Trends in minimally invasive and open inguinal hernia repair: an analysis of ACGME general surgery case logs.

BACKGROUND: Groin hernia repair is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures and is often performed by surgical interns and junior residents. While traditionally performed open, minimally invasive (MIS) groin hernia repair has become an increasingly popular approach. The purpose of this study was to determine the trends in MIS and open inguinal and femoral hernia repair in general surgery residency training over the past two decades. METHODS: Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) national case log data of general surgery residents from 1999 through 2022 were reviewed. We collected means and standard deviations of open and MIS inguinal and femoral hernia repairs. Linear regression and ANOVA were used to identify trends in the average annual number of open and MIS hernia repairs logged by residents. Cases were distinguished between level of resident trainees: surgeon-chief (SC) and surgeon-junior (SJ). RESULTS: From July 1999 to June 2022, the average annual MIS inguinal and femoral hernia repairs logged by general surgery residents significantly increased, from 7.6 to 47.9 cases (p < 0.001), and the average annual open inguinal and femoral hernia repairs logged by general surgery residents significantly decreased, from 51.9 to 39.7 cases (p < 0.001). SJ resident results were consistent with this overall trend. For SC residents, the volume of both MIS and open hernia repairs significantly increased (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: ACGME case log data indicates a trend of general surgery residents logging overall fewer numbers of open inguinal and femoral hernia repairs, and a larger proportion of open repairs by chief residents. This trend warrants attention and further study as it may represent a skill or knowledge gap with significant impact of surgical training.

Trends in gastric surgery operative experience among general surgery residents in the United States: A nationwide retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: Gastric surgery is a crucial component of general surgery training. However, there is a paucity of high-quality data on operative volume and the diversity of surgical procedures that general surgery residents are exposed to. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of operative case logs of all general surgery residents graduating from the American College of Graduate Medical Education-accredited program from 2009 to 2022. Data on the mean number of gastric procedures, including the mean in each subcategory, were retrieved. A Mann-Kendall trend test was used to investigate trends in operative volume. RESULTS: Between 2009 and 2022, the mean overall logged gastric procedures rose significantly (τ = 0.722, P < .001) from 36.2 in 2009 to 49.2 in 2022 (35.9% increase). The most substantial growth was seen in laparoscopic gastric reduction for morbid obesity (mean 1.9 in 2017 to 19 in 2022; τ = 0.670, P = .009). A statistically significant increase was also seen in laparoscopic partial gastric resections, repair of gastric perforation, and "other major stomach procedures" (P < .05 for all comparisons). Open gastrostomy, open partial gastric resections, and open vagotomy all significantly decreased (P < .05 for all comparisons). There was no significant change in the volume of laparoscopic gastrectomy, total gastric resections, and non-laparoscopic gastric reductions for morbid obesity (P > .05 for all comparisons). CONCLUSION: There has been a substantial increase in the volume of gastric surgery during residency over the past 14 years, driven mainly by an increase in laparoscopic gastric reduction. However, there may still be a need for further gastric surgical training to ensure well-rounded general surgeons.

Proyecto DUCMA 2.0. Puesta al día sobre la situación actual de las unidades de Cirugía Mayor Ambulatoria en España / DUCMA 2.0 project: Update on the current situation of the outpatient surgery units in Spain

Introducción: La cirugía mayor ambulatoria (CMA) es un sistema de gestión seguro y eficiente para resolver los problemas quirúrgicos, pero su implantación y desarrollo ha sido variable. El objetivo de este estudio es describir las características, la estructura y el funcionamiento de las unidades de Cirugía Mayor Ambulatoria (UCMA) en España. Métodos: Estudio observacional, transversal, multicéntrico basado en una encuesta electrónica, con recogida de datos entre abril y septiembre de 2022. Resultados: En total, 90 UCMA completaron la encuesta. La media del índice de ambulatorización (IA) global es de 63%. Más de la mitad de las UCMA (52%) son de tipo integrado. La mitad las unidades imparte formación para médicos (51%) y personal de enfermería (55%). Los indicadores de calidad más utilizados son la tasa de suspensiones (87%) y de ingresos no previstos (80%). Conclusiones: Se necesita mayor coordinación entre administraciones para obtener datos fiables. Asimismo, se deben implementar sistemas de gestión de calidad en las unidades y desarrollar herramientas para la formación adecuada de los profesionales implicados.(AU)

Introduction: Ambulatory surgery is a safe and efficient management system to solve surgical problems, but its implementation and development has been variable. The aim of this study is to describe the characteristics, structure and functioning of ambulatory surgery units (ASU) in Spain. Methods: Multicenter, cross-sectional, observational study based on an electronic survey, with data collection between April and September 2022. Results: In total, 90 ASUs completed the survey. The mean overall ambulatory index is 63%. More than half of the ASUs (52%) are integrated units. Around half of the units provide training for physicians (51%) and for nurses (55%). The most frequently used quality indicators are suspension rate (87%) and the rate of unplanned admissions (80%). Conclusions: Greater coordination between administrations is needed to obtain reliable data. It is also necessary to implement quality management systems in the different units, as well as to develop tools for the adequate training of the professionals involved.(AU)

Barriers and challenges to achieving equity in global children's surgery: A call to action.

CHALLENGES: A Call to Action.

Tendencias históricas en la formación de los cirujanos generales a nivel mundial / Historical trends about the training of general surgery specialists worldwide

Introducción: Los avances tecnológicos y educativos en ciencias médicas durante los últimos cincuenta años han sido mayores que en toda la historia de la humanidad. Objetivo: Caracterizar la formación del especialista de cirugía general en el mundo en su devenir histórico y actual. Métodos: Se hizo una revisión bibliográfica en las bases de datos CUMED, SciELO, LILACS, Web of Science y PubMed, mediante el motor de búsqueda de información Google Académico. Fueron seleccionados 23 artículos: 19 (82,6 por ciento) del quinquenio 2016-2020, publicados en español e inglés, concernientes al objetivo propuesto, para lo cual se aplicó el método teórico de investigación científica histórico-lógico. Desarrollo: A partir del siglo xix, la evolución de la cirugía en el mundo discurre desde sus limitaciones ocasionadas por el dolor, las infecciones, las hemorragias y el shock hasta el vertiginoso desarrollo de la anestesiología y la reanimación, la asepsia y antisepsia, los novedosos métodos de diagnóstico y tratamiento, la cirugía de trasplante de órganos y tejidos, la cirugía de mínimo acceso, la simulación y la robótica durante el siglo xx y en el presente. Conclusiones: Los avances educativos en la formación profesional durante el período de especialización en cirugía general no marchan al ritmo del desarrollo tecnológico a escala mundial. De ahí surge la necesidad de potenciar al máximo el proceso de enseñanza y aprendizaje de posgrado mediante el desarrollo de estos avances educativos, de manera que no queden a la zaga de los progresos tecnológicos(AU)

Introduction: Technological and educational advances in medical sciences during the last fifty years have been greater than in the entire history of humanity. Objective: To characterize the training of general surgery specialists worldwide considering its historical and current evolution. Methods: A bibliographic review was carried out in the databases CUMED, SciELO, LILACS, Web of Science and PubMed, using the search engine Google Scholar. Twenty-three articles were selected: 19 (82.6 percent) from the five-year period 2016-2020, published in Spanish and English, concerning the set objective, for which the theoretical method of historical-logical scientific research was applied. Development: From the 19th century on, the evolution of surgery worldwide goes from its limitations caused by pain, infections, bleeding and shock to the dizzying development, during the twentieth century and nowadays, of anesthesiology and resuscitation, asepsis and antisepsis, novel methods for diagnosis and treatment, organ and tissue transplant surgery, minimal access surgery, simulation and robotics. Conclusions: Educational advances in professional training during the period of specialization in general surgery do not go in step with technological development on a global scale, hence the need to maximize the postgraduate teaching and learning process through the development of these educational advances, in order for them not to be left behind technological progress(AU)

Sesgos en investigación quirúrgica / Biases in surgical research

Resumen Los resultados de diversos hallazgos de investigación han sido objeto de crítica, en especial en los últimos años, debido a presencia de errores sistemáticos (sesgos), los que ponen en duda la validez interna de los resultados obtenidos. Estos sesgos pueden ocurrir en cualquier etapa del curso de una investigación, es decir, desde la planificación del estudio hasta la presentación y publicación de sus resultados. Los sesgos se han clasificado de diferentes formas, intentado agruparlos bajo dimensiones conceptuales, objeto de organizar de mejor forma la información existente, que además es considerable. Los sesgos pueden ocurrir por diversos motivos, pero en general, los más frecuentes son aquellos originados por el observador (él o los que miden), por lo que es observado (sujeto en estudio); y aquello con lo que se observa (instrumento de medición). Por otra parte, varios de los múltiples sesgos existentes, se pueden agrupar en: sesgos de selección, de medición o información, y de confusión. El objetivo de este manuscrito fue comentar la importancia de los sesgos más comunes en la investigación quirúrgica, y su relación con algunos diseños de investigación; así como, conocer las estrategias existentes para minimizar su ocurrencia.

The results of many research findings have come under scrutiny in recent years due to the introduction of systematic errors (biases), which can occur at any stage during an investigation, from planning to presentation of results and their presentation and further publication. Biases have been classified in different ways, trying to group them under conceptual dimensions to better organize the existing information, which is considerable. Biases can occur for various reasons, but in general, the most frequent are those originated by the observer, what is observed; and what is observed with. I.e., the subject that is measured, who measures it and with what it measures it. On the other hand, several of the multiple biases can be grouped into selection, measurement or information, and confounding biases. The aim of this manuscript was to comment on the importance of the most common biases in surgical research, and their relationship with some research designs; as well as know the existing strategies to reduce its occurrence.

In a digitally connected world through Likes, Hashtags and Followers - Advancing surgical research through a social media: A narrative review.

In this era of modern information technology, the world is now digitally connected through various platforms on social media, which has changed the way medical professionals work, communicate and learn. The use of social media in surgery is expanding, and it is now becoming an essential tool for surgical training, research and networking. Articles, journal clubs and surgical conferences are within reach of everyone regardless of geographical location worldwide. Electronic publications have now resoundingly replaced printed editions of journals. Collaborative research through social media platforms helps collect diverse data, enhancing the research's global generalisability. The current narrative review was planned to discuss the importance of social media in advancing surgical research and the use of different social media applications in the context of promoting and disseminating surgical research alongside its evolving ethical challenges.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: A Current Analysis of General Surgery Residency Programs.

BACKGROUND: Local, regional, and national diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives have been established to combat barriers to entry and promote retention in surgery residency programs. Our study evaluates changes in diversity in general surgery residency programs. We hypothesize that diversity trends have remained stable nationally and regionally. MATERIALS AND METHODS: General surgery residents in all postgraduate years were queried regarding their self-reported sex, race, and ethnicity following the 2020 ABSITE. Residents were then grouped into geographic regions. Data were analyzed utilizing descriptive statistics, Kruskal-Wallis test, and chi-square analyses. RESULTS: A total of 9276 residents responded. Nationally, increases in female residents were noted from 38.0 to 46.0% (P < .001) and in Hispanic or Latinx residents from 7.3 to 8.3% (P = .031). Across geographic regions, a significant increase in female residents was noted in the Northwest (51.9 to 58.3%, P = .039), Midwest (36.9 to 43.3%, P = .006), and Southwest (35.8 to 47.5%, P = .027). A significant increase in black residents was only noted in the Northwest (0 to 15.8%, P = .031). The proportion of white residents decreased nationally by 8.9% and in the Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, and Southwest between 5.5 and 15.9% (P < .05). DISCUSSION: In an increasingly diverse society, expanding the numbers of underrepresented surgeons in training, and ultimately in practice, is a necessity. This study shows that there are region-specific increases in diversity, despite minimal change on a national level. This finding may suggest the need for region-specific DEI strategies and initiatives. Future studies will seek to evaluate individual programs with DEI plans and determine if there is a correlation to changing demographics.

Examining the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on the operative volumes of US general surgery residents.

BACKGROUND: In March 2020, the COVID-19 virus global pandemic forced healthcare systems to institute regulations including the cancellation of elective surgical cases, which likely decreased resident operative experience. The objective of this study was to determine whether the COVID-19 pandemic affected operative experiences of US general surgery residents. METHODS: The operative experience of general surgery residents was examined nationally and locally. Aggregate Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) case logs for 2018 to 2019 (pre-COVID) and 2019 to 2020 (COVID) graduates were compared using national mean cumulative operative volume for total major and surgeon chief cases. Locally, ACGME case logs were used to analyze the operative experience among residents at a single, academic center. Average operative volumes per month per resident during peak COVID-19 quarantine months were compared with those the previous year. RESULTS: Compared with 2019 graduates, 2020 graduates completed 1.5% fewer total major cases (1055 ± 155 vs 1071 ± 150, P = .011). This was most evident during chief year, with 8.4% fewer surgeon chief cases logged in 2020 compared with 2019 (264 ± 67 vs 289 ± 69, P < .001). Institutional data revealed that during the peak of the pandemic, residents across all levels completed 42.5% fewer total major operations (12 ± 11 vs 20 ± 14, P < .001). This effect was more pronounced among junior residents compared with senior and chief residents. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with decreased resident case volume. The ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic for operative competency and autonomy should be carefully examined.

Eleventh International Women in Surgery Career Symposium, February 14-16, 2020 Sand Key Resort, Clearwater Florida.

Surgery, society, and the world are ever changing. The role of women in surgery is changing too and changing fast. For many women, this change is too slow, too fast, too disruptive, too confusing, and too dependent on others. A symposium such as this helps direct our discussions and thoughts, but many answers will evolve only with and after thoughtful consideration, debate, and action. The symposium is not a "gripe session," but a call to arms for all stakeholders, including surgery. Surgery must evolve commensurate with the times and recognize the huge and unique talent pool women represent. Herein is the summary of the plenary session of the symposium. Hopefully, it will stir emotions and initiate debate which will lead to enlightenment and benefit to surgery, our patients, our employers, and all surgeons, both current and future. For those who want to be part of the dialogue, please take advantage of this opportunity. This symposium will continue to be held annually as we build our awareness and develop impactful ideologies to further the beneficial impact of the surgical community. Lead, follow, or get out of the way; your choice. We encourage all to be part of the process.

La importancia de la geriatría transversal en la cirugía abdominal oncológica / The importance of cross-speciality geriatrics in abdominal oncologic surgery

Introducción. El paciente de edad avanzada es el usuario más frecuente en los centros sanitarios. La Geriatría transversal comparteel proceso asistencial con el cirujano atendiendo la esfera cognitiva, funcional y social del paciente, con el objetivo de optimizar loscuidados (tales como mantenimiento de la independencia funcional, nutrición, detección del deterioro cognitivo…) ofreciendo unacobertura integral y reduciendo complicaciones, costes y estancia hospitalaria de manera sobreañadida. El objetivo del trabajo esdar visibilidad a la contribución que el geriatra puede llevar acabo en los servicios de Cirugía General. Material y métodos. Seriede casos mediante estudio descriptivo retrospectivo en el que se analizaron los pacientes mayores de 75 años intervenidos de cáncerde colón durante el año 2021 en el Hospital Central de la Cruz Roja mediante cirugía programada y su evolución clínica posteriora los 6 meses. Resultados: 10 pacientes (80% mujeres), edad media 76,4 años (±3,2), Escala Cruz Roja Funcional media de 1/5(±0,9), con índice de Barthel modificado 80/100 (±15,2), Escala Cruz Roja Mental de 0/5 (±0,6). Índice de Charlson medio de 4,3puntos (±2,2) con 60% enfermedades cardiovasculares, 20% insuficiencia renal crónica y 20% neumopatías. Destacó la elevadapolifarmacia (100%) y desnutrición (60%) previo a la cirugía. El 50% presentó delirium y el 40% padeció insuficiencia cardiacadescompensada. Conclusiones. La Geriatría transversal ayuda a detectar necesidades silentes y debe participar en la atenciónmulticomponente tanto previa a la cirugía (prehabilitación) como en la hospitalización y seguimiento posterior, colaborando con el cirujano en la atención al paciente crónico complejo geriátrico. (AU)

Introduction. The older patient is the most frequent user in healthcare centers. Cross-speciality geriatrics shares the care processwith the surgeon attending the cognitive, functional and social sphere of the patient, with the aim of optimizing care (such asmaintenance of functional independence, nutrition, detection of cognitive deterioration...) offering a comprehensive coverage andreducing complications, costs and hospital stay in a superadded way. The aim of this study is to give visibility to the contributionthat geriatricians can make in general surgery services. Material and methods. Case series by retrospective descriptive study inwhich patients over 75 years of age operated on for colon cancer during the year 2021 in the Central Hospital of the Red Cross byscheduled surgery and their clinical evolution after 6 months were analyzed. Results: 10 patients (80% women), mean age 76.4years (±3.2), mean Functional Red Cross Scale of 1/5 (±0.9), with modified Barthel index 80/100 (±15.2), Mental Red Cross Scaleof 0/5 (±0.6). Mean Charlson index of 4.3 points (±2.2) with 60% cardiovascular disease, 20% chronic renal failure and 20% pneumopathies. The high polypharmacy (100%) and malnutrition (60%) prior to surgery stood out. Fifty percent presented deliriumand 40% suffered from decompensated heart failure. Conclusions. Cross-speciality geriatrics helps to detect silent needs and shouldparticipate in multicomponent care both prior to surgery, during hospitalization and subsequent follow-up, collaborating with thesurgeon in the care of the geriatric complex chronic patient. (AU)

Esplendor y ocaso de la cirugía experimental. Recuerdo histórico / Splendor and sunset of experimental surgery. Historical memory

La cirugía experimental ha sido en las últimas décadas la base del desarrollo del conocimiento y de la técnica quirúrgica. Hanexistido numerosos centros que ha dispuesto de este tipo de infraestructuras casi siempre ligados a los hospitales. Por otro lado, lacirugía ha evolucionado a procedimientos mínimamente invasivos con un claro cambio del perfil de la técnica quirúrgica, abandonándose en parte los procedimientos tradicionales. Además, se han desarrollado de forma relevante las nuevas tecnologías yen especial la informática que han aportado nuevas prestaciones. Todo ello ha hecho que se haya reconsiderado estratégicas yplanificaciones del pasado que ha quedado superadas por nuevos enfoques. Se analiza en el trabajo las aportaciones de la cirugíaexperimental, se valora su utilidad actual y se discute su utilidad futura. (AU)

Experimental surgery has been in recent decades the basis for the development of knowledge and surgical technique. There havebeen numerous centers that have had this type of infrastructure almost always linked to hospitals. On the other hand, surgery hasevolved to minimally invasive procedures with a clear change in the profile of the surgical technique, partially abandoning traditional procedures. On the other hand, new technologies have been developed in a relevant way, especially computing, which has provided new features. All this has led to a reconsideration of past strategies and plans that have been superseded by new approaches.The contributions of experimental surgery are analyzed in the work, its current usefulness is assessed and its future usefulness isanalyzed. (AU)

THE FUTURE OF TECHNOLOGY AND ROBOTICS IN SURGERY.

In the past three decades, several technologies designed for other purposes, have been applied in surgery to provide more precision to the surgical procedures and better outcomes. In surgery, innovation requires evidence before widespread implementation of novelties and a continuous quality improvement process to assess benefits and risks. Robotics in surgery has been widely implemented, but in some cases, there are many doubts regarding its clinical benefit and cost utility. The future of surgery lies in the fulfillment of four main conditions: safety, access, efficiency, and efficacy. Innovation and technology should help to accomplish these conditions, but it must not be the center of surgical practice. We present here our perspective on the main issues related to technology and robotics focusing on evidence-based surgery.