Conocimiento en estudiantes de enfermería sobre sepsis quirúrgico / Knowledge in nursing students about surgical sepsis

Objetivo: Determinar el nivel de conocimiento de los estudiantes de enfermería de la Universidad Técnica de Ambato sobre sepsis quirúrgica. Material y método: La presente investigación tiene un diseño de desarrollo observacional, de tipo descriptivo, cohorte transversal, con un enfoque cuantitativo, ya que el nivel de cono-cimiento se verá representado mediante tablas y gráficos para des-cribir la problemática del periodo octubre 2023 febrero 2024. Re-sultados: Se evidencia un alto porcentaje de respuestas incorrectas por cada ítem por parte de los estudiantes. La categoría Nivel de Conocimiento sobre Definición de Sepsis, fue respondida de ma-nera incorrecta con un porcentaje del 83,9%, la categoría Nivel de Conocimiento sobre Diagnóstico de Sepsis obtuvo 51,7% y, por úl-timo, la Nivel de Conocimiento sobre Tratamiento de Sepsis con el 29,2%. Conclusiones: El nivel de conocimiento de los estudiantes sobre Sepsis Quirúrgica es malo, debido a que existe una subesti-mación de la gravedad de la sepsis como afección potencialmente mortal, lo que puede traer un impacto negativo en los pacientes[AU]

Objective: Determine the level of knowledge of nursing students at the Technical University of Ambato about surgical sepsis. Mate-rials and methods: This research has an observational, descriptive, transversal development design, with a quantitative approach since the level of knowledge will be represented through tables and gra-phs to describe the problems of the period October 2023-February 2024. Results: A high percentage of incorrect answers for each item by the students is evident. The category Level of Knowledge about Definition of Sepsis was answered incorrectly with a percentage of 83.9%, the category Level of Knowledge about Diagnosis of Sepsis obtained 51.7% and, finally, the category Level of Knowledge about Treatment of Sepsis. Sepsis with 29.2%. Conclusions: The level of knowledge of students about Surgical Sepsis is poor because there is an underestimation of the severity of sepsis as a potentially fatal condition, which can have a negative impact on patients[AU]

Objetivo: Determinar o nível de conhecimento dos estudantes de enfermagem da Universidade Técnica de Ambato sobre sepse ci-rúrgica. Material e método: Esta pesquisa possui desenho de coor-te observacional, descritivo, transversal, com abordagem quantita-tiva, uma vez que o nível de conhecimento será representado por meio de tabelas e gráficos para descrever o problema no período de outubro de 2023 a fevereiro de 2024. Resultados: Uma parada. É evidente o percentual de respostas incorretas para cada item por parte dos alunos. A categoria Nível de Conhecimento sobre Defi-nição de Sepse foi respondida incorretamente com percentual de 83,9%, a categoria Nível de Conhecimento sobre Diagnóstico de Sepse obteve 51,7% e por fim, a categoria Nível de Conhecimen-to sobre Tratamento de Sepse com 29,2%. Conclusões: O nível de conhecimento dos estudantes sobre a Sepse Cirúrgica é baixo, pois há uma subestimação da gravidade da sepse como uma condição potencialmente fatal, que pode ter um impacto negativo nos pa-cientes[AU]

Rural general surgical provision from the perspective of twenty-two rural general surgeons: a thematic analysis.

BACKGROUND: Australia continues to suffer from a geographical maldistribution of general surgical services with only 20% of general surgeons working rurally despite 29% of Australia's population residing outside major metropolitan centres. This qualitative study explored the impact of human capacity and infrastructure upon rural general surgery provision. METHODS: This qualitative study employed semi-structured interviews of rural general surgeons. Participants were recruited via the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) Rural newsletter and purposive sampling. All interviews were conducted between January 2023 and April 2023. Transcripts were transcribed, de-identified, and thematically analysed. RESULTS: Two female and 20 male rural general surgeons were interviewed from seven of the eight Australian State or Territories. Four main themes were identified which reflected the impact of human capacity and infrastructure upon Australian rural general surgery provision: (1) small hospital syndrome - and the impact, (2) the rural general surgeon identity, (3) infrastructure and disempowerment and (4) over-reliance on visiting surgeons. CONCLUSION: Improving access to equitable general surgical care for rural Australians requires appropriate infrastructure and a well-trained, sustainable multidisciplinary surgical team (human capacity). A greater understanding of the issues may help drive rational, long-term supportive solutions.

Urgency an important factor when assessing fecal incontinence.

The aim of this study was to investigate if Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS) score contributed with complementary information to Wexner score when assessing fecal incontinence (FI). The hypothesis was that LARS score would be likely to provide complementary information to Wexner score in the assessment of FI regardless of etiology. LARS score has been used as a complement to traditional scoring systems to assess bowel dysfunction, targeting FI among patients after radical cystectomy, in women with endometriosis, and in colorectal cancer patients. Wexner score as a single tool does not address the complexity of FI and urgency, a disabling symptom. A retrospective cohort study at a surgical outpatient clinic included patients diagnosed with FI who answered LARS and Wexner scores questionnaires at their first visit to the clinic between 1st January 2015 and 31st December 2018. Kendall's tau, Spearman rank correlation, Cohen's kappa, and scatterplots were analyzed for participants and specific subgroups to assess any correlation and agreement between answers to the two scoring systems. One hundred nineteen patients met the inclusion criteria, one hundred eight women and eleven men. Kendall's tau ranged from 0.32 to 0.39, indicating lack of correlation. Correlation coefficients using Spearman rank ranged from 0.36 to 0.55, i.e., only fair to moderate correlation. Kappa was 0.21-0.28, i.e., only slight to fair agreement. Distribution of LARS and Wexner scores in the scatterplot showed wide variability and lack of agreement. Combined use of both the Wexner and LARS scores provided complimentary information, and thus a more complete mapping of FI as well as taking all entities in consideration.

Defining characteristics of categorical general surgery resident lateral transfers.

Background: Few studies describe rationales for intraspecialty ('lateral') general surgery (GS) resident program transfers. Objective: We aimed to describe the key features of GS residency programs reporting lateral transfers, to characterize reasons behind transfer events, and to compare transferring resident skill sets against their new institutional peers. Methods: A survey was administered in October 2020 to capture program features and demographic information of residents who transferred into or out of a GS residency program during a 5-year period. This survey was approved and distributed by the Association of Program Directors in Surgery to all participating GS program directors and coordinators. Survey responses were collected, and descriptive analyses were performed. Results: Of 69 program responses (21.5% survey response rate), 42 (61%) indicated the presence of any type of transfer event (in or out); 19 of 69 (27.5%) programs reported having at least one categorical GS resident transfer out, and 31 of 69 (44.9%) programs reported having at least one transfer in. Most transfer-out events (94.7%) were resident initiated, and the most commonly cited rationale was family obligation (78.9%). Most programs reported that residents who transferred in were on par with the existing resident cohort with respect to their medical knowledge, administrative abilities, and communication skills. Conclusion: GS transfers were not uncommon and most were resident initiated secondary to family obligations. The majority of transfer resident skill sets met institutional expectations by the time of graduation. Programs surveyed were content with their decision to accept transfer residents. Level of evidence: III.

Infiltrating Ductal Breast Carcinoma in a Male Patient With Associated BARD1 Mutation.

Male breast cancer is an uncommon diagnosis with limited research on management and prognosis due to its rarity. We discuss a case of a 55-year-old male with a non-contributory past medical history who presented with an enlarging palpable mass of his right breast tissue at the 10:00 position. The ultrasound of the right breast showed a 2.8 cm heterogenous mass with irregular borders highly suspicious for malignancy. The follow-up sonogram-guided core biopsy was performed, and the pathology of the mass confirmed high-grade infiltrating ductal carcinoma. A modified radical mastectomy of the right breast with extensive axillary lymph node excision was performed. Genetic testing of the excised tumor revealed a MUTYH gene mutation and a BARD1 (BRCA1-associated RING domain 1) gene mutation of unknown significance. Histopathological analysis confirmed a Grade 2, ER/PR-positive, KI 67-positive, and HER2-negative tumor.

Complete resolution of perforated jejunal diverticulitis after nonoperative management.

The authors report a case of perforated jejunal diverticulitis that was managed nonoperatively in a 60-year-old man. Nonoperative management of perforated jejunal diverticulitis is uncommon but possible, and necessitates close follow up to ensure complete resolution.

Spontaneous haemoperitoneum caused by a bleeding gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumour.

Spontaneous haemoperitoneum is described as a collection of blood in the peritoneal cavity due to non-traumatic aetiology. Common causes in the literature include splenic, hepatic and gynaecological pathology. Patients with spontaneous haemoperitoneum usually present with non-specific dull aching abdominal pain. Spontaneous haemoperitoneum can only be radiologically diagnosed and, if not treated in time, is life threatening. Rupture of a gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST) presenting as a spontaneous haemoperitoneum is a rare event. Gastric GIST presents as ambiguous abdominal pain, complications of which include melena, obstruction and rupture. This is a report of a male patient in his early 60s who presented with acute abdominal pain. A contrast-enhanced CT of the abdomen showed haemoperitoneum with an unknown source of origin. Diagnostic laparoscopy showed a bleeding exophytic mass arising from the stomach, which was resected. Thus, early diagnosis with proper imaging and prompt treatment has a favourable outcome.

Postoperative physical rehabilitation in the elderly patient after emergency surgery. Influence on functional, cognitive and quality of live recovery: study protocol for a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The progressive aging of the population has meant the increase in elderly patients requiring an urgent surgery. Older adults, especially those with frailty, have a higher risk for complications, functional and cognitive decline after urgent surgery. These patients have their functional and physiological reserve reduced which makes them more vulnerable to the effects of being bedridden. The consequences are at multiple levels emphasizing the functional loss or cognitive impairment, longer stays, mortality and institutionalization, delirium, poor quality of life and increased use of resources related to health. We aim to determine whether postoperative physical rehabilitation can prevent functional and cognitive decline and modify the posterior trajectory. METHODS/DESIGN: This study is a randomized clinical trial, simple blinded, conducted in the Department of Surgery of a tertiary public hospital in Navarra (Hospital Universitario de Navarra), Spain. Patients > = 70 years old undergoing urgent abdominal surgery who meet inclusion criteria will be randomly assigned to the intervention or control group. The intervention will consist of a multicomponent physical training programme, which will include progressive and supervised endurance, resistance and balance training for 4 weeks, twice weekly sessions with a total of 8 sessions, and the group control will receive the usual care. The primary outcome measure is the change in functional (SPPB) and cognitive status (Mini-Mental State Examination) and the change of quality of life (EuroQol-5D-VAS) during the study period. The secondary outcomes are postoperative complications, length of stay, delirium, mortality, use of health resources, functional status (Barthel Index and handgrip strength tests), cost per quality-adjusted life year and mininutritional assessment. The data for both the intervention group and the control group will be obtained at four different times: the initial visit during hospital admission and at months 1, 3 and 6 months after hospital discharge. DISCUSSION: If our hypothesis is correct, this project could show that individualized and progressive exercise programme provides effective therapy for improving the functional capacity and achieve a better functional, cognitive and quality of life recovery. This measure, without entailing a significant expense for the administration, probably has an important repercussion both in the short- and long-term recovery, improving care and functional parameters and could determine a lower subsequent need for health resources. To verify this, we will carry out a cost-effectiveness study. The clinical impact of this trial can be significant if we help to modify the traditional management of the elderly patients from an illness model to a more person-centred and functionally oriented perspective. Moreover, the prescription of individualized exercise can be routinely included in the clinical practice of these patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05290532. Version 1. Registered on March 13, 2022.

Extrapolative Validity Evidence of the Anastomosis Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skill (A-OSATS) for Robotic Ileocolic Anastomosis.

OBJECTIVE: To collect validity evidence for the use of the Anastomosis Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (A-OSATS) instrument, which has been developed to evaluate performance of a minimally invasive side-to-side bowel anastomosis with hand-sewn common enterotomy. DESIGN: Residents performed a robotic ileocolic anastomosis simulation on an ex vivo porcine model. Faculty scored each resident with the A-OSATS and performed a provocative leak test on the completed anastomoses. Residents were reassessed on the sewing sub-score 1 month later. Data were compared with parametric and nonparametric analysis. SETTING: Single academic general surgery residency PARTICIPANTS: PGY-4 and -5 general surgery residents (n = 17) RESULTS: PGY-5s performed better than PGY-4s in repeat A-OSATS sewing sub-score (mean 55/55 ± 0 vs 43 ± 4.9, p < 0.001) and time to complete (minutes, mean 14.5 ± 4.9 vs 21.2 ± 3.9, p = 0.01). There was a strong correlation between A-OSATS score and time (r = -0.67, p = 0.005). For the initial assessment, there was no significant difference in mean A-OSATS score between anastomoses that leaked and those that did not leak (137.3 ± 14.5 vs 150.1 ± 11.2, p = 0.098), but on repeat assessment, intact anastomoses had a higher mean A-OSATS sewing sub-score than those that leaked (52.2 ± 4.7 vs 39 ± 3.5, p = 0.007). There was no significant difference between initial A-OSATS score and repeat score (p = 0.14). CONCLUSIONS: We provide extrapolative validity evidence for the A-OSATS instrument by comparing A-OSATS score to time to sew, provocative leak test, and discrimination between PGY-4s and PGY-5s. Generalizability validity evidence is provided by test-retest reliability. Further refinement is needed for the A-OSATS tool to be used for high-stakes entrustment decisions in resident-performed robotic ileocolic anastomoses.

Mining for Gold: A Mixed-Methods Study on Personal Statements in General Surgery Residency Applications.

INTRODUCTION: As numeric data are becoming increasingly scarce in general surgery residency applications, the personal statement (PS) may be key to identifying candidates to interview. This study sought to determine if PSs of candidates invited for interview at our residency program had different qualities when compared to those not invited. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This single-institution study retrospectively reviewed the PSs of applications for a categorical general surgery position (2022). The scores assigned to PSs were compared. The content of PSs was qualitatively analyzed based on an a priori coding scheme. The codes of interest related to program alignment were the following: diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, social determinants of health, and service to underserved communities. RESULTS: Of 308 applications, 112 (36%) applicants were invited to the interview. For applicants who were invited to the interview, the PSs were scored higher compared to those who were not invited (median 4.25 versus 3.5, P < 0.001). Highly scored PSs were more likely to include a personal story (74% versus 59%, P = 0.01) and mention diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, social determinants of health, or service to under-served communities (62% versus 37%, P < 0.001). Also, a greater proportion of applicants who were invited to the interview wrote about these topics (71% versus 33%, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: At our institution, PS quality and content is associated with interview selection. A high-quality PS tended to include personal story about the applicants and signal value alignment with our institution. PSs should be placed at greater importance in the review process and emphasized as a marker for candidate and institutional alignment.

Trends in Radiation at a Level I Trauma Center.

Introduction Following traumatic injury, patients often require imaging modalities that subject them to large amounts of radiation. The current protocol for imaging workup in trauma patients includes plain radiographs and computed tomography (CT). Although these imaging modalities have improved quality and efficiency in trauma interventions, it is essential to understand their potential limitations and adverse effects. The large amounts of radiation from these imaging tests have raised concern for particularly vulnerable populations, including children and adolescents. Objective To evaluate the trends in radiation exposure in trauma assessment and imaging seen at a Level I trauma center. Methods This retrospective analysis used a de-identified dataset from the trauma registry at Desert Regional Medical Center Level I Trauma Center in Palm Springs, CA. Total radiation amounts were calculated based on the type of diagnostic modality. An effective radiation dose was assigned to each examination (radiograph and CT scan) based on the values provided by the American College of Radiology. Results There was a statistically significant positive correlation between injury severity score and effective radiation dose from imaging workup. From 2016 to 2021, radiation amount and year were found to be negatively correlated. There was a larger, statistically significant amount of radiation dosage among adult trauma patients (16.32 mSv) when compared to pediatric (6.32 mSv) and geriatric (12.67 mSv) groups. Conclusion Our Level I trauma center has observed a decline in radiation exposure with our current trauma protocols in place. On average, adult patients received the highest effective radiation dose to pediatric and geriatric patients. CT scans and radiography are essential tools in initial trauma workup and should be used only in appropriate patients.

A Retrospective Study of Milligan-Morgan Versus LigaSure Hemorrhoidectomy in the Treatment of Symptomatic Hemorrhoids at an Institute in North India.

Objective The present study aimed to assess and compare the surgical outcomes of hemorrhoidectomies performed using two different techniques: conventional Milligan-Morgan and another popular vessel sealing approach of LigaSure hemorrhoidectomy. Methods This retrospective study was conducted at our tertiary care hospital and involved patients who underwent either of the surgical procedures from June 2016 to March 2022. The patient demographics and data on the duration of operation, hospital stay, and postoperative recovery were collected and evaluated. Results Of the 91 cases reviewed, a total of 44 patients underwent Milligan-Morgan open hemorrhoidectomy and 47 had LigaSure hemorrhoidectomy. The mean operative time was significantly shorter for LigaSure hemorrhoidectomy (33.84 ±9.18 vs. 23.15 ±3.36 minutes for Milligan-Morgan and LigaSure, respectively, p<0.0001). Additionally, in comparison to Milligan-Morgan open hemorrhoidectomy, the LigaSure hemorrhoidectomy group exhibited a significant reduction in hospital stay (2.20 ±0.79 vs. 1.47 ±0.50 days), lower pain score [6.55 ±1.19 vs. 5.30 ±1.10 on the visual analog scale (VAS) on day one and 2.25 ±1.26 vs. 1.47 ±0.78 VAS on day seven], and faster return to normal activities (18.18 ±4.30 vs. 14.85 ±3.15 days). Conclusions When pitted against the traditional Milligan-Morgan method, the LigaSure approach to performing a hemorrhoidectomy is superior, owing to the shorter duration of operation, shorter hospital stays, lesser pain, and earlier return to normal activities. In light of these findings, surgeons may consider choosing this procedure to improve surgical outcomes and efficiency.

Worksheet-Based Delivery System to Improve Participation and Engagement in Basic Science.

THE CHALLENGE: A basic science curriculum is foundational to surgical training. However, engagement in, and satisfaction with, standard lectures is notoriously poor and antithetical to adult education principles. THE TOOL: We developed a worksheet-based delivery system to improve participation and engagement in basic science. METHODS: The SCORE curriculum objectives were used to create interactive worksheets that could be filled out in advance and were reviewed as a group during protected education time. All PGY levels in our community-based academically affiliated program participated (19 residents total). The worksheets were created by a resident in her research year and vetted by the attending moderating each session. The same amount of time allotted for our former basic science lectures was used for worksheet review as a group. The frequency of active resident participation was recorded before and after implementing the worksheet-based curriculum. A survey was created to determine resident satisfaction with the curriculum and was sent out before and after the implementation of the new curriculum. Mean resident survey scores with lecture-based and worksheet-based curriculum were compared utilizing paired t-tests. RESULTS: Fourteen residents responded to the survey. With the lecture-based format, active participation was noted 30% of the time or less. With the worksheet-based format, engagement increased to 100% of the time. Additionally, there was a statistically significant increase in the resident opinion of the utility of the sessions, congruence with their learning style, and improvement in knowledge. About 64% of the residents who completed the survey either "always" or "sometimes" completed the worksheets ahead of time and 92% of the residents who completed the worksheets ahead of time felt like it allowed them to increase their engagement in didactics. CONCLUSIONS: Engagement is a core tenet of adult education and changing from lectures to worksheets in the delivery of basic science capitalizes on this concept, leading to increased resident satisfaction. This initiative is easily translatable to any type of residency program and can be completed within the currently allotted timeframe for the basic science conference.

Treatment of left tenth rib haemangioma vascularised by a costal artery giving the artery of Adamkiewicz.

Haemangioma of the ribs is considered an extremely rare benign tumour. Here, we present a case of a young male with left tenth rib haemangioma vascularised by a costal artery giving the artery of Adamkiewicz presented as chronic cough. This was successfully treated through preoperative embolisation and surgical resection. A preoperative angiogram was performed to identify the origin of the artery of Adamkiewicz. The final diagnosis was confirmed histopathologically. There were no complications in the postoperative course and no recurrence during 12 months of follow-up.

The contemporary management of perforated appendicitis in adults: To operate or wait?

Objectives: The optimal management of perforated appendicitis remains controversial. Many studies advocate for antibiotics and an interval appendectomy whereas others suggest that performing an appendectomy at the time of presentation decreases post-operative morbidity. Confounding this argument further are the patients who fail non-operative management and end up requiring surgery during their initial hospitalization. This study aims to determine if early operative intervention should be considered for perforated appendicitis. Methods: This was a retrospective review of all patients who underwent an appendectomy (both laparoscopic or open) for perforated appendicitis between 2015 and 2020 at our institution. Results: A total of 271 patients met inclusion criteria for this study. Of this group, 250 patients underwent an immediate appendectomy whereas the remaining 21 patients underwent a trial of non-operative management and eventually required an appendectomy during their initial admission. When comparing the immediate versus delayed operative groups, there were no differences in demographic data including age and gender, and no differences in various imaging findings including AAST Grade IV or V appendicitis. Operatively, patients in the delayed group had a longer operative time (83.1 ± 32.9 vs. 64.1 ± 26.2, p = 0.01), were more likely to require an open operation (23.8 % vs. 2.8 %, p < 0.0001), and were more likely to have a drain placed intra-operatively (42.9 % vs 14.4 %, p = 0.004). While there were no differences in 30-day readmission rates, patients in the delayed group had a significantly longer hospital length of stay than patients in the immediate group (9.4 ± 7.4 vs. 3.1 ± 3.3, p = 0.008). Conclusions: Patients undergoing an immediate appendectomy for perforated appendicitis can discharge from the hospital sooner and demonstrate no increase in post-operative morbidity suggesting that surgeons can initially manage this disease process in an operative fashion.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumours: incidence, recurrence and mortality. A decade of patients from a New Zealand tertiary surgical centre.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumours of the gastrointestinal tract. The New Zealand (NZ) population incidence has not previously been documented nor has the potential effect of ethnicity been reviewed. We furthermore wanted to assess the difference between those undergoing a wedge resection versus a more extensive operation which we hypothesised would correlate with recurrence and mortality. METHODS: All patients (n = 103) with a GIST diagnosed and treated at Te Whatu Ora Waitemata (Auckland, New Zealand) between 2012 and 2021 are presented. Patient demographics, method of GIST detection, management approach, index surgery, histological features, use of adjuvant and neoadjuvant imatinib, follow-up, recurrence and mortality rates were analysed. RESULTS: This paper reports the largest NZ GIST cohort to date and estimates an incidence of 17 cases per million per year. Eighty-four patients underwent surgical resection, 58 received a wedge resection and 17 received a more extensive operation. Five-year disease-free survival rates were 100% in the low/very low risk, 90% in the intermediate and 59% in the high risk groups as determined by the modified NIH criteria. Our overall 5-year GIST-specific survival rate was 83%; it was 91% in those who underwent a wedge resection and 60% in the extensive operation group. There is evidence that Maori have higher rates of GIST recurrence compared to non-Maori and are more likely to require an extensive surgical resection.

Pseudomyxoma peritonei peritonitis.

Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rare neoplastic condition characterised by gelatinous ascites, which generally arise from mucin-producing appendiceal tumours. Presentation is variable but requires prompt recognition to ensure appropriate specialist management due to risk of malignancy.A male in his 40s presented with a 1-day history of sudden onset, non-migratory abdominal pain, worse in the right iliac fossa. He had no significant medical history nor known drug allergies. Examination revealed right iliac fossa peritonism and blood tests revealed raised inflammatory markers. CT scan showed a right-sided abdominal collection. Intraoperatively, a diagnostic laparoscopy was performed, which revealed extensive mucin in the abdominal cavity. This was washed out and a laparoscopic appendectomy was performed; histopathology confirmed PMP from the ruptured appendix.

Perforated appendicitis within a spigelian hernia.

A woman in her 90s presented to the emergency department with new onset pain in a long standing right spigelian hernia. She was febrile and mildly hypotensive. CT scan demonstrated a hernia containing small and large bowel with significant fat stranding and thus proceeded to operative management via an open appendicectomy and suture repair of the hernia. There are few similar cases in the literature, with the predominance being suture repair, a roughly even split between open and laparoscopic approaches.

What Changed? Variables Associated With the General Surgery Match.

INTRODUCTION: Between 1994 and 2014, despite an increase in applicants, successful matches into general surgery (GS) decreased by 13%. We aim to (1) understand the trends in competitiveness for a GS residency, and ascertain the associations between (2) geographical distribution and (3) research experiences on matching. METHODS: National Resident Matching Program data (2013-2022) were analyzed for (1) annual positions and matches, (2) United States Medical Licensing Examination scores, and (3) research experiences. Geographical locations of general surgery residency programs (GSRPs) for matched US seniors were obtained from medical school websites and through contacting institutions. Distances between medical schools and respective matches were assessed for the proportion of students matching within 100 miles, in the same state or same region, or in a different geographical region than their medical school. RESULTS: Of 28,690 applicants, 15,242 (53.12%) matched into a GS residency. Matched GS applicants had higher United States Medical Licensing Examination scores compared to applicants who matched in Emergency Medicine and Family Medicine (P < 0.001). US Medical Doctor (MD) match rates into GS were lower compared to Neurosurgery (P < 0.01), possibly due to competition from non-US MD applicants within GS. More applicants matched into GSRPs in the same region as their medical school, with 14% matching into home programs or within the same state as their medical school. CONCLUSIONS: Higher board examination scores and research participation are associated with successful matches. GS competition from non-US MDs may be driving the match rates for US MDs lower. More than half of students matched into GSRPs in the same region as their medical school.