Overcoming Barriers: Sex Disparity in Surgeon Ergonomics.

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal discomfort is widely experienced by surgeons across multiple surgical specialties. Developing technologies and new minimally invasive techniques add further complexity and ergonomic stressors. These stressors differentially affect male and female surgeons, but little is known about the role these sex disparities play in surgical ergonomic stress. We reviewed existing literature to better understand how ergonomic stress varies between male and female surgeons. STUDY DESIGN: A literature search was performed via PubMed including but not limited to the following topics: ergonomics, surgeons, female surgeons, women surgeons, pregnancy, and operating room. A review of available quantitative data was performed. RESULTS: Female surgeons endure more pronounced ergonomic discomfort than their male counterparts, with added ergonomic stress associated with pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: A 4-fold method is proposed to overcome ergonomic barriers, including (1) improved education on prevention and treatment of ergonomic injury for active surgeons and trainees, (2) increased departmental and institutional support for ergonomic solutions for surgeons, (3) partnerships with industry to study innovative ergonomic solutions, and (4) additional research on the nature of surgical ergonomic challenges and the differential effects of surgical ergonomics on female surgeons.

Optimizing ergonomics during open, laparoscopic, and robotic-assisted surgery: A review of surgical ergonomics literature and development of educational illustrations.

BACKGROUND: The surgical profession is plagued with a high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. While numerous interventions have been tested over the years, surgical ergonomics education is still uncommon. METHODS: The available literature on surgical ergonomics was reviewed, and with input from surgeons, recommendations from the review were used to create pictorial reminders for open, laparoscopic, and robot-assisted surgical modalities. These simple pictorial ergonomic recommendations were then assessed for practicality by residents and surgeons. RESULTS: A review of the current literature on surgical ergonomics covered evidence-based ergonomic recommendations on equipment during open and laparoscopic surgery, as well as proper adjustment of the surgical robot for robot-assisted surgeries. Ergonomic operative postures for the three modalities were examined, illustrated, and assessed. CONCLUSIONS: The resulting illustrations of ergonomic guidelines across surgical modalities may be employed in developing ergonomic education materials and improving the identification and mitigation of ergonomic risks in the operating room.

Indian surgery Trainee's perspective on surgical ergonomics principles and education: A long road ahead.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to determine the baseline knowledge and beliefs, along with the impact of incorporating surgical ergonomics lectures during a residency. METHODS: A cohort of 123 Indian surgical residents participated in this educational intervention, which consisted of two educational webinars on ergonomics. Both pre- and post-intervention surveys were electronically sent to the participants. These included questions related to their demographics, prevalence of musculoskeletal (MSK) symptoms, and factors affecting participant awareness of ergonomic recommendations. RESULTS: Seventy-one residents responded to the pre-webinar survey. Eighty-five percent of respondents reported MSK symptoms, with the most common being pain (70%) and stiffness (40%), which the residents attributed to their surgical training. Forty-six residents completed the post-webinar survey. The majority of respondents strongly agreed or agreed that surgical ergonomic educational sessions improved their understanding of the fundamental causes of MSK symptoms and increased their awareness of options available for prevention MSK injuries. CONCLUSION: The rate of MSK symptoms and/or injury was high among this cohort of surgical residents. These surveys and educational session demonstrated there is limited awareness of the comprehension of ergonomics related to surgical procedures. Our study shows that a simple surgical ergonomic educational intervention can lead to improved understanding of prevention and ergonomic changes.

Metastatic Disease to a Concurrent Thyroid Neoplasm: A Case Series and Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Metastatic disease to the thyroid gland is uncommon but well-described. Metastatic disease to a concurrent primary thyroid neoplasm is a rare phenomenon. We sought to study patients with metastasis to the thyroid with a focus on the histopathologic and clinical features in tumor-to-tumor metastasis. METHODS: We identified a series of patients with metastatic disease to the thyroid, with or without a concurrent primary neoplasm, through a search of the files of the Department of Pathology. All relevant slides were retrieved and reviewed, including routine HE and immunohistochemical stains. We performed a detailed English language literature search (1962-2022) and review to identify tumor-to-tumor metastasis involving the thyroid. RESULTS: We identified 14 patients with metastasis to the thyroid over a 22-year period. Four patients exhibited papillary thyroid carcinoma, with metastatic spread of a different malignancy seeding into the thyroid cancer. We describe the histopathologic diagnostic process and findings, clinical management, and the clinical course of tumor-to-tumor metastasis in greater detail for these 4 patients. CONCLUSION: Tumor-to-tumor metastasis to the thyroid is a rare event with unique histopathologic features. Our findings suggest that the phenomenon of tumor-to-tumor metastasis serves to highlight broader mechanisms of metastatic disease in general. We provide the largest-to-date and comprehensive review of the literature to identify all previous reported instances of tumor-to-tumor metastasis involving the thyroid.

Influence of endocrine multidisciplinary tumor board on patient management and treatment decision making.

BACKGROUND: Multidisciplinary Tumor Boards (MDT) are used to obtain input regarding cancer management. This study assessed the impact of our institutional Endocrine MDT. METHODS: MDT notes on patients with thyroid cancer treated during 2012-2018 were abstracted retrospectively from the electronic medical record. Management change (MC) was prospectively collected by the MDT coordinator. Biannual evaluations reviewed the impact of the MDT as observed by attendees. RESULTS: MC was recommended in 47 (15%) of 286 presentations, with additional imaging being the most frequent (43%). Presentation of recurrences were more likely to result in MC (24% vs. 13% initial, p = 0.03). Overall, 98% of attendees found the conference exceeded educational expectations. About 24% reported intending to use a more evidence/guideline-based approach after attending and this trend increased over time (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: MDT presentations led to a higher rate of MC particularly in recurrent TC patients and increased evidenced-based practice for attendees.

Expression of cancer stem cell markers in tall cell variant papillary thyroid cancer identifies a molecular profile predictive of recurrence in classic papillary thyroid cancer.

BACKGROUND: Tall cell variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma is an aggressive subtype of papillary thyroid carcinoma. We examined expression of cancer stem cell markers in tall cell variant compared with other well-differentiated thyroid cancers. METHODS: Expression of cancer stem cell markers was examined in 572 thyroid tumors from The Cancer Genome Atlas Thyroid Cancer database and tall cell variant and papillary thyroid carcinoma tumors by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Expression of the PROM1 gene, encoding the cancer stem cell marker CD133, was elevated in tall cell variant compared to classic papillary thyroid carcinoma in a large cohort of unmatched samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas Thyroid Cancer database (P < .001). By immunohistochemistry in age and stage matched samples, CD133 protein was confirmed to be significantly increased in tall cell variant versus classic papillary thyroid carcinoma (P = .006). Analyzing all thyroid cancers, high PROM1 expression was associated with worse disease-specific survival. Optimal cutoffs were determined to define a tall cell variant-like cancer stem cell signature characterized by high PROM1, high ALDH1A3, and low CD24 expression. Classic papillary thyroid carcinoma with a tall cell variant-like gene signature had worse recurrence disease-free survival compared to classic papillary thyroid carcinoma with a non-tall cell variant signature (P = .02). CONCLUSION: Tall cell variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma has increased expression of cancer stem cell markers compared to classic papillary thyroid carcinoma. The tall cell variant-like cancer stem cell gene signature identified a molecular subtype of classic papillary thyroid carcinoma that has a worse recurrence-free survival.

Endocrine surgeons have high rates of work-related musculoskeletal (MSK) injury and symptoms.

BACKGROUND: Work-related injury and musculoskeletal (MSK) symptoms are common among surgeons, however data for endocrine surgeons (ES) are lacking. METHODS: A survey was distributed to American Association of Endocrine Surgeons (AAES) and Endocrine section of American Head and Neck Society (AHNS) members. RESULTS: MSK symptoms were present in 199 (90%) of 220 respondents, most notably pain (91%) and stiffness (81%). The most common locations were neck (87%) and shoulders (55%). Women were more likely to be symptomatic (98.6% versus 86.4%, p = 0.004). Although 67% of respondents reported awareness of ergonomic principles, only 19% had learned about them during training. The most common ergonomic adjustments were stretching, use of microbreaks and headlight/loupe adjustments. CONCLUSION: The vast majority of ES surgeons suffer MSK symptoms that could potentially impact their quality of life and career length. Effective strategies are needed to protect this highly trained workforce.

The State of the World's Midwifery 2021 report: findings to drive global policy and practice.

The third global State of the World's Midwifery report (SoWMy 2021) provides an updated evidence base on the sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn and adolescent health (SRMNAH) workforce. For the first time, SoWMy includes high-income countries (HICs) as well as low- and middle-income countries. This paper describes the similarities and differences between regions and income groups, and discusses the policy implications of these variations. SoWMy 2021 estimates a global shortage of 900,000 midwives, which is particularly acute in low-income countries (LICs) and in Africa. The shortage is projected to improve only slightly by 2030 unless additional investments are made. The evidence suggests that these investments would yield important returns, including: more positive birth experiences, improved health outcomes, and inclusive and equitable economic growth. Most HICs have sufficient SRMNAH workers to meet the need for essential interventions, and their education and regulatory environments tend to be strong. Upper-middle-income countries also tend to have strong policy environments. LICs and lower-middle-income countries tend to have a broader scope of practice for midwives, and many also have midwives in leadership positions within national government. Key regional variations include: major midwife shortages in Africa and South-East Asia but more promising signs of growth in South-East Asia than in Africa; a strong focus in Africa on professional midwives (rather than associate professionals: the norm in many South-East Asian countries); heavy reliance on medical doctors rather than midwives in the Americas and Eastern Mediterranean regions and parts of the Western Pacific; and a strong educational and regulatory environment in Europe but a lack of midwife leaders at national level. SoWMy 2021 provides stakeholders with the latest data and information to inform their efforts to build back better and fairer after COVID-19. This paper provides a number of policy responses to SoWMy 2021 that are tailored to different contexts, and suggests a variety of issues to consider in these contexts. These suggestions are supported by the inclusion of all countries in the report, because it is clear which countries have strong SRMNAH workforces and enabling environments and can be viewed as exemplars within regions and income groups.

Racial disparities in comorbid conditions among patients undergoing thyroidectomy for Graves' disease: An ACS-NSQIP analysis.

BACKGROUND: Studies indicate that racial disparities exist in the presentation and outcomes of patients undergoing thyroidectomy for cancer and benign disease. We examined the relationship between race, pre-operative characteristics and outcomes in patients undergoing thyroidectomy for GD. METHODS: Patients were identified from the 2013-2016 American College of Surgeons NSQIP database using ICD-9/10 codes consistent with diffuse toxic goiter. RESULTS: AA patients were more likely to have an ASA classification of ≥3 (41% vs 30%, p < 0.001), a higher rate of CHF (2.1% vs 0.5%, p = 0.01), hypertension (46% vs 32%, p < 0.001) and dyspnea (10% vs 5%, p < 0.001) compared to Non-Hispanic Caucasians (NH-C) patients. Complications were higher in patients with ASA≥3 and CHF but not affected by race. CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of a national database of thyroidectomy for GD revealed a higher burden of preoperative comorbidities in AA patients compared to other races, although race was not an independent predictor of outcomes.

Incorporating Surgical Ergonomics Education into Surgical Residency Curriculum.

BACKGROUND: Education on surgical ergonomics during residency training is lacking. This study aimed to determine the feasibility and impact of incorporating surgical ergonomics lectures into residency curriculum. METHODS: A survey was distributed to 42 residents with questions regarding demographics, surgical factors, prevalence of musculoskeletal (MSK) symptoms, and awareness of ergonomic recommendations. The residents then received 2 lectures on ergonomics in surgery. A follow up survey was distributed to evaluate the impact of the lectures. RESULTS: Twenty-two residents completed the presession survey. Ninety-one percent reported MSK symptoms attributed to their training. Seventeen residents completed the follow up survey. All reported increased awareness of their own habits while operating and improved understanding of methods to prevent and/or treat work-related injuries. All residents recommended incorporating the lectures as an adjunct to their regular curriculum. CONCLUSIONS: The rates of MSK symptoms and/or injury are high among surgeon trainees. Residency is an opportune time to educate on principles of ergonomics and may prevent future injuries.

Evaluation of switch from satellite laboratory to central laboratory for testing of intraoperative parathyroid hormone.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate testing turnaround time (TAT) and incision to close time in parathyroid surgeries before and after switching intraoperative parathyroid hormone (PTH) testing from a near point of care location to a central clinical laboratory. DESIGN AND METHODS: This retrospective study covered a ten-year period. Both testing locations used the same Roche Diagnostics PTH immunoassay but on different analyzers. The predominant site for surgeries was the main operating rooms (ORs) in an adjacent building, with a limited number of parathyroid surgeries performed at a more distant ambulatory surgery center (ASC). Under ideal conditions, TAT for near point-of-care testing was 20 â€‹min, although multiple factors could increase TAT. Incision to close time from the electronic health record was used to define time of surgery. RESULTS: A total of 897 unique patients were identified for which 3031 orders for intraoperative PTH were placed (383 unique patients and 1244 orders after switch in testing site). The average total TAT times for testing (mean â€‹± â€‹SD) in the central laboratory were 23.9 â€‹± â€‹16.0 â€‹min (median, 22 â€‹min) for all specimens, 22.8 â€‹± â€‹7.9 â€‹min (median, 21 â€‹min) for main OR specimens, and 26.4 â€‹± â€‹7.1 â€‹min (median, 25 â€‹min) for ASC specimens. Incision to close time for parathyroidectomies showed decreases in mean, median, and standard deviation following testing change. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery time for parathyroidectomies may remain consistent or decrease if intraoperative PTH testing is moved from a near point of care to a central laboratory.

The Association of Women Surgeons research grant: An analysis of the first 25 years.

BACKGROUND: The impact of the Association of Women Surgeons (AWS) Research Grant on academic productivity is unknown. METHODS: Grant applications were obtained from AWS archives. Applicant bibliometrics and National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants were identified via public databases. RESULTS: Twenty-four recipients between 1996 and 2020 and 68 nonrecipients between 2012 and 2017 were identified. $596,700 was awarded over the 25 years. Twenty-five percent of recipients subsequently acquired NIH funding amounting to $6,611,927.00, an 885-1008% return on investment. Compared to nonrecipients, grant recipients produced a greater mean number of publications (50.6 versus 36.4; p = 0.05), had a higher h-index (15.92 versus 10.7; p = 0.01), and were cited in higher impact factor journals (6.32 versus 3.9; p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, previous AWS Research Grant recipients were more likely to become more impactful surgeon-scientists, as indicated by a higher post-award rate of NIH funding, total number of publications, and h-index than nonrecipients.

Practice Patterns and Outcomes of Pediatric Thyroid Surgery: An NSQIP Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric thyroid cancer rates are rising. The aim of this study was to determine the state of current practice and outcomes for pediatric thyroidectomies using the pediatric National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP-P) with specific attention to differences based on surgeon type/specialty. METHODS: All cases of pediatric thyroidectomies and neck dissections within the NSQIP-P database were identified from 2015 to 2017. Patient, disease, and treatment-related factors affecting 30-day outcomes were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: A total of 1300 cases were identified. Mean age at time of surgery was 14.0 (SD 3.5) years. The majority of patients were female (78%) and Caucasian (72%). Pediatric general surgeons performed the largest proportion of cases (42%) followed by pediatric otolaryngologists (33%). Malignancies were present in 29% of cases. The overall rate of complications was 3.0%. On multivariate analysis, non-pediatric surgeons were more likely to operate on Caucasian children, malignant pathology, and perform modified radical neck dissections. Pediatric surgeons were more likely to have longer operative times, have specialized in otolaryngology, and operate on sicker children (ASA>2). There were no differences in length of stay or overall complications rates. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that pediatric surgeons currently perform the majority of thyroid surgeries in children. While unable to assess surgeon volume, our data show that thyroid surgery is being safely performed at NSQIP-affiliated hospitals by both non-pediatric and pediatric surgeons. Further studies are needed to determine if there are differences in specific procedure-related complications and long-term outcomes between surgeon types.

Leaving no one behind: Is the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals possible without securing the dignity, rights, and well-being of those who are "invisible"?

The persistence of obstetric fistula-a devastating childbirth injury occurring largely among poor, marginalized women and girls-constitutes a human rights violation and a public health crisis. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to "leave no one behind." Failing to eliminate fistula jeopardizes attainment of several of the SDGs. Member States of the United Nations adopted a UN Resolution on ending fistula in 2018, calling for an end to fistula within a decade. Building upon recommendations of the UN Secretary General's 2018 Report on Obstetric Fistula, the Resolution calls for significantly increased commitments and investments to end fistula. Crucial interventions for eliminating fistula include high-quality, equitable, accessible health systems; implementing costed national strategies for eliminating fistula; integrating fistula into national plans to achieve the SDGs; strengthening national fistula task forces; and significantly increased, sustained financial support. Fistula elimination necessitates protecting women's/girls' human rights and addressing social determinants that affect women's/girls' ability to "survive, thrive and transform," including social and economic inequities; gender-based violence; child marriage and early childbearing; and access to education. Enhanced awareness-raising and advocacy; improved research, data, monitoring and evaluation; holistic social reintegration and survivor empowerment; and community engagement are additional key strategies for realizing this ambitious goal.

Discordant findings on preoperative imaging for primary hyperparathyroidism and thyroid disease: Choosing the path to follow.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative localization of abnormal parathyroid glands in primary hyperparathyroidism is often obtained by sestamibi, and ultrasonography. We aimed to identify which modality is most accurate when laterality of abnormal glands on preoperative imaging is discordant. METHODS: A single institution retrospective review identified 112 consecutive patients with primary hyperparathyroidism who underwent successful parathyroidectomy and sestamibi with pertechnetate. RESULTS: Sestamibi with pertechnetate had a sensitivity of 72% and positive predictive value of 90%; ultrasonography had sensitivity of 50% and positive predictive value 80%. Patients with thyroiditis had lesser sensitivity and positive predictive value on sestamibi with pertechnetate (53% and 77%, respectively), in contrast to ultrasonography (54%, 88%, respectively). The sensitivity and positive predictive value of sestamibi with pertechnetate and ultrasonography did not differ in patients with thyroid nodules. Seventeen patients (15%) had discordant laterality on preoperative imaging. In discordant cases, sestamibi with pertechnetate was correct in 53% overall but in only 17% of those with thyroiditis (P = .01), whereas ultrasonography was correct in 26% overall but in 50% of those with thyroiditis (P = .01). CONCLUSION: Thyroiditis decreased the sensitivity and positive predictive value of sestamibi with pertechnetate in primary hyperparathyroidism. In patients with discordant laterality on preoperative imaging, sestamibi with pertechnetate is the more accurate choice to guide operative planning, although ultrasonography may be a better guide in those with thyroiditis.

BST-2 promotes survival in circulation and pulmonary metastatic seeding of breast cancer cells.

Bone marrow stromal antigen 2 (BST-2) mediates various facets of cancer progression and metastasis. Here, we show that BST-2 is linked to poor survival in invasive breast cancer patients as its expression positively correlates with disease severity. However, the mechanisms that drive the pro-metastatic functions of BST-2 are not fully understood. Correlation of BST-2 expression and tumor aggressiveness was analyzed in human tissue samples. Migration, invasion, and competitive experimental metastasis assays were used to measure the cellular responses after silencing BST-2 expression. Using a mouse model of breast cancer, we show that BST-2 promotes metastasis independent of the primary tumor. Additional experiments show that suppression of BST-2 renders non-adherent cancer cells non-viable by sensitizing cells to anoikis. Embedment of cancer cells in basement membrane matrix reveals that silencing BTS-2 expression inhibits invadopodia formation, extracellular matrix degradation, and subsequent cell invasion. Competitive experimental pulmonary metastasis shows that silencing BST-2 reduces the numbers of viable circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and decreases the efficiency of lung colonization. Our data define a previously unknown function for BST-2 in the i) formation of invadopodia, ii) degradation of extracellular matrix, and iii) protection of CTCs from hemodynamic stress. We believe that physical (tractional forces) and biochemical (ECM type/composition) cues may control BST-2's role in cell survival and invadopodia formation. Collectively, our findings highlight BST-2 as a key factor that allows cancer cells to invade, survive in circulation, and at the metastatic site.