A low-cost, DIY tourniquet simulator with built-in self-assessment for prehospital providers in Guatemala city.

BACKGROUND: Hemorrhage is the leading cause of preventable death after trauma. In high-income countries first responders are trained in hemorrhage control techniques but this is not the case for developing countries like Guatemala. We present a low-cost training model for tourniquet application using a combination of virtual and physical components. METHODS: The training program includes a mobile application with didactic materials, videos and a gamified virtual reality environment for learning. Additionally, a physical training model of a bleeding lower extremity is developed allowing learners to practice tourniquet application using inexpensive and accessible materials. Validation of the simulator occurred through content and construct validation. Content validation involved subjective assessments by novices and experts, construct validation compared pre-training novices with experts. Training validation compared pre and post training novices for improvement. RESULTS: Our findings indicate that users found the simulator useful, realistic, and satisfactory. We found significant differences in tourniquet application skills between pre-training novices and experts. When comparing pre- and post-training novices, we found a significantly lower bleeding control time between the groups. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that this training approach can enhance access to life-saving skills for prehospital personnel. The inclusion of self-assessment components enables self-regulated learning and reduces the need for continuous instructor presence. Future improvements involve refining the tourniquet model, validating it with first-responder end users, and expanding the training program to include other skills.

Taking advantage of asynchronous digital feedback: development of an at-home basic suture skills training program for undergraduate medical students that facilitates skills retention.

Purpose: To date, there are no training programs for basic suturing that allow remote deliberate practice. This study seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of a basic suture skills training program and its 6-month skill retention applying unsupervised practice and remote digital feedback. Methods: Fourth-year medical-student trainees reviewed instructional videos from a digital platform and performed unsupervised practice as needed at their homes. When they felt competent, trainees uploaded a video of themselves practicing the skill. In < 72 h, they received expert asynchronous digital feedback. The course had two theoretical stages and five video-based assessments, where trainees performed different suturing exercises. For the assessment, a global (GRS) and specific rating scale (SRS) were used, with a passing score of 20 points (max:25) and 15 (max:20), respectively. Results were compared to previously published work with in-person expert feedback (EF) and video-guided learning without feedback (VGL). A subgroup of trainees underwent a 6-month skills retention assessment. Results: Two-hundred and forty-three trainees underwent the course between March and December 2021. A median GRS of 24 points was achieved in the final assessment, showing significantly higher scores (p < 0.001) than EF and VGL (20.5 and 15.5, respectively). Thirty-seven trainees underwent a 6-month skills retention assessment, improving in GRS (23.38 vs 24.03, p value = 0.06) and SRS (18.59 vs 19, p value = 0.07). Conclusion: It is feasible to teach basic suture skills to undergraduate medical students using an unsupervised training course with remote and asynchronous feedback through a digital platform. This methodology allows continuous training with the repetition of quality practice, personalized feedback, and skills retention at 6 months.

Innovations in surgical training: exploring the role of artificial intelligence and large language models (LLM).

The landscape of surgical training is rapidly evolving with the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) and its integration into education and simulation. This manuscript aims to explore the potential applications and benefits of AI-assisted surgical training, particularly the use of large language models (LLMs), in enhancing communication, personalizing feedback, and promoting skill development. We discuss the advancements in simulation-based training, AI-driven assessment tools, video-based assessment systems, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) platforms, and the potential role of LLMs in the transcription, translation, and summarization of feedback. Despite the promising opportunities presented by AI integration, several challenges must be addressed, including accuracy and reliability, ethical and privacy concerns, bias in AI models, integration with existing training systems, and training and adoption of AI-assisted tools. By proactively addressing these challenges and harnessing the potential of AI, the future of surgical training may be reshaped to provide a more comprehensive, safe, and effective learning experience for trainees, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes. .

Five-Year Experience Training Surgeons with a Laparoscopic Simulation Training Program for Bariatric Surgery: a Quasi-experimental Design.

PURPOSE: Nearly 200,000 laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) are performed yearly. Reported learning curves range between 50 and 150, even 500 cases to decrease the operative risk. Simulation programs could accelerate this learning curve safely; however, trainings for LRYGB are scarce. This study aims to describe and share our 5-year experience of a simulated program designed to achieve proficiency in LRYGB technical skills. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A quasi-experimental design was used. All recruited participants were previously trained with basic and advanced laparoscopic simulation curriculum completing over 50 h of practical training. Ex vivo animal models were used to practice manual and stapled gastrojejunostomy (GJ) and stapled jejunojejunostomy (JJO) in 10, 3, and 4 sessions, respectively. The main outcome was to assess the manual GJ skill acquisition. Pre- and post-training assessments using a Global Rating Scale (GRS; max 25 pts), Specific Rating Scale (SRS; max 20 pts), performance time, permeability, and leakage rates were analyzed. For the stapled GJ and JJO, execution time was registered. Data analysis was performed using parametric tests. RESULTS: In 5 years, 68 trainees completed the program. For the manual GJ's pre- vs post-training assessment, GRS and SRS scores increased significantly (from 17 to 24 and from 13 to 19 points respectively, p-value < 0.001). Permeability rate increased while leakage rate and procedural time decreased significantly. CONCLUSION: This simulated training program showed effectiveness in improving laparoscopic skills for manual GJ and JJO in a simulated scenario. This new training program could optimize the clinical learning curve. Further studies are needed to assess the transfer of skills to the operating room.

REMOTE ASYNCHRONOUS FEEDBACK FOR UNSUPERVISED LAPAROSCOPIC TRAINING: THE "LAPP" PLATFORM.

BACKGROUND: The advantages of laparoscopic surgery over traditional open surgery have changed the surgical education paradigm in the past 20 years. Among its benefits are an improvement in clinical outcomes and patient safety, becoming the standard in many surgical procedures. However, it encompasses an additional challenge due to the complexity to achieve the desired competency level. Simulation-based training has emerged as a solution to this problem. However, there is a relative scarcity of experts to provide personalized feedback. Technology-Enhanced Learning could be a valuable aid in personalizing the learning process and overcoming geographic and time-related barriers that otherwise would preclude the training to happen. Currently, various educational digital platforms are available, but none of them is able to successfully provide personalized feedback. AIMS: The aim of this study was to develop and test a proof of concept of a novel Technology-Enhanced Learning laparoscopic skills platform with personalized remote feedback. METHODS: The platform "Lapp," a web and mobile cloud-based solution, is proposed. It consists of a web and mobile application where teachers can evaluate remotely and asynchronously exercises performed by students, adding personalized feedback for trainees to achieve a learning curve wherever and whenever they train. To assess the effectiveness of this platform, two groups of students were compared: 130 participants received in-person feedback and 39 participants received remote asynchronous feedback throughout the application. RESULTS: The results showed no significant differences regarding competency levels among both groups. CONCLUSION: A novel Technology-Enhanced Learning strategy consisting of remote asynchronous feedback throughout Lapp facilitates and optimizes learning, solving traditional spatiotemporal limitations.

Remote and asynchronous training network: from a SAGES grant to an eight-country remote laparoscopic simulation training program.

BACKGROUND: Limitations in surgical simulation training include lack of access to validated training programs with continuous year-round training and lack of experts' ongoing availability for feedback. A model of simulation training was developed to address these limitations. It incorporated basic and advanced laparoscopic skills curricula from a previously validated program and provided instruction through a digital platform. The platform allowed for remote and asynchronous feedback from a few trained instructors. The instructors were continuously available and provided personalized feedback using a variety of different media. We describe the upscaling of this model to teach trainees at fourteen centers in eight countries. METHODS: Institutions with surgical programs lacking robust simulation curricula and needing instructors for ongoing education were identified. The simulation centers ("skills labs") at these sites were equipped with necessary simulation training hardware. A remote training-the-administrators (TTA) program was developed where personnel were trained in how to manage the skills lab, schedule trainees, set up training stations, and use the platform. A train-the-trainers (TTT) program was created to establish a network of trained instructors, who provided objective feedback through the platform remotely and asynchronously. RESULTS: Between 2019 and 2022, seven institutions in Chile and one in each of the USA, Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, El Salvador, México, and Perú implemented a digital platform-based remote simulation curriculum. Most administrators were not physicians (19/33). Eight Instructors were trained with the TTT program and became active proctors. The platform has been used by 369 learners, of whom 57% were general surgeons and general surgery residents. A total of 6729 videos, 28,711 feedback inputs, and 233.7 and 510.2 training hours in the basic and advanced programs, respectively, were registered. CONCLUSION: A remote and asynchronous method of giving instruction and feedback through a digital platform has been effectively employed in the creation of a robust network of continuous year-round simulation-based training in laparoscopy. Training centers were successfully run only with trained administrators to assist in logistics and setup, and no on-site instructors were necessary.

Artificial intelligence in laparoscopic simulation: a promising future for large-scale automated evaluations.

INTRODUCTION: A limitation to expanding laparoscopic simulation training programs is the scarcity of expert evaluators. In 2019, a new digital platform for remote and asynchronous laparoscopic simulation training was validated. Through this platform, 369 trainees have been trained in 14 institutions across Latin America, collecting 6729 videos of laparoscopic training exercises. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) has recently emerged in surgical simulation, showing usefulness in training assessment, virtual reality scenarios, and laparoscopic virtual reality simulation. An AI algorithm to assess basic laparoscopic simulation training exercises was developed. This study aimed to analyze the agreement between this AI algorithm and expert evaluators in assessing basic laparoscopic-simulated training exercises. METHODS: The AI algorithm was trained using 400-bean drop (BD) and 480-peg transfer (PT) videos and tested using 64-BD and 43-PT randomly selected videos, not previously used to train the algorithm. The agreement between AI and expert evaluators from the digital platform (EE) was then analyzed. The exercises being assessed involve using laparoscopic graspers to move objects across an acrylic board without dropping any objects in a determined time (BD < 24 s, PT < 55 s). The AI algorithm can detect object movement, identify if objects have fallen, track grasper clamps location, and measure exercise time. Cohen's Kappa test was used to evaluate the agreement between AI assessments and those performed by EE, using a pass/fail nomenclature based on the time to complete the exercise. RESULTS: After the algorithm was trained, 79.69% and 93.02% agreement were observed in BD and PT, respectively. The Kappa coefficients test observed for BD and PT were 0.59 (moderate agreement) and 0.86 (almost perfect agreement), respectively. CONCLUSION: This first approach of AI use in basic laparoscopic skills simulated training assessment shows promising results, providing a preliminary framework to expand the use of AI to other basic laparoscopic skills exercises.

Innovations in surgical training: exploring the role of artificial intelligence and large language models (LLM) / Inovações no treinamento cirúrgico: explorando o papel da inteligência artificial e dos grandes modelos de linguagem (LLM)

ABSTRACT The landscape of surgical training is rapidly evolving with the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) and its integration into education and simulation. This manuscript aims to explore the potential applications and benefits of AI-assisted surgical training, particularly the use of large language models (LLMs), in enhancing communication, personalizing feedback, and promoting skill development. We discuss the advancements in simulation-based training, AI-driven assessment tools, video-based assessment systems, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) platforms, and the potential role of LLMs in the transcription, translation, and summarization of feedback. Despite the promising opportunities presented by AI integration, several challenges must be addressed, including accuracy and reliability, ethical and privacy concerns, bias in AI models, integration with existing training systems, and training and adoption of AI-assisted tools. By proactively addressing these challenges and harnessing the potential of AI, the future of surgical training may be reshaped to provide a more comprehensive, safe, and effective learning experience for trainees, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes. .

RESUMO O cenário do treinamento cirúrgico está evoluindo rapidamente com o surgimento da inteligência artificial (IA) e sua integração na educação e simulação. Este artigo explora as aplicações e benefícios potenciais do treinamento cirúrgico assistido por IA, em particular o uso de modelos de linguagem avançados (MLAs), para aprimorar a comunicação, personalizar o feedback e promover o desenvolvimento de habilidades. Discutimos os avanços no treinamento baseado em simulação, ferramentas de avaliação impulsionadas por IA, sistemas de avaliação baseados em vídeo, plataformas de realidade virtual (RV) e realidade aumentada (RA), e o papel potencial dos MLAs na transcrição, tradução e resumo do feedback. Apesar das oportunidades promissoras apresentadas pela integração da IA, vários desafios devem ser abordados, incluindo precisão e confiabilidade, preocupações éticas e de privacidade, viés nos modelos de IA, integração com os sistemas de treinamento existentes, e treinamento e adoção de ferramentas assistidas por IA. Ao abordar proativamente esses desafios e aproveitar o potencial da IA, o futuro do treinamento cirúrgico pode ser remodelado para proporcionar uma experiência de aprendizado mais abrangente, segura e eficaz para os aprendizes, resultando em melhores resultados para os pacientes.

Anatomical Engineering and 3D Printing for Surgery and Medical Devices: International Review and Future Exponential Innovations.

Three-dimensional printing (3DP) has recently gained importance in the medical industry, especially in surgical specialties. It uses different techniques and materials based on patients' needs, which allows bioprofessionals to design and develop unique pieces using medical imaging provided by computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Therefore, the Department of Biology and Medicine and the Department of Physics and Engineering, at the Bioastronautics and Space Mechatronics Research Group, have managed and supervised an international cooperation study, in order to present a general review of the innovative surgical applications, focused on anatomical systems, such as the nervous and craniofacial system, cardiovascular system, digestive system, genitourinary system, and musculoskeletal system. Finally, the integration with augmented, mixed, virtual reality is analyzed to show the advantages of personalized treatments, taking into account the improvements for preoperative, intraoperative planning, and medical training. Also, this article explores the creation of devices and tools for space surgery to get better outcomes under changing gravity conditions.

Remote asynchronous feedback for unsupervised laparoscopic training: the "lapp" platform / Feedback assíncrono remoto para treinamento laparoscópico não supervisionado: a plataforma "lapp"

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The advantages of laparoscopic surgery over traditional open surgery have changed the surgical education paradigm in the past 20 years. Among its benefits are an improvement in clinical outcomes and patient safety, becoming the standard in many surgical procedures. However, it encompasses an additional challenge due to the complexity to achieve the desired competency level. Simulation-based training has emerged as a solution to this problem. However, there is a relative scarcity of experts to provide personalized feedback. Technology-Enhanced Learning could be a valuable aid in personalizing the learning process and overcoming geographic and time-related barriers that otherwise would preclude the training to happen. Currently, various educational digital platforms are available, but none of them is able to successfully provide personalized feedback. AIMS: The aim of this study was to develop and test a proof of concept of a novel Technology-Enhanced Learning laparoscopic skills platform with personalized remote feedback. METHODS: The platform "Lapp," a web and mobile cloud-based solution, is proposed. It consists of a web and mobile application where teachers can evaluate remotely and asynchronously exercises performed by students, adding personalized feedback for trainees to achieve a learning curve wherever and whenever they train. To assess the effectiveness of this platform, two groups of students were compared: 130 participants received in-person feedback and 39 participants received remote asynchronous feedback throughout the application. RESULTS: The results showed no significant differences regarding competency levels among both groups. CONCLUSION: A novel Technology-Enhanced Learning strategy consisting of remote asynchronous feedback throughout Lapp facilitates and optimizes learning, solving traditional spatiotemporal limitations.

RESUMO RACIONAL: As vantagens da cirurgia laparoscópica sobre a cirurgia aberta tradicional mudaram o paradigma da educação cirúrgica nos últimos 20 anos, tornando-se o padrão em muitos procedimentos cirúrgicos. No entanto, envolve um desafio adicional devido à complexidade para atingir o nível de competência desejado. O treinamento baseado em simulação surgiu como uma solução. No entanto, há uma relativa escassez de especialistas para fornecer feedback personalizado. A Technology Enhanced Learning pode ser uma ajuda valiosa na personalização do processo de aprendizagem e na superação de barreiras geográficas e temporais que impediriam o treinamento. Atualmente, várias plataformas educacionais estão disponíveis, mas nenhuma delas é capaz de fornecer feedback personalizado. OBJETIVOS: desenvolver e testar uma prova de conceito de uma nova plataforma de habilidades laparoscópicas da Technology Enhanced Learning com feedback remoto personalizado. MÉTODOS: É proposta a plataforma "Lapp", uma solução web e móvel baseada em nuvem. É composta por uma aplicação web em que os professores podem avaliar remotamente e de forma assíncrona exercícios realizados pelos alunos, adicionando feedback personalizado para os formandos alcançarem uma curva de aprendizagem onde e quando treinam. Para avaliar a eficácia desta plataforma, dois grupos de alunos foram comparados. 130 participantes receberam feedback pessoal e 39 participantes receberam feedback remoto assíncrono em todo o aplicativo. RESULTADOS: Os resultados não mostraram diferenças significativas em relação ao nível de competência entre os dois grupos. CONCLUSÕES: Uma nova estratégia Technology Enhanced Learning que consiste em feedback assíncrono remoto em toda a Lapp facilita e otimiza o aprendizado, resolvendo as limitações espaço-temporais tradicionais.

Transgastric repair of transfixing gastroesophageal junction gunshot wound: video case report.

Managing traumatic injuries of the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) is infrequent due to associated lesions of adjacent highly vascularized organs. Its anatomical localization in the upper abdomen makes the repair challenging to perform. A stable 23-year-old male was presented at the emergency department with two thorax gunshot wounds. Computed tomography revealed air in the periesophageal space and right hemopneumothorax with no injury of the major vessels. A chest tube was placed and the patient was transferred hemodynamically stable to the operating. Abdominal exploration identified injuries to the left diaphragm; liver lateral segment; 1-cm transfixing perforation of the GEJ and right diaphragmatic pillar. Primary repair of the GEJ was performed and patched with a partial fundoplication. The diaphragm was repaired and the liver bleeding controlled. Finally, drains and a feeding jejunostomy were placed. The patient had an uneventful early postoperative course and was discharged home on the 12th postoperative day.

Minimally invasive tele-mentoring opportunity-the mito project.

BACKGROUND: Simulation training is a validated method for acquiring laparoscopic skills. Training sessions may be sporadic or lack continuity in oversight by instructors since traditional programs mandate in-person teaching and evaluation. This study presents the development, implementation, and results of a novel smartphone application that enables remote teacher-student interaction. This interface is used to complete a validated program that provides learner-specific feedback. Outcomes of training via Lapp were compared to outcomes of traditional in-person training. METHODS: A web-based and mobile iOS and Android application (Lapp) was developed to enable a remote student-teacher interaction. Instructors use Lapp to assess video recorded training sessions of students at distant locations and guide them through the laparoscopic skill course with specific and personalized feedback. Surgical trainees at two remote training centers were taught using Lapp. A control group was assessed during traditional simulation training at the training facility, with in-person feedback. Pre- and post-training performances were video recorded for each trainee and blindly evaluated by two experts using a global rating scale (GRS) and a specific rating scale (SRS). RESULTS: A total of 30 trainees were trained via Lapp and compared with 25 locally taught. Performance in the Lapp group improved significantly after the course in both GRS and SRS scores, from 15 [6-17] to 23 [20-25], and from 12 [11-15] to 18 [15-20], respectively. The results between both groups were comparable. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic simulation training using a mobile app is as effective as in-person instruction in teaching advanced laparoscopic surgical skills. Lapp provides an effective method of teaching through simulation remotely and may allow expansion of robust simulation training curriculums.

Smartphone application supplements laparoscopic training through simulation by reducing the need for feedback from expert tutors.

BACKGROUND: Simulation training is a validated, highly effective tool for learning laparoscopy. Feedback plays a crucial role in motor skills training. We present an app to guide students during advanced laparoscopy simulation training and evaluate its effect on training. METHODS: A smartphone(iOS)-app was developed. A group of trainees were randomized to use the app (YAPP) or not use the app (NAPP). We used blinded analysis with validated rating scales to assess their performance before and after the training. The number of requests for tutor feedback per session was recorded. Finally, the participants in the YAPP group completed a survey about their experience with the app. RESULTS: Fifteen YAPP and 10 NAPP completed the training program. There were no statistically significant differences between their skills performance scores (P = .338). The number of tutor feedback requests in the YAPP and NAPP was of 4 (3-6) and 13 (10-14) (P < .001), respectively. All participants in the YAPP group found the app was useful. CONCLUSION: The use of a smartphone app reduces the need for expert tutor feedback without decreasing the degree of skills acquisition.

Identificación en tiempo real de la anatomía biliar mediante fluorescencia utilizando fluoresceína sódica / Real time identification of biliary anatomy by fluorescence using fluorescein sodium

Objetivo: Desarrollar, en un modelo experimental animado, la técnica de colangiografía intraoperatoria utilizando fluoresceína sódica. Determinar la dosis de fluoresceína sódica necesaria para obtener la mejor visualización de la vesícula y del árbol biliar. Método: Estudio de tipo experimental, en el que se incluyeron 6 conejos albinos de raza Nueva Zelanda, distribuidos en 3 grupos equitativamente, según la dosis de fluoresceína sódica (5 mg/kg, 7,5 mg/kg, 15 mg/kg). Cumplido el protocolo anestésico, se administró la dosis de fluoresceína sódica según el grupo correspondiente, vía endovenosa. Se realizó una laparotomía por línea media superior, exteriorizándose el hígado y se realizó una maniobra de eversión, para la fácil identificación del sistema biliar extrahepático. Posteriormente, y con los sistema de iluminación, se registraron los parámetros de fluorescencia con cada dosis. No se realizó eutanasia. Ambiente: Centro veterinario privado "Colmillos y garras" Resultados: En todos los casos se logró registrar fluorescencia, siendo la dosis que permitió una mejor visualización la de 7,5 mg/kg. El tiempo promedio en el cual se empezó a ver fluorescencia en la vesícula biliar fue de 5 minutos; el tiempo promedio en el cual se alcanzó la totalidad del fenómeno fue de 18 minutos y, en todos los casos, la fluorescencia persistió por 30 minutos. Conclusión: La identificación de las vías biliares guiada por fluorescencia, utilizando fluoresceína sódica y con la fuente de luz UV de 5 mm de diámetro diseñada por los autores es factible, siendo la dosis con mejor visualización, la de 7,5 mg /kg de peso(AU)

Objective: To develop an experimental animal model technique using sodium fluorescein intraoperative cholangiography. To Determine the dose of sodium fluorescein necessary for the best display of the gallbladder and biliary tree. Methods: Experimental study. 6 New Zealand white albino rabbits divided into 3 groups depending on the dose of sodium fluorescein (5 mg / kg, 7.5 mg / kg, 15 mg / kg) were used. Prior anesthetic protocol corresponding fluorescein sodium was administered according included Animal group intravenously. Upper midline incision was used, exteriorization of the liver allow easy identification of extrahepatic biliary system and subsequently illuminated with fluorescence. Parameters were recorded for each dose. No euthanasia was performed. Environment: Private Veterinary Centre "Colmillos y Garras". Results: In all cases, we recorded fluorescence. The dose that allowed the best visualization was 7.5 mg / kg. The average time in which fluorescence began to be visible in the gallbladder was 5 minutes, the average time in which the total fluorescence was reached was 18 minutes in all cases fluorescence persisted until 30 minutes. Conclusion: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy guied using sodium fluorescein fluorescence and UV light source of 5 mm diameter is feasible. Better visualization is obtained with the dose 7.5 mg / kg(AU)

By pass gástrico laparoscópico como cirugía de rescate posterior a procedimientos restrictivos fallidos / Laparoscopic gastric bypass as rescue surgery when restrictive procedures failed

Objetivo:Exponer la experiencia en la cirugía de conversión a bypass gástrico por laparoscopia posterior a procedimientos restrictivos fallidos,en el servicio de Cirugía 2 del Hospital Universitario de Caracas.Pacientes y métodos:Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo y descriptivo incluyendo los pacientes a quienes se les realizó bypass gástrico por laparoscopia como cirugía de rescate posterior a un procedimiento bariátrico restrictivo fallido, en el período comprendido entre enero 2007 y diciembre 2010. Resultados:Entre 2007 y 2010 se intervinieron 12 pacientes con edad promedio de 46,4 años y predominio del sexo femenino (58 %). A 8 se les había colocado una banda gástrica ajustable por laparoscopia ya 4 se les había realizado una gastrectomía vertical laparoscópica. El peso promedio antes de la primera cirugía fue de 125,7 Kg y el IMC 46 kg/m2. Todos los pacientes presentaron pérdida inadecuada de peso con un promedio de 9,8% del exceso de peso perdido, motivo por el cual se decidió realizar cirugía de revisión y bypass gástrico por laparoscopia. La media de tiempo entre el primer procedimiento y el bypass gástrico fuede 47 meses. Sólo 1 paciente presentó complicaciones poso peratorias y se resolvió medicamente. Posterior a 6 meses la pérdida del exceso depeso fue 53,3% y después de un año 70,4% con un IMC de 29,6 kg/m2. Conclusión:El bypass gástrico por laparoscopia es seguro y efectivo como cirugía de rescate luego de procedimientos restrictivos fallido(AU)

Objective: To expose the experience in the conversion to laparoscopic gastric bypass when restrictive procedures failed, at Hospital Universitario de Caracas. Surgery II service. Patients and methods: A retrospective and descriptive study was conducted including patients who under going gastric bypass surgery as rescue procedure after a bariatricrestrictive procedure failed, from January 2007 toDecember 2010. Results: 12 patients with median age of46.4 years and predominance of female (58%) involved.Eight had placed an adjustable gastric band surgery and4 had made a laparoscopic vertical gastrectomy. The aver-age weight before the first surgery was 125,7 Kg and BMI46 kg/m2. All the patients had inadequate weight losswith an average of 9.8% of excess weight lost, reason bywhich it was decided to review and performe laparoscopygastric bypass. The average time from the first procedurewas 47 months. Only 1 patient developed postoperativecomplications and resolved medically. After 6 months, the loss of excess weight was 53.3% and after a year 70.4 percent with a BMI of 29.6 kg/m2. Conclusion: Gastric bypass surgery is safe and effective as surgery of rescue after failed restrictive procedures(AU)

Tiroidectomía endoscópica transaxiliar en cerdo modelo de entrenamiento / Endoscopic thyroidectomy transaxillary in pig model of training

Para demostar la seguridad y factibilidad de la técnica endoscópica mínimamente invasiva transaxilar sin uso de gas para disecar y remover la glándula tiroides en cerdo. Se utilizó un ejemplar de raza landrace durox pietran york de 2 meses de edad y 25 Kg, un equipo de endoscopia STORZ® y bisturí armónico Ultracision®. Se realizó tiroidectomía endoscópica transaxiliar sin gas, previa intubación endotraqueal del cerdo, con visualización de ambos nervios recurrentes y arterias tiroideas, tiempo quirúrgico: Abordaje axilar 20 minutos, abordaje endoscópico 40 minutos. La facilidad con la que se realizó la cirugía en este animal de experimentación, nos permite proponer el uso de cerdos para el entrenamiento y capacitación en la cirugía endoscópica de la tiroides.

To demonstrate the safety and feassibility of minimally invasive endoscopic technique without using gas transaxillary to dissect and remove the thyroid gland in pig. We used a pig race landrace durox pietran york 2 months of age and 25 kg, a team of STORZ® endoscope and harmonic scalpel Ultracision®. Transaxillary endoscopy thyroidectomy was performed without gas after endotracheal intubation the pig, with visuali alization of both recurrent nerves and thyroid arteries, surgical time: 20 minutes axillary approach, endoscopic approach 40 minutes. The ease with which they performed the surgery in animal experiments, this paper proposes the use of pigs for training and training in endoscopic surgery of the thyroid.

Lipoma gigante cervico -torácico. Abordaje mixto por cervicotomía y toracoscopia: Reporte de un caso / Cervico-thoracic giant lipoma: mixed approach by cervicotomy and thoracoscopy: a case report

Se presenta un caso de lipoma cervicotorácico gigante en paciente femenino de 45 años de edad, quien consultó por aumento de volumen cervical, odinodisfagia y disnea. Una radiografía de tórax y tomografía computarizada reveló una masa gigante intratorácica bilateral, ocupando la cavidad torácica izquierda con extensión al mediastino anterosuperior y al cuello, desplazando la tráquea y la faringe hacia la porción anterior y derecha. La paciente se llevó a resección quirúrgica del tumor cervico-torácico, con examen histológico que confirmó el diagnóstico de un lipoma gigante, con peso de 475 gramos y medidas de 30 x 20 cm. Este es el lipoma cervico-torácico más grande documentado en la literatura moderna y con abordaje mixto cervicotomía más toracoscopia

Female patient 45 years old with giant cervicothoracic lipoma, that consulted by increase of cervical volume, odinodysphagia and dyspnea. An x-ray thorax and computerized tomography revealed a bilateral intrathoracic giant mass, occupying the left thoracic cavity extending to the anterosuperior mediastinum and the neck, causing displacement of the trachea and the pharynx towards the previous and right portion. The patient took to surgical resection of the cervical thoracic tumor, with histological examination that confirmed the diagnosis of a giant lipoma, with weight of 475 grams and measures of 30 x 20 cm. It is largest cervical thoracic lipoma documented in modern literature and with cervicotomy and thoracoscopic approach

Los costos del trauma en el Hospital General del Oeste "Dr. José Gregorio Hernández" / Trauma costs the Hospital General del Oeste Dr. José Gregorio Hernández

Conocer las características y el costo del trauma en el Hospital General del Oeste "Dr. José Gregorio Hernández", Caracas-Venezuela. Estudio prospectivo y descriptivo de casos que ingresaron por trauma. Ingresaron, entre enero y junio del 2004, 251 pacientes, 90 por ciento masculinos y 88 por ciento menores de 40 años. El principal mecanismo de lesión fue el arma de fuego, afectando principalmente extremidades y abdomen. Treinta y dos por ciento de los casos ameritó intervención quirúrgica, siendo la laparotomía exploradora la más frecuente, y la más costosa la exploración vascular. El promedio de hospitalización fue de 6,8 días con un costo de Bs. 222.653,89 - BF 222,66-por día y Bs. 2.377.135, -237,14 BF- promedio por caso (US$ 1.238,09). El trauma afecta con más frecuencia a la población masculina en edad productiva, prevaleciendo el penetrante sobre el cerrado, involucrando en orden de frecuencia las extremidades, el abdomen, el tórax, la cabeza y el cuello. La laparotomía exploradora fue la intervención más frecuente, siendo la más costosa la exploración vascular, seguida de la toracotomía y la laparotomía. El costo mínimo fue de Bs. 2.377.135 o 237,14 BF (US$ 1.238), hallándose la mayor inversión en el área de hospitalización, seguida por área quirúrgica y emergencias.