/04/2020 to 15/04/2021, 50 sessions of the Virtual Classroom AEC were held. The average scope of the sessions was 509 ± 288 views with a range between 196 and 149. At the times of highest incidence of cases during the pandemic, a decrease in live participants was observed 275 ± 135 vs. 391 ± 233 (P = 0.032). The mean score on the format was 8.46 ± 0.31/10. The best-scored sessions were those of the subject related to coloproctology with a statistically significant difference in the mean score 8.79 ± 0.42 vs. 8.39 ± 0.27 (P = 0.035). 90% of users considered the sessions useful. 97.2% of respondents believe that the sessions should be maintained after the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: The AEC Virtual Classroom has had very good results in the first year, proving to be a useful surgical teaching tool that will foreseeably survive once the pandemic is over.

Short-term outcomes in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for deep infiltrative endometriosis with rectal involvement: a single-center experience of 168 cases.

PURPOSE: The surgical management of deep infiltrative endometriosis (DE) involving the rectum remains a challenge. The objective of this study was to assess the outcomes from a single tertiary center over a decade with an emphasis on the role of a protective loop ileostomy (PI). METHODS: A retrospective review of outcomes for 168 patients managed between 2008 and 2018 is presented including 57 rectal shaves, 23 discoid excisions, and 88 segmental rectal resections. RESULTS: The nodule size (mean±standard deviation) in the segmental resection group was 32.7±11.2 mm, 23.4±10.5 mm for discoid excision, and 18.8±6.0 mm for rectal shaves. A PI was performed in 19 elective cases (11.3%) usually for an ultra-low anastomosis <5 cm from the anal verge. All Clavien-Dindo grade III/IV complications occurred after segmental resections and included 5 anastomotic leaks, 6 rectovaginal fistulas, 2 ureteric fistulas, and 1 ureteric stenosis. Of 26 stomas (15.5%), there were 19 PIs, 3 secondary ileostomies (after complications), and 4 end colostomies. The median time to PI closure was 5.8 months (range, 0.4-16.7 months) in uncomplicated disease compared with 9.2 months (range, 4.7-18.4 months) when initial postoperative complications were recorded (P=0.019). Only 1 patient with a recurrent rectovaginal fistula had a permanent colostomy. CONCLUSION: In patients with DE and rectal involvement a PI is selectively used for low anastomoses and complex pelvic reconstructions. Protective stomas and those used in the definitive management of a major postoperative complication can usually be reversed.

[Analysis of the broadcasting and perceived utility through the implementation of a virtual training platform during the pandemic]. / Análisis de la difusión y utilidad percibida a través de la implementación de una plataforma de formación virtual durante la pandemia por COVID-19.

Introduction: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has affected training opportunities for healthcare professionals partly because face to face courses were cancelled. This study analyzes the results of participation and satisfaction of the AEC Virtual Classroom sessions during the first year. Methods: The AEC Virtual Classroom includes a combined format of weekly Webinar broadcast live that can be viewed on a delayed basis in a virtual platform. In this study, the results in its first year are evaluated considering the number of live participants, the delayed views and the global reach; as well as the results of the satisfaction survey in each of the sessions (0-10). Results: From 16/04/2020 to 15/04/2021, 50 sessions of the Virtual Classroom AEC were held. The average scope of the sessions was 509 ± 288 views with a range between 196 and 149. At the times of highest incidence of cases during the pandemic, a decrease in live participants was observed 275 ± 135 vs. 391 ± 233 (p = 0.032). The mean score on the format was 8.46 ± 0.31/10. The best-scored sessions were those of the subject related to coloproctology with a statistically significant difference in the mean score 8.79 ± 0.42 vs. 8.39 ± 0.27 (p = 0.035). 90% of users considered the sessions useful. 97.2% of respondents believe that the sessions should be maintained after the pandemic. Conclusions: The AEC Virtual Classroom has a very good results in the first year, proving to be a useful surgical teaching tool that will foreseeably survive once the pandemic is over.

Quality of life and low anterior resection syndrome before and after deep endometriosis surgery.

PURPOSE: Deep endometriosis (DE) is defined by the presence of ectopic endometrial glands, with rectal involvement ranging from 5.3 to 12%. The prevalence of low anterior resection-like syndrome (LARS) in patients with DE, how it affects quality of life (QoL), and its evolution after surgery is unclear. The objective of this study was to assess the gastrointestinal functional outcomes and QoL in patients who underwent surgery for DE. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective study was conducted from 2017 to 2019, recruiting patients who underwent DE surgery with and without rectal resection. Patients completed LARS and SF-36 questionnaires before, at 6 months and at 1 year after surgery. RESULTS: Eighty-two patients were enrolled. Rectal segmental resection was required in 16 (19.5%) patients, shaving in 16 (19.5%) and discoid resection in 8 (9.8%). All 8 domains of the SF-36 questionnaire showed improvement during follow-up, reflecting improved QoL after surgery (p ≤ 0.05) in all patients. Mean LARS scores for patients without rectal surgery were 7.5 ± 10.4 before and 13.7 ± 14.2 1 year after surgery; rectal surgery was 13.6 ± 13.6 and 14.6 ± 13.1, respectively (p = 0.17). No significant differences were found in the rectal surgery patients' postoperative LARS score among the 3 rectal DE surgical techniques (p = 0.97), and the SF-36 scores improved independent of the technique performed. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with DE present a LARS-like syndrome before surgery that does not appear to be negatively affected after rectal surgery, independent of the technique performed. Rectal surgery improves the QoL of patients with DE patients as measured by the SF-36 questionnaire at 1 year of follow-up.

Implementación tecnológica en los servicios de Cirugía General y del Aparato Digestivo en España. Encuesta nacional y resultados / Technological implementation in General Surgery services in Spain. National survey and results

La tecnología constituye uno de los pilares de la cirugía del siglo XXI y resulta un factor clave para la consecución de unos mejores resultados quirúrgicos. El proceso quirúrgico actual lleva implícito no solo la técnica operatoria, sino un grado de especialización muy elevado y el conocimiento y empleo de técnicas y dispositivos propios de otros campos. En España no existen estudios publicados a nivel nacional a este respecto.Desde la Sección de Cirugía Mínimamente Invasiva e Innovación Tecnológica (CMI-IT) de la Asociación Española de Cirujanos hemos diseñado un estudio cuyo objetivo principal es evaluar el grado de implantación tecnológica en la especialidad de cirugía general en España, así como analizar los dispositivos disponibles en los diferentes centros del país. Nos planteamos realizar una descripción pormenorizada de las aplicaciones de dichos dispositivos y técnicas por áreas de interés, señalando las patologías y procedimientos en los que se utiliza dicha tecnología. (AU)

Technology is one of the pillars of surgery in the 21st century and is a key factor in achieving better surgical results. The current surgical process involves not only surgical techniques, but also a very high degree of specialisation and the knowledge and use of techniques and devices from other fields. In Spain, there are no studies published at a national level in this regard.From the Minimally Invasive Surgery and Technological Innovation section of the Spanish Association of Surgeons we have designed a study whose main objective is to evaluate the degree of technological implantation in the specialty of General Surgery in Spain, as well as to analyze the devices available in the different centres of the country. We propose to make a detailed description of the applications of these devices and techniques by areas of interest, pointing out the pathologies and procedures in which this technology is used. (AU)

Technological implementation in General Surgery services in Spain. National survey and results.

Technology is one of the pillars of surgery in the 21st century and is a key factor in achieving better surgical results. The current surgical process involves not only surgical techniques, but also a very high degree of specialisation and the knowledge and use of techniques and devices from other fields. In Spain, there are no studies published at a national level in this regard. From the Minimally Invasive Surgery and Technological Innovation section of the Spanish Association of Surgeons we have designed a study whose main objective is to evaluate the degree of technological implantation in the specialty of General Surgery in Spain, as well as to analyze the devices available in the different centres of the country. We propose to make a detailed description of the applications of these devices and techniques by areas of interest, pointing out the pathologies and procedures in which this technology is used.

Ileal endometriosis in a patient with Crohn's disease: a diagnostic challenge.

A 34-year-old female with stricturing ileal Crohn´s disease (CD) treated with adalimumab presented with recurrent subocclusive episodes and clinical worsening. First, she received corticosteroids without any clinical improvement.

Technological implementation in General Surgery services in Spain. National survey and results. / Implementación tecnológica en los servicios de Cirugía General y del Aparato Digestivo en España. Encuesta nacional y resultados.

Technology is one of the pillars of surgery in the 21st century and is a key factor in achieving better surgical results. The current surgical process involves not only surgical techniques, but also a very high degree of specialisation and the knowledge and use of techniques and devices from other fields. In Spain, there are no studies published at a national level in this regard. From the Minimally Invasive Surgery and Technological Innovation section of the Spanish Association of Surgeons we have designed a study whose main objective is to evaluate the degree of technological implantation in the specialty of General Surgery in Spain, as well as to analyze the devices available in the different centres of the country. We propose to make a detailed description of the applications of these devices and techniques by areas of interest, pointing out the pathologies and procedures in which this technology is used.

Management of perianal fistula in inflammatory bowel disease: identification of prognostic factors associated with surgery.

PURPOSE: As one of the clinical manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), perianal fistula disease (PFD) can potentially impact the patient quality of life. The management of PFD employs a multidisciplinary approach which includes antibiotics, biological therapies, immunomodulators, and surgery. We analyzed the outcome and prognostic factors of anal fistula surgery in IBD patients. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of IBD patients undergoing elective surgery for anal fistula between January 2015 and December 2018 at our University Department of Surgery. We collated demographic factors, disease activity, imaging (MRI and endoanal ultrasound), surgical interventions, and medical treatment assessing the rate of fistula closure and fecal incontinence, 2 months and 1 year after surgery. RESULTS: Thirty-five IBD patients with anal fistula underwent surgery (28 Crohn's disease, four ulcerative colitis, and three indeterminate colitis). Twenty-seven patients presented with complex fistulas and eight with simple fistulas with 10 patients undergoing single-stage surgery. In 25 patients, a two-stage surgical approach was planned and performed (draining seton plus medical treatment and then second-stage surgery with curative intent). At 1 year of follow-up, the fistula healing rate was 50% for single-stage surgery and 60% for two-stage surgery (P = 0.09). Overall, 19.2% of patients developed postoperative fecal incontinence. A time interval greater than 12 months between surgeries is a favorable prognostic factor for fistula healing with the two-stage approach (P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: In our retrospective study, two-stage surgery in IBD patients presenting with complex perianal fistulous disease results in a better medium-term outcome with a longer time interval between surgeries.

Recommendations on intervention for hepatobiliary oncological surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic. / Recomendaciones de actuación en cirugía oncológica hepatobiliopancreática durante la pandemia COVID-19.

The SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic requires an analysis in the field of oncological surgery, both on the risk of infection, with very relevant clinical consequences, and on the need to generate plans to minimize the impact on possible restrictions on health resources. The AEC is making a proposal for the management of patients with hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) malignancies in the different pandemic scenarios in order to offer the maximum benefit to patients, minimising the risks of COVID-19 infection, and optimising the healthcare resources available at any time. This requires the coordination of the different treatment options between the departments involved in the management of these patients: medical oncology, radiotherapy oncology, surgery, anaesthesia, radiology, endoscopy department and intensive care. The goal is offer effective treatments, adapted to the available resources, without compromising patients and healthcare professionals safety.

Manejo quirúrgico de pacientes con infección por COVID-19. Recomendaciones de la Asociación Española de Cirujanos / Surgical Management of Patients With COVID-19 Infection. Recommendations of the Spanish Association of Surgeons

Debido a la actual pandemia de enfermedad respiratoria denominada enfermedad por coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) causada por el virus denominado SARS-CoV-2, numerosos pacientes con confirmación o sospecha de COVID-19 precisarán tratamiento quirúrgico electivo inaplazable o urgente. Estas situaciones requieren la adopción de medidas especiales da cara a minimizar la posibilidad de contagio entre pacientes, la exposición del personal sanitario y el desarrollo de complicaciones postoperatorias. En el presente documento se explican las principales medidas a tener en cuenta en caso de atención a pacientes COVID-19 o sospecha tanto durante su evaluación como en caso de requerir tratamiento quirúrgico

Due to the current pandemic of respiratory disease known as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, many patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 infection will require elective surgery, surgery that cannot be postponed, or emergency surgical treatment. In these situations, special measures need to be adopted in order to minimize the possibility of transmission between patients, exposure of healthcare personnel and the development of postoperative complications. This document explains the main principles to consider when managing confirmed or suspected COVID-19 patients during evaluation as well as when surgical treatment is required

Surgical Management of Patients With COVID-19 Infection. Recommendations of the Spanish Association of Surgeons. / Manejo quirúrgico de pacientes con infección por COVID-19. Recomendaciones de la Asociación Española de Cirujanos.

Due to the current pandemic of respiratory disease known as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, many patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 infection will require elective surgery, surgery that cannot be postponed, or emergency surgical treatment. In these situations, special measures need to be adopted in order to minimize the possibility of transmission between patients, exposure of healthcare personnel and the development of postoperative complications. This document explains the main principles to consider when managing confirmed or suspected COVID-19 patients during evaluation as well as when surgical treatment is required.

SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on the activity and professionals of a General Surgery and Digestive Surgery Service in a tertiary hospital. / Impacto de la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2 sobre la actividad y profesionales de un Servicio de Cirugía General y del Aparato Digestivo en un hospital terciario.

INTRODUCTION: The rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection has led to a radical reorganization of healthcare resources. Surgical Departments need to adapt to this change. METHODS: We performed a prospective descriptive observational study of the incidence of COVID-19 in patients and surgeons of a General Surgical Department in a high prevalence area, between the 1st and 31st of March 2020. RESULTS: Patients: The incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in elective surgery patients was 7% (mean age 59.5 years). All survived. Of 36 patients who underwent emergency surgery, two of them were SARS-CoV-2 positive and one was clinically highly suspicious of COVID-19 (11.1%). All three patients died of respiratory failure (mean age 81 years). Surgeons: There were a total of 12 confirmed SARS-CoV-2+ cases among the surgical department staff (24.4%) (8 out of 34 consultants and 4 out of 15 residents). Healthcare activity: The average number of daily emergency surgical interventions declined from 3.6 in February to 1.16 in March. 42% of the patients who underwent emergency surgery had peritonitis upon presentation. CONCLUSIONS: The fast pace of COVID-19 pandemia should alert surgical departments of the need of adopting early measures to ensure the safety of patients and staff.

Uso de las redes sociales por parte de los cirujanos generales. Resultados de la encuesta nacional de la Asociación Española de Cirujanos / Use of social networks by general surgeons. Results of the national survey of the Spanish Association of Surgeons

Introducción: Se desconoce el uso y utilidad de las redes sociales (RR.SS.) entre los cirujanos generales españoles. Métodos: Entre octubre y diciembre de 2017 se realizó una encuesta online a los socios de la Asociación Española de Cirujanos, en la que se recogieron datos de perfil de uso y de opinión sobre RR. SS. Resultados: Se obtuvo respuesta de 360 cirujanos, de los cuales 310 tenían presencia en RR.SS. Las redes más populares fueron: Facebook (86%), LinkedIn (61.6%), YouTube (60,6%) y Twitter (54,2%). LinkedIn y Twitter destacaron como las RR.SS. más empleadas con fines profesionales. Los cirujanos con presencia en RR.SS. eran más jóvenes (42,4 ± 11 años frente a 51,6 ± 8 años; p < 0,001), existiendo a menor edad mayor frecuencia de acceso a las mismas. El género no mostró influencia sobre la presencia en RR.SS. La mayoría de los encuestados tiene perfil en más de una red (3,6 ± 1 cuentas) y el 73,5% comunicó acceder a ellas diariamente. El 19,7% de los servicios de cirugía al que pertenecen los encuestados tiene perfil en RR. SS. Entre las utilidades profesionales destacan las actividades formativas (87%) y el contacto con otros profesionales (84%). El 14,1% de los encuestados utilizan RR. SS. para relacionarse con los pacientes. Conclusiones: Las RR.SS. son útiles para la divulgación de información sobre eventos científicos y actividades formativas, la actualización y adquisición de conocimientos y la comunicación entre profesionales. Aspectos como la privacidad o la relación con los pacientes representan una barrera en el uso de RR. SS

Introduction: The use and utility of social media (SM) among Spanish general surgeons is unknown. Methods: Between October and December 2017 an online survey was carried out to the members of the Spanish Association of Surgeons, in which data on the profile of use and opinion on the usefulness of SM were collected. Results: 360 valid responses were obtained, 310 from surgeons who had an active SM profile. The most popular networks were: Facebook (86%), LinkedIn (61,6%), YouTube (60,6%) and Twitter (54,2%). LinkedIn and Twitter stood out as the most used SM for professional purposes. Surgeons with a SM profile were younger (42.4 ± 11 years versus 51.6 ± 8 years; P < .001). Gender did not show influence on presence in SM. The majority of respondents have profiles in more than one network (3.6 ± 1 accounts) and 73.5% reported daily access to them; 19.7% of the surgery departments to which the respondents belong have a SM account. Among SM utilities in the professional field, training activities (87%) and connectivity among professionals (84%) were the most outstanding; 14.1% of respondents use SM to interact with patients. Conclusions: SM is useful as a tool for the acquisition, updating and dissemination of scientific knowledge, also proving valuable as a new form of interaction among surgeons. Other issues such as privacy or surgeon-patient relationship represent a barrier to its use

Use of social networks by general surgeons. Results of the national survey of the Spanish Association of Surgeons. / Uso de las redes sociales por parte de los cirujanos generales. Resultados de la encuesta nacional de la Asociación Española de Cirujanos.

INTRODUCTION: The use and utility of social media (SM) among Spanish general surgeons is unknown. METHODS: Between October and December 2017 an online survey was carried out to the members of the Spanish Association of Surgeons, in which data on the profile of use and opinion on the usefulness of SM were collected. RESULTS: 360 valid responses were obtained, 310 from surgeons who had an active SM profile. The most popular networks were: Facebook (86%), LinkedIn (61,6%), YouTube (60,6%) and Twitter (54,2%). LinkedIn and Twitter stood out as the most used SM for professional purposes. Surgeons with a SM profile were younger (42.4±11 years versus 51.6±8 years; P<.001). Gender did not show influence on presence in SM. The majority of respondents have profiles in more than one network (3.6±1 accounts) and 73.5% reported daily access to them; 19.7% of the surgery departments to which the respondents belong have a SM account. Among SM utilities in the professional field, training activities (87%) and connectivity among professionals (84%) were the most outstanding; 14.1% of respondents use SM to interact with patients. CONCLUSIONS: SM is useful as a tool for the acquisition, updating and dissemination of scientific knowledge, also proving valuable as a new form of interaction among surgeons. Other issues such as privacy or surgeon-patient relationship represent a barrier to its use.