Personal motivation, self-regulation barriers and strategies for weight loss in people with overweight and obesity: a thematic framework analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To explore motivations, self-regulation barriers and strategies in a multi-ethnic Southeast Asian population with overweight and obesity. DESIGN: Qualitative design using semi-structured face-to-face and videoconferencing interviews. Data were analysed using thematic framework analysis and constant comparison method. SETTING: Specialist weight management clinic. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-two participants were purposively sampled from 13 April to 30 April 2021. Median age and BMI of the participants were 37·5 (interquartile range (IQR) = 13·3) and 39·2 kg/m2 (IQR = 6·1), respectively. And 31·8 % were men, majority had a high intention to adopt healthy eating behaviours (median = 6·5; IQR = 4·8-6·3) and 59 % of the participants had a medium level of self-regulation. RESULTS: Six themes and fifteen subthemes were derived. Participants were motivated to lose weight by the sense of responsibility as the family's pillar of support and to feel 'normal' again. We coupled self-regulation barriers with corresponding strategies to come up with four broad themes: habitual overconsumption - mindful self-discipline; proximity and convenience of food available - mental tenacity; momentary lack of motivation and sense of control - motivational boosters; and overeating triggers - removing triggers. We highlighted six unique overeating triggers namely: trigger activities (e.g. using social media); eating with family, friends and colleagues; provision of food by someone; emotions (e.g. feeling bored at home, sad and stressed); physiological condition (e.g. premenstrual syndrome); and the time of the day. CONCLUSIONS: Future weight management interventions should consider encompassing participant-led weight loss planning, motivation boosters and self-regulation skills to cope with momentary overeating triggers.

International Delphi Expert Consensus on Safe Return to Surgical and Endoscopic Practice: From the Coronavirus Global Surgical Collaborative.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work is to formulate recommendations based on global expert consensus to guide the surgical community on the safe resumption of surgical and endoscopic activities. BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused marked disruptions in the delivery of surgical care worldwide. A thoughtful, structured approach to resuming surgical services is necessary as the impact of COVID-19 becomes better controlled. The Coronavirus Global Surgical Collaborative sought to formulate, through rigorous scientific methodology, consensus-based recommendations in collaboration with a multidisciplinary group of international experts and policymakers. METHODS: Recommendations were developed following a Delphi process. Domain topics were formulated and subsequently subdivided into questions pertinent to different aspects of surgical care in the COVID-19 crisis. Forty-four experts from 15 countries across 4 continents drafted statements based on the specific questions. Anonymous Delphi voting on the statements was performed in 2 rounds, as well as in a telepresence meeting. RESULTS: One hundred statements were formulated across 10 domains. The statements addressed terminology, impact on procedural services, patient/staff safety, managing a backlog of surgeries, methods to restart and sustain surgical services, education, and research. Eighty-three of the statements were approved during the first round of Delphi voting, and 11 during the second round. A final telepresence meeting and discussion yielded acceptance of 5 other statements. CONCLUSIONS: The Delphi process resulted in 99 recommendations. These consensus statements provide expert guidance, based on scientific methodology, for the safe resumption of surgical activities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Long-term outcomes of metabolic surgery in overweight and obese patients with type 2 diabetes in Asia.

AIM: To assess the outcomes of metabolic surgery in overweight and obese patients in Asia with type 2 diabetes (T2D). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The treatment outcomes of 1999 patients from the Asian Diabetes Surgery Summit database were analysed. The changes in treatment effects across time were assessed with respect to the surgical procedures performed by using generalized estimating equations. RESULTS: The most commonly performed procedure was the single-anastomosis gastric bypass (32.6%). Weight (from 106.2 ± 25.1 to 77.9 ± 18.8 kg), body mass index (BMI; from 38.7 ± 7.9 to 28.5 ± 5.9 kg/m2 ), blood sugar (from 9.3 ± 4.1 to 5.7 ± 1.8 mmol/L) and HbA1c (from 8.4% ± 1.8% to 6.0% ± 1.1%) significantly improved from baseline to 1 year (P < .001) and remained stable at 5 years (weight, 86.3 ± 23.3 kg; BMI, 31.7 ± 7.9 kg/m2 ; blood sugar, 5.8 ± 1.8 mmol/L, and HbA1c, 6.4% ± 1.2%; all P < .001 vs. baseline). Blood pressure and most lipid disorders also improved significantly. Of the treatment procedures, single-anastomosis gastric bypass had the most satisfactory outcomes with statistical significance for most disorders, whereas adjustable gastric banding displayed the least satisfactory outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Metabolic surgery remarkably improved body weight, T2D and other metabolic disorders in Asian patients. However, the efficacy of individual procedures varied substantially.

Structured Training for Laparoscopic Appendectomy for Residents (STAR Trial)-A Randomized Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVE: Laparoscopic appendectomy is a common operation that is frequently performed by junior surgical residents. We investigated the effect of a structured training program on the proficiency of junior residents in acquiring skills necessary in this operation. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS: This is a randomized pilot trial. Between December 2014 and July 2018, twenty junior residents were recruited for this study. 11 were randomized to receive a structured training program of supervised, task-specific training. Each resident subsequently performed ten cases of laparoscopic appendectomy with their performance assessed for the last 5. The GOALS scale was used as the primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints were perioperative outcomes. The effect of intervention on these outcomes were evaluated assuming a linear mixed effect multi-level model. The study was single-blinded as the assessors did not know which group each resident belonged to. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in the total GOALS score or any of its individual domains. After adjusting for the number of operations done within the trial, the mean difference between the total GOALS score was 0.07 (95% CI -0.76 to 0.90, P=0.866). Blood loss, hospital stay and postoperative complication rates were similar. There was suggestion of a shorter operative time (effect estimate -9.03, 95% CI -19.56 to 1.50) in the intervention arm although statistical significance was not achieved. No avoidable adverse events due to this study were recorded. CONCLUSION: Structured training program did not significantly improve surgical performance and outcomes in laparoscopic appendectomy in this pilot trial. Despite these findings, residents can still potentially mount their learning curves in laparoscopy earlier in a safe environment with such a program which is especially important in the era of minimally invasive surgery.

ELSA recommendations for minimally invasive surgery during a community spread pandemic: a centered approach in Asia from widespread to recovery phases.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant changes to surgical practice across the worlds. Some countries are seeing a tailing down of cases, while others are still having persistent and sustained community spread. These evolving disease patterns call for a customized and dynamic approach to the selection, screening, planning, and for the conduct of surgery for these patients. METHODS: The current literature and various international society guidelines were reviewed and a set of recommendations were drafted. These were circulated to the Governors of the Endoscopic and Laparoscopic Surgeons of Asia (ELSA) for expert comments and discussion. The results of these were compiled and are presented in this paper. RESULTS: The recommendations include guidance for selection and screening of patients in times of active community spread, limited community spread, during times of sporadic cases or recovery and the transition between phases. Personal protective equipment requirements are also reviewed for each phase as minimum requirements. Capability management for the re-opening of services is also discussed. The choice between open and laparoscopic surgery is patient based, and the relative advantages of laparoscopic surgery with regard to complications, and respiratory recovery after major surgery has to be weighed against the lack of safety data for laparoscopic surgery in COVID-19 positive patients. We provide recommendations on the operating room set up and conduct of general surgery. If laparoscopic surgery is to be performed, we describe circuit modifications to assist in reducing plume generation and aerosolization. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic requires every surgical unit to have clear guidelines to ensure both patient and staff safety. These guidelines may assist in providing guidance to units developing their own protocols. A judicious approach must be adopted as surgical units look to re-open services as the pandemic evolves.

Use of prefrontal cortex activity as a measure of learning curve in surgical novices: results of a single blind randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Neurobiological feedback in surgical training could translate to better educational outcomes such as measures of learning curve. This work examined the variation in brain activation of medical students when performing laparoscopic tasks before and after a training workshop, using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). METHODS AND PROCEDURES: This single blind randomised controlled trial examined the prefrontal cortex activity (PFCA) differences in two groups of novice medical students during the acquisition of four laparoscopic tasks. Both groups were shown a basic tutorial video, with the "Trained-group" receiving an additional standardised one-to-one training on the tasks. The PFCA was measured pre- and post-intervention using a portable fNIRS device and reported as mean total oxygenated hemoglobin (HbOµm). Primary outcome of the study is the difference in HbOµm between post- and pre-intervention readings for each of the four laparoscopic tasks. The pre- and post-intervention laparoscopic tasks were recorded and assessed by two blinded individual assessors for objective scores of the performance. RESULTS: 16 Trained and 16 Untrained, right-handed medical students with an equal sex distribution and comparable age distribution were recruited. Trained group had an attenuated left PFCA in the "Precision cutting" (p = 0.007) task compared to the Untrained group. Subgroup analysis by sex revealed attenuation in left PFCA in Trained females compared to Untrained females across two laparoscopic tasks: "Peg transfer" (p = 0.005) and "Precision cutting" (p = 0.003). No significant PFCA attenuation was found in male students who underwent training compared to Untrained males. CONCLUSION: A standardised laparoscopic training workshop promoted greater PFCA attenuation in female medical students compared to males. This suggests that female and male students respond differently to the same instructional approach. Implications include a greater focus on one-to-one surgical training for female students and use of PFCA attenuation as a form of neurobiological feedback in surgical training.

Patient-Reported Outcomes and Long-Term Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Single-Port Versus Conventional Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair.

BACKGROUND: Surgical techniques for inguinal hernia repair have evolved rapidly from open methods to conventional laparoscopic totally extra-peritoneal (CTEP) and recently single-port TEP (STEP). As there is currently no randomized controlled trial (RCT) reporting long-term patient-reported outcomes between CTEP and STEP, we reviewed patients who were randomized to CTEP or STEP 5 years after surgery. METHODS: Telephone interviews were administered to patients with primary unilateral inguinal hernia recruited for the RCT comparing CTEP and STEP in 2011. The modified Body Image Questionnaire was used to measure long-term patient-reported outcomes. RESULTS: Forty-two out of forty-nine of the STEP group and forty-one out of fifty of the CTEP group responded to phone interviews. Median follow-up time, demographic data and clinical outcomes were comparable between both groups. The Body Image Score (5-20: 5-least dissatisfied, 20-most dissatisfied; BIS score ± SD, STEP vs. CTEP, 5.33 ± 0.90 vs. 7.17 ± 1.87, p < 0.001) and Cosmetic Score (2-20: 2-least satisfied, 20-most satisfied; CS score ± SD, STEP vs. CTEP, 19.05 ± 1.31 vs. 15.87 ± 1.57, p < 0.001) were superior in the STEP group. Similarly, self-reported scar perception (1-cannot be seen, 2-can barely be seen, 3-visible; scar perception score ± SD, STEP vs. CTEP, 1.29 ± 0.51 vs. 2.55 ± 0.64, p < 0.001) and overall experience score (1-least satisfied, 10-most satisfied; overall satisfaction score ± SD, STEP vs. CTEP, 9.57 ± 0.67 vs. 8.22 ± 0.94, p < 0.001) were superior in the STEP group. CONCLUSION: Patients who underwent STEP reported superior cosmetic and satisfaction scores and comparable surgical outcomes 5 years after surgery compared to the CTEP group. STEP should be strongly considered in patients who are concerned about long-term cosmetic outcomes and should be offered if surgical expertise is available. Trial registration NCT02302937.

Long-term results of a randomized controlled trial of T2 versus T2-T3 ablation in endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis.

BACKGROUND: Despite good short-term results and patient satisfaction with endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS), there has been much debate on the level of sympathectomy for treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis (PH) in terms of long-term clinical outcomes. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to analyze the long-term recurrence and compensatory hyperhidrosis (CH) rates of ETS, comparing single-level T2 against multi-level T2-T3 ablation in single patients. METHODS: Patients who had undergone treatment for PH with unilateral T2 and contralateral T2-T3 ablation in ETS were retrospectively reviewed. They were subjected to telephone interview using standardized set of interview script and questionnaire with a scoring system similar to hyperhidrosis disease severity scale. All patients were evaluated for comparison of symptom resolution, site and severity of CH, and satisfaction rates. To compare between T2 and T2-T3, the level of sympathectomy on one side is matched to the ipsilateral recurrence of PH and CH occurrence. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients with a mean age of 36.5 years could be reached. The mean follow-up was 8 years (range 38-153 months). The global recurrence rate for PH is 18%. CH was observed in 20 (91%) patients, and trunk compensation was the most common (18/22-82%), followed by lower limb (14/22-64%) and axilla (10/22-45%). Overall, 72.8% (16) of the patients were satisfied with the operation. Among the six patients who were not satisfied, two patients reported recurrence of symptoms, while four patients experienced some form of compensation. There was no absolute difference in the severity of sweating bilaterally for patients who reported recurrence of PH. The site and severity of CH were also bilaterally symmetrical for all patients. CONCLUSION: There was no difference in recurrence rates and CH between single-level (T2) and multi-level (T2-T3) ETSs in the long term.

Is preoperative withdrawal of aspirin necessary in patients undergoing elective inguinal hernia repair?

BACKGROUND: Antiplatelets such as aspirin are widely used to reduce thrombotic events in patients with various cardiovascular comorbidities. Continuing aspirin through noncardiac surgery has been shown to reduce risk of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) but may lead to higher bleeding complications. Inguinal hernia repair is a commonly performed surgical procedure among such patients, but no guideline exists regarding perioperative use of aspirin. OBJECTIVE: We aim to investigate the safety profile of aspirin continuation in the perioperative period in patients undergoing elective primary inguinal hernia repair. METHODS: All patients who underwent elective primary inguinal hernia repair from 2008 to 2015 and were on aspirin preoperatively were identified. The patients were divided into two groups: those who continued aspirin through the morning of the operation and those who were advised to stop aspirin therapy 3-7 days prior to operation. All patients underwent either open Lichtenstein mesh repair or laparoscopic total extra-peritoneal mesh repair. Outcomes measured include intraoperative blood loss, operative time, bleeding complications, wound site complications and MACE. RESULTS: Among 1841 patients who underwent elective primary inguinal hernia mesh repair, 142 (7.7 %) patients were on preoperative aspirin. Fifty-seven patients underwent laparoscopic repair, while 85 underwent open mesh repair. Twenty-seven out of fifty-seven (47.3 %) from the laparoscopic group and 55/85 (64.7 %) from the open group were instructed to stop aspirin (p = 0.040). There were no significant differences between those who stopped aspirin and those who continued in terms of intraoperative blood loss and operative timing. Immediate postoperative bleeding complications and follow-up wound complications were also similar between the two groups. Overall, there were no MACE among those who underwent laparoscopic repair. Three MACE were recorded in the open group (2 stopped vs. 1 continued; p = 0.943). There was no perioperative mortality. CONCLUSION: Continuation of aspirin is safe and should be preferred in patients with higher cardiovascular risk.

Training improves laparoscopic tasks performance and decreases operator workload.

BACKGROUND: It has been postulated that increased operator workload during task performance may increase fatigue and surgical errors. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration-Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) is a validated tool for self-assessment for workload. Our study aims to assess the relationship of workload and performance of novices in simulated laparoscopic tasks of different complexity levels before and after training. METHODS: Forty-seven novices without prior laparoscopic experience were recruited in a trial to investigate whether training improves task performance as well as mental workload. The participants were tested on three standard tasks (ring transfer, precision cutting and intracorporeal suturing) in increasing complexity based on the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) curriculum. Following a period of training and rest, participants were tested again. Test scores were computed from time taken and time penalties for precision errors. Test scores and NASA-TLX scores were recorded pre- and post-training and analysed using paired t tests. One-way repeated measures ANOVA was used to analyse differences in NASA-TLX scores between the three tasks. RESULTS: NASA-TLX score was lowest with ring transfer and highest with intracorporeal suturing. This was statistically significant in both pre-training (p < 0.001) and post-training (p < 0.001). NASA-TLX scores mirror the changes in test scores for the three tasks. Workload scores decreased significantly after training for all three tasks (ring transfer = 2.93, p < 0.001, precision cutting = 3.74, p < 0.001, intracorporeal suturing = 2.98, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: NASA-TLX score is an accurate reflection of the complexity of simulated laparoscopic tasks in the FLS curriculum. This also correlates with the relationship of test scores between the three tasks. Simulation training improves both performance score and workload score across the tasks.

Single-port versus conventional laparoscopic total extra-peritoneal inguinal hernia repair: a prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The advantage of single-port total extra-peritoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair over the conventional technique is still debatable. Our objective was to compare the outcomes of TEP inguinal hernia repair using either a single-port or conventional surgical technique, in two blind randomized groups of patients. METHODS: In this prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial, 100 patients undergoing surgery for unilateral inguinal hernia were randomized into two groups: One group underwent conventional laparoscopic TEP inguinal hernia repair, while the other was selected for single-port TEP repair. Primary endpoint is postoperative pain (VAS), while secondary endpoints are recurrence, chronic pain and complications. RESULTS: From 100 patients, 49 underwent single-port hernia TEP repair, 50 had conventional three-port TEP hernia repair, and one patient declined to participate after randomization. The two groups were comparable in terms of patient demographics and operative findings. Mean operative time was 49.1(±13.8) min in the conventional group and 54.1(±14.4) min in the single-port group (p = 0.08). Mean hospital stay was 19.7(±5.8) h in the conventional group and 20.5(±6.4) h in the single-port group (p = 0.489). No major complications and no recurrence reported at 11-month follow-up. No statistically significant difference noted in postoperative pain between the two groups at regular intervals. CONCLUSIONS: The outcomes after laparoscopic TEP inguinal hernia repair with a single-port device are similar but not superior to the conventional technique.

Flexible endoscopic robot.

Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is a novel surgical procedure during which abdominal operations can be performed with an endoscope passed through a natural orifice through an internal incision in the stomach, vagina, bladder or colon. NOTES is still evolving and many barriers stand on its way before it can gain acceptance in modern surgical practice. Effective access to the peritoneal cavity, closure techniques of the natural orifice access sites, development of a multitasking platform to accomplish procedures and support for special orientation are only a handful of its known limitations. Although the endoscope and conventional tools are useful for simple procedures, many important and complicated procedures are currently not possible due to limitation of degree of freedom (DOF) of the end effectors. We have developed a Master and Slave Transluminal Endoscopic Robot (MASTER) with nine degrees of freedom (DOF) in end effectors, which are long and flexible so as to enhance endoscopic procedures and NOTES. Using MASTER we have successfully performed endoscopic sub-mucosal dissections (ESD) to segmental hepatectomies in animal models. Thus, the MASTER robotic system shows great potential to perform new surgical procedures that are otherwise not possible with conventional endoscopic tools.

A prospective randomized controlled trial to compare single-port endo-laparoscopic surgery versus conventional TEP inguinal hernia repair.

INTRODUCTION: The success of laparoscopic surgery is due to the less surgical trauma, including less operative pain, complications and better cosmetics. Objective of our study was to compare in two blind randomized groups of patients, the surgical outcome of total extra-peritoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair using either single-port or conventional surgical technique. We will report our interim results in the first group of 50 patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our study is a prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial conducted from August 2011 to June 2013. Fifty patients aged between 21 and 80 years undergoing surgery for unilateral inguinal hernia were randomised into two groups: conventional laparoscopic TEP inguinal hernia repair versus single-port TEP repair. Clinical data on patient demographics, surgical technique and findings, postoperative complications and pain scores were collected. Primary endpoint is the postoperative pain while secondary endpoints are recurrence, chronic pain, postoperative hospital stay and complications. RESULTS: Out of the 50 patients, 26 underwent single-port hernia TEP repair and 24 had conventional 3-port TEP hernia repair after randomization. Mean operative time was 51.7 (±13.4) min in the multiport group and 59.3 (±14.9) min in the single-port group, respectively (P = 0.064). Mean hospital stay was 19.7 (±4.8) h in the conventional group and 22.1 (±4.5) h in the single-port group (P = 0.079). No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups for postoperative complications, and no recurrence reported at 11 months follow-up. There was no significant difference in the pain scores (visual analog scale) between the two groups at regular intervals post surgery. DISCUSSION: The outcomes after laparoscopic TEP inguinal hernia repair with a single-port device are comparable to the standard three-port technique.

Watchful waiting to surgery in men with mildly symptomatic or asymptomatic inguinal hernia: an individual participant data meta-analysis of long-term follow-up of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Individual studies on men with mildly symptomatic or asymptomatic inguinal hernia who have opted for watchful waiting (WW) vary considerably. Furthermore, long-term data on such patients who cross over to herniorrhaphy is scarce. METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched systematically from inception to 3rd April 2024 for long-term follow-up of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on men with mildly symptomatic or asymptomatic inguinal hernia. Individual participant survival data of cross over rates from WW to herniorrhaphy were extracted, reconstructed and combined. Secondary outcome was reason for cross over to herniorrhaphy. RESULTS: Long-term follow-up of three RCTs with 592 participants was included. A total of 344/592 participants crossed over to herniorrhaphy during a median follow up period that ranged from 3.2 to 12.0 years. The median cumulative cross over rate was 54.2% (95% CI 45.5% - 66.3%). The cumulative 1-year, 5-year, and 10- year cross over rates were 28.7% (95% CI 25.2% - 32.5%), 51.5% (95% CI 47.4% - 55.6%), and 70.6% (95% CI 66.2% - 74.9%) respectively. During follow-up, the most frequent reasons for cross over to herniorrhaphy were increased pain 198/344 (57.6%) and incarceration 15/344 (4.4%). CONCLUSION: This study provides valuable long-term data for patient counselling, indicating that while WW is a safe strategy for men with mildly symptomatic or asymptomatic inguinal hernia, symptoms would likely progress eventually, necessitating operative repair.

Open versus laparoscopic intraperitoneal on-lay mesh repair: A comparison of outcomes in small ventral hernia.

PURPOSE: The ideal surgical treatment of small ventral hernias (defect less than 4 cm) is still debatable. In our study, we sought to compare the outcomes of open versus laparoscopic intraperitoneal on-lay mesh (IPOM) repair in small ventral hernias. METHODS: Patients with a single ventral hernia defect of less than 4 cm undergoing surgical mesh repair between January 2016 and September 2018 were prospectively registered for this study. The minimum follow-up duration was 12 months. Patient demographics, operative findings and regular post-operative follow-up details including recurrence rates and complications were recorded and analysed. RESULTS: 41 patients underwent laparoscopic IPOM repair and 47 patients underwent open IPOM repair. The mean age for both groups is similar with no significant difference. The mean hernia defect size for the laparoscopic group is 2.8 cm (±0.8) whereas the mean hernia defect size for the open repair group is 2.1 cm (±0.4). The mean surgery duration for open IPOM repair was significantly shorter (59 min (±17) vs 74 min (±26); p = 0.001). There was no significant difference in the incidence of seroma formation and surgical site infections post-operatively. There was also no significant difference in both groups in terms of chronic pain and recurrence at 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: Open IPOM repair for small ventral hernias may be superior to laparoscopic IPOM repair due to the shorter operative duration, single incision, and no additional risk of port-site hernias. There was no difference in chronic pain, wound infection and recurrence rate between the two groups.

The impact of value-driven outcomes initiative on endo-laparoscopic groin hernia repair.

PURPOSE: Value driven outcome (VDO) initiative is a value-based, patient-focused tool which utilizes a clinical outcome-based approach to optimize value of care based on clinically relevant quality indicators and costs required to achieve the care. In this study, we evaluate the impact of a VDO initiative on groin hernia repair, a commonly performed elective surgery in our hospital. METHODS: A VDO initiative was implemented in 2019 to encourage elective inguinal hernia repair to be performed at a day surgery setting. A comparison of outcomes was made between hernia surgeries performed in 2019 with those in 2020 and 2021. Pre-defined criteria were used to select patients that can be operated at a day surgery setting. Patients' expectations were addressed preoperatively about day surgery procedure and postoperative recovery. Day surgery bundles were used to standardize pre- and post-surgery protocols. Pain control was optimized using a specialized local anesthesia regime. RESULTS: A total of 263 laparoscopic hernia surgeries were performed between May 2019 and December 2021. After implementation of VDO initiative, the percentage of patients discharged within 24 h increased from 78% in year 2019 to 97% in year 2020 and 99% in year 2021. Conversion rate for day surgery to short stay decreased from 9% in year 2019 to 1% in year 2020 and 2% in year 2021. In 2019 to 2021, there were no 30-day readmission, no hernia recurrence in 90 days, no conversion to open surgery. CONCLUSION: VDO initiative is a promising tool to deliver better value-based care for patients undergoing endo-laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair.

Laparoendoscopic single-site minor hepatectomy for liver tumors.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic liver surgery is gaining increasing acceptance worldwide, but its frontiers are constantly challenged. Laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) has been performed for various organs, but the feasibility of LESS hepatectomies has yet to be explored fully. METHODS: From May 2010 to March 2011, seven patients underwent LESS minor hepatectomies. Patient demographic, operative, and clinical data were reviewed. RESULTS: Five left lateral sectionectomies, one segment 3, and one segment 5 resection were performed. The median operative time was 142 min (range, 104-171 min), and the median blood loss was 200 ml (range, 100-450 ml). The median hospital stay was 3 days (range, 1-11 days). For all the patients, the indications for surgery were suspected malignant tumors, and the surgical resection margins were clear for every patient. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoendoscopic single-site minor hepatectomy is a novel modification to traditional laparoscopic surgery. The method is safe and feasible without any compromise to oncologic safety for selected patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and colorectal liver metastases that are peripheral and smaller than 5 cm in size.

COVID-19 and the impact on surgical training and education in Singapore.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected surgical education and training significantly. The main impact to surgical residency training is the reduction in number of patients (in caseload and case mix) and the conversion of face-to-face meetings into virtual ones for CME and clinical governance-related events. Assessment of surgical residents by examination (namely the Joint Specialty Fellowship Examination with the College of Surgeons of Hong Kong and the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh) was cancelled at the peak of the pandemic, with resumption after acceptable COVID compatible adjustment was made to the format. The migration of CME events into a web-based one has resulted in greater connectivity with more audience. The potential and challenges of virtual format in surgical education include strategy and resources for sustainability; choice of optimal model for effective learning and surgical skills acquisition. In a post-COVID world, the model of blended learning is likely to remain.

Novel local anesthesia technique 'NATURE ' (Nerves And Transversalis-fascia Using RopivacainE) to improve outcomes during endo-laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair.

BACKGROUND: The use of local anaesthesia infiltration techniques may attenuate pain following endo-laparoscopic inguinal hernia surgery. We aim to reduce post-operative pain and the subsequent need for analgesia using a novel technique of local anaesthesia infiltration 'NATURE' (Nerves And Transversalis-fascia Using RopivacainE). METHODS: This is a retrospective study of patients who underwent endo-laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in two institutions in Singapore. Patients who received the local anaesthesia according to the new technique (intervention group) were compared to patients who received local anaesthesia only over their surgical incisions (control group). RESULTS: Data on 97 patients were analysed. There were 50 (51.5%) patients in the intervention group and 47 (48.5%) patients in the control group. No significant differences were observed in the two patient population's baseline characteristics, operative time and cumulative need for medications. The intervention group reported lower pain levels immediately after surgery (1.4 ± 1.7 versus 2.4 ± 1.9, p<0.01) and at 4 hours post-surgery (0.9 ± 1.1 versus 1.4 ± 1.2, p = 0.02). They also had lower levels of post-operative complications (4% versus 21.3%, p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Infiltration of local anaesthesia at specific anatomical locations during endo-laparoscopic inguinal hernia surgery can be effective in minimising post-operative pain. Prospective randomised controlled trials are needed to further substantiate this technique.