Should Robotic Surgery Simulation Be Introduced in the Core Surgical Training Curriculum?

Introduction: The focus of this research is to qualitatively analyse the literature and address the knowledge gap between robotic surgery simulation (RoSS) and core surgical training curriculum. It will compare the effectiveness and the benefits of using robotic simulators in training as compared to the current standard training methods. Materials and Methods: A qualitative research of literature was carried out with the use of critical analysis formatting to expand the search. The inclusion criteria entailed selecting academic resources that focused on Robotic Surgery Simulation (RoSS) and core surgical curriculum. The Online databases used in the search took into account information retrieval from stakeholders. Evidence Synthesis: In this article, we compiled and scrutinized the available relevant literature comparing performance assessments, surgical skills transfer and assessment tools between robotic surgery simulation (RoSS) and current training platforms in open and minimal access surgery. Data that has been published underpins the authenticity of robotic Surgery Simulation (RoSS), based on a combination of observational evaluation and simulation scores. Conclusion: The introduction of robotic surgery simulation (RoSS) has the potential to bring major improvements in the surgical training curriculum. RoSS platforms are more robust in terms of ensuring rapid surgical skills transfer/ acquisition, assessment is standardized, unbiased and the training covers non-technical skills aspects.

Pneumomediastinum following intubation in COVID-19 patients: a case series.

The number of patients requiring tracheal intubation rose dramatically in March and April 2020 with the COVID-19 outbreak. Our thoracic surgery department has seen an increased incidence of severe pneumomediastinum referred for surgical opinion in intubated patients with COVID-19 pneumonitis. Here we present a series of five patients with severe pneumomediastinum requiring decompression therapy over a 7-day period in the current COVID-19 outbreak. We hypothesise that the mechanism for this is the aggressive disease pathophysiology with an increased risk of alveolar damage and tracheobronchial injury, along with the use of larger-bore tracheal tubes and higher ventilation pressures. We present this case series in order to highlight the increased risk of this potentially life-threatening complication among the COVID-19 patient cohort and offer guidance for its management to critical care physicians.

Doege-Potter Syndrome.

Doege-Potter syndrome is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome presenting as a hypoinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia from the ectopic secretion of a prohormone of insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II) from a solitary fibrous tumour. Surgical resection is curative in the majority of cases. If, however, the diagnosis is not suspected and treatment is delayed, it can lead to hypoxic cerebral injury or death. The underlying tumour can be a benign or malignant pleural tumour but may be present in extrapleural sites. For a diagnosis of Doege-Potter syndrome, symptoms attributable to hypoglycaemia and low blood glucose levels should be present along with the secretion of prohormone IGF-II. We report a case of severe hypoglycaemia in a 76-year-old inpatient admitted for resection of a recurrent left-sided pleural tumour. Investigation revealed true hypoglycaemia and Doege-Potter syndrome was diagnosed. The tumour was completely resected and the patient made a full recovery with no further hypoglycaemic episodes.