Laparoscopic General Surgery Research Articles

The Value of Refined Nursing Management for Surgical Efficiency, Postoperative Recovery, and Stress Response in Laparoscopic General Surgery.

The study aimed to explore the impact of refined nursing management in the operating room on surgical efficiency, postoperative recovery, and stress responses in patients undergoing laparoscopic general surgery. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 100 patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery at Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University between March 2023 and March 2024. The control group comprised 48 cases receiving conventional operating room nursing, while the observation group comprised 52 cases receiving refined nursing management in the operating room in addition to the conventional care. Comparisons were conducted between the two groups regarding surgical efficiency, postoperative recovery, postoperative stress indicators, psychological status before and after nursing, overall treatment comfort, perioperative complications, and nursing satisfaction. The observation group showed statistically significant improvements in surgical efficiency, postoperative recovery, and stress indicators compared to the control group. After the intervention, the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) scores of both groups significantly decreased compared to pre-nursing levels (p < 0.05), while such decrease was notably higher in the observation group (p < 0.05). Patients in the observation group reported significantly higher post-nursing comfort levels (p < 0.05) and exhibited significantly fewer perioperative complications (p < 0.05) compared to the control group. Furthermore, the nurses indicated significantly higher satisfaction with patient care in the observation group (p < 0.05). Implementing refined nursing in the operating room for laparoscopic general surgery can facilitate the recovery of gastrointestinal function, reduce postoperative recovery time, prevent complications, improve patients' psychological state, and enhance their quality of life.

WP5.8 - Robotic versus laparoscopic general surgery in the emergency setting: a systematic review

Abstract Introduction Robot-assisted general surgery, a cutting-edge technology in minimally-invasive procedures, is increasingly utilised in elective general surgery, demonstrating advantages over laparoscopy in select cases. While laparoscopy remains a standard approach for common acute abdominal conditions, the role of robotic surgery in emergency general surgery is unclear. This systematic review aims to compare outcomes in acute general surgery settings for robotic versus laparoscopic surgeries. Method A PRISMA compliant systematic search across MEDLINE, EMBASE, Science Citation Index Expanded, and Cochrane library was performed. The literature review focused on articles comparing perioperative outcomes of emergency general surgery managed laparoscopically versus robot-assisted. A descriptive analysis was performed and outcome measures recorded. Results Six articles, reporting on 1063 patients, compared outcomes of robotic and laparoscopic procedures. Two covered cholecystectomies, while the others addressed ileocaecal resection, subtotal colectomy, hiatal hernia and perforated gastrojejunal ulcer repair. The level of evidence was low. Laparoscopic bowel resection in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients had higher complications; no significant differences were found in complications for other operations. Operative time showed no differences for cholecystectomies, but robotic approaches were longer for other procedures. Robotic cases had shorter hospital length of stay, though the associated costs were significantly higher. Conclusion Perioperative outcomes for emergency robotic surgery in selected general surgery conditions are comparable to laparoscopic surgery. However, recommending robotic surgery in the acute setting requires a well-powered large population study for stronger evidence.

Early Experience With a Novel Super-Hydrophilic Laparoscopic Scope Cleaning Device and Narrative Review of Available Cleaning Strategies.

Impaired visibility is a challenge in laparoscopic surgery. Frequent scope removal increases operative time, reduces efficiency, and potentially compromises patient safety. We examine our initial experience with a novel cleaning device that applies cold plasma to the scope lens and review current available laparoscope cleaning methods. The novel device was used in a variety of laparoscopic general surgery cases from April to November 2023. Primary outcome was number of scope removals per case. Secondary outcomes were time spent cleaning and number of times the scope became smudged or dirty with blood/tissue debris (debris events). An existing device that utilizes heated anti-fogging solution was used for comparison. 97 cases were included (31 with novel device and 66 with existing device). Scope removal rate for the novel device was lower compared to the existing device (0.87 ± 1.02 vs 0.97 ± 1.20 removals/case, P = 0.69), but not statistically significant. Average number of debris events was also lower for the novel device, but not statistically significant (0.90 ± 0.94 vs 1.0 ± 1.18 debris events/case, P = 0.69). Average total time spent cleaning per case was similar between devices (16.9 ± 24.0 vs 15.9 ± 18.7 seconds, P = 0.82). This study demonstrates that a hydrophilic scope cleaning device has comparable performance to heated anti-fogging solution and may reduce scope removals and debris events. Direct comparisons between cleaning products are lacking. Surgeons are most likely to be successful with the cleaning strategy that best suits one's surgical practice.

Temporal and institutional trends in robotic surgery.

Robotic surgery has become increasingly prevalent in general surgery practice. While previous studies have shown the safety and efficacy of robotic assistance in laparoscopic general surgery procedures, few studies have evaluated the temporal and regional trends in implementation. In our retrospective population-based study, we aim to evaluate the national trends in robotic surgery. National Inpatient Database (NIS 2009-2014) was used to identify adults who underwent robotic assisted surgery (ICD 9 codes 17.41 to 17.49). Robotic procedures related to seven abdominal organ systems were compared against the trends of Urology, Gynaecologic, and Orthopedic robotic procedures. Discharge weights were applied to calculate National temporal trends separated by hospital size, teaching status and US geographic region. 894,163 patients received a robotic assisted procedure between 2009 and 2014 with 64% increase in utilization. The largest percent change was witnessed in biliary robotic procedures with 2984% change in utilization, followed by hernia (1376%). Lowest percent change was witnessed in esophageal procedures with 114% increase. Medium sized hospitals had the largest change in robotic utilization (41%), with large institutions seeing 18% decrease. Gastric procedures were the most common robotic procedure performed at small institutions (7917 total cases; 316%). Large institutions saw an overall decrease in gastric (-47%), esophageal (-17%), small and large intestinal (-16%), and hepatic (-7%) robotic procedures. Rural non-teaching hospitals saw the largest increase in robotic surgery (274%). Urban non-teaching hospitals saw a decrease of 29%. While urban teaching institutions saw a 20% and 6% increase in gynecological and urological procedures, an overall decrease was seen in esophageal (-10%), gastric (-12%), intestinal (-11%), hepatic (-17%), biliary (-10%), pancreatic (-11%) and hernia procedures (-14%). Biliary procedures saw the largest increase in rural institutions (740 cases; 392%), followed by hernia (144% increase). South region of the nation had the largest increase in robotic procedures (23%). No change was seen in the use of robotic surgery in the northeast region with the midwest and west seeing an overall decrease (-4% and -22%, respectively). Our study highlights the increase in use of robotics for both general and specialty surgery, with an increase in utilization over time. Increased incidence of robotic surgery in smaller, rural institutions with overall decrease in larger, urban teaching hospitals suggests increasing comfort in robotic surgery in the community setting. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the factors associated with increased utilization in smaller institutions.

Management of patent foramen ovale in non-cardiac surgery

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a remnant of normal fetal anatomy which may persist into adulthood, mostly asymptomatic. In some adults, PFO may result in a potential for shunting venous thromboembolism to the arterial circulation; less frequently it can cause interatrial, right-to-left shunting of deoxygenated blood. The pathogenesis of several medical conditions is related to the presence of PFO. Some randomized clinical trials have shown evidence of benefit for device closure as compared with medical therapy in patients with cryptogenic stroke. The literature reported several cases of carbon dioxide embolism during general laparoscopic surgery and sometimes stroke after laparoscopic or neurosurgery but there are neither prospective studies addressing these issues, nor randomized clinical trials assessing the effectiveness of pharmacotherapy or interventional procedures at decreasing risk. The European position paper suggests routine monitoring in non-cardiac surgery of patients with a PFO and no actual indications for closure. This article aims to further stratify the risk of periprocedural stroke and paradoxical embolism in this category of patients.

Trend of minimally invasive and open surgery experience of general surgery residents: Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education general surgery case log in Thailand.

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) offers patients several benefits, such as smaller incisions, and fast recovery times. General surgery residents should be trained in both open and MIS. We aimed to examine the trends of minimally invasive and open procedures performed by general surgery residents in Thailand. A retrospective review of the Royal College of Surgeons of Thailand and Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education general surgery case logs from 2007 to 2018 was performed for common open and laparoscopic general surgery operations. The data were grouped by three time periods, which were 2007-2010, 2011-2014, and 2015-2018, and analyzed to explore changes in the operative trends. For Thai residents, the mean number of laparoscopic operations per person per year increased from 5.97 to 9.36 (56.78% increase) and open increased from 20.02 to 27.16 (35.67% increase). There was a significant increase in the average number of minimally invasive procedures performed among cholecystectomy (5.83, 6.57, 8.10; p < 0.001) and inguinal hernia repair (0.33, 0.35, 0.66; p < 0.001). Compared to general surgery residents in the United States, Thai residents had more experience with open appendectomy, but significantly less experience with all other operations/procedures. The number of open and minimally invasive procedures performed or assisted by Thai general surgery residents has slowly increased, but generally lags behind residents in the United States. The Thai education program must be updated to improve residents' technical skills in open and laparoscopic surgery to remain competitive with their global partners.

Characterizing and Contextualizing the Use of the Surgical Safety Checklist in General Surgery

The Surgical Safety Checklist (SSCL) is a widely implemented intervention; however, limited studies have explored system factors that impact adherence to proper checklist completion. Using an audio-visual recording technology called the Operating Room Blackbox (ORBB), the goal of this study was to characterize the level of checklist completion and identify work system factors that impact the use of the SSCL in general laparoscopic surgery. Thirty-six cases captured by the ORBB in a hospital in Toronto, Ontario were reviewed using an SSCL audit tool to collect data on item-level adherence. The Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety (SEIPS) 2.0 model was applied to the observation notes from the ORBB recordings to identify work system factors influencing checklist use. On average, across all 36 cases, 8 of the 29 checklist items were completed (30.1%), with debriefing being completed most frequently of the 3 checklist sections. Of the 29 checklist items, commonly completed items were: patient concerns addressed, surgical counts complete, and procedure name, while items in the timeout section were completed the least. Notably, factors related to person (e.g., confirmation of patient information amongst surgical team) and tools and technology (e.g., use of checklist in combination with patient chart) were identified as facilitators to checklist use, while factors relating to tasks (e.g., redundancy of checklist items with existing workflow), tools and technology (e.g., some checklist items not applicable to some procedures), organization (e.g, timing of checklist items and absence of team member), and internal environment (e.g., music volume in the OR) were identified as potential barriers to checklist use. By understanding how system factors contribute to checklist use and item-level adherence, we can identify ways to improve the checklist to meet the needs of the OR team and enhance integration of the SSCL into existing workflows.

EP-29 The prevalence of a small occult umbilical hernia during the trans-umbilical approach in general laparoscopic surgery

Abstract Aims The aim of this study was to firstly determine the prevalence of a small occult umbilical hernia during the trans-umbilical incision technique in general laparoscopic surgery. Secondly, to determine patient satisfaction with post-operative pain and cosmesis. Methods This was a prospective study of 128 patients who underwent a trans-umbilical incision during general laparoscopic surgery by a single surgeon between January 2020 and July 2021. Demographic data, type of surgery, presence of small occult umbilical hernia, time to gain access and time of incision closure were obtained from the operation note. Following the procedure each patient was contacted via telephone and asked questions regarding, post-operative pain, surgical site infection, post-operative complications and cosmetic satisfaction. Results Of the 128 patients within the study, 57.8% were female with a mean age of 44.4 years and a BMI of 26.6 kg/m2. The most common operation performed was laparoscopic cholecystectomy in 51.6% of patients. 62.5% of patients were found to have the presence of a small occult umbilical hernia with a mean of 1.1 minutes to gain access and 6 minutes to close incision. Approximately, 80% of patients stated that post-operative pain experienced was as or less than expected. All patients were satisfied with scar cosmesis. Conclusion Well over half of patients were found to have a naturally occurring small umbilical hernia that could make gaining access to the abdominal cavity via a trans-umbilical incision easier, quicker and safer. As well as excellent patient satisfaction with regards to scar cosmesis and lower than expected post-operative pain scores.

TH8.2 Trans-umbilical versus peri-umbilical incision for general laparoscopic surgery

Abstract Aims The aim of this study was to determine whether a trans-umbilical or peri-umbilical incision is a better route for the initial umbilical trocar in general laparoscopic surgery in terms of post-operative pain, risk of surgical site infection (SSI), post-operative complications and scar cosmesis. Methods This was a prospective study of 128 patients who underwent a trans-umbilical incision and 97 patients who had a peri-umbilical incision during general laparoscopic surgery between January 2020 and July 2021. Demographic data and type of surgery were obtained from the operation note. Following the procedure each patient was contacted via telephone and asked questions regarding, post-operative pain, SSI, post-operative complications and cosmetic satisfaction. Results Of the 128 patients within the trans-umbilical group, 57.8% were female with a mean age of 44.4 years and a BMI of 26.6 kg/m2. Whereas, in the peri-umbilical group 62.9% were female with a mean age of 50 years and a BMI of 29.8 Kg/m2. The most common operation performed was laparoscopic cholecystectomy in both groups. The trans-umbilical group experienced less post-operative pain than expected p=0.03, less post-operative complications p=0.009 and better scar cosmesis satisfaction p=0.001. There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of SSI p=0.73. Conclusion The trans-umbilical incision for initial peritoneal access in general laparoscopic surgery is recommended due to the lower than expected post-operative pain, reduced post-operative complication rates and increased patient satisfaction with regards to scar cosmesis.

The Strategy to Use Sugammadex to Reduce Postoperative Pulmonary Complications after da Vinci Surgery: A Retrospective Study.

In 2000, the da Vinci Surgery System was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for general laparoscopic surgery and it became the first commercially available robotic surgery system. The aim of this study was to identify the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) in patients undergoing da Vinci surgery and to observe whether the incidence of PPCs was affected by the usage of Sugammadex. Sugammadex is a gamma-cyclodextrin that encapsulates and subsequently inactivates steroidal neuromuscular blocking agents. A retrospective study was conducted on patients who had undergone da Vinci surgery in a single medical center in southern Taiwan during the period from January 2018 to December 2018. We extracted data on patient characteristics, usage of Sugammadex and PPCs for analysis. Three hundred and thirty-three patients were enrolled in the final analysis. While the overall incidence of PPCs was 30.3% (101/333 patients), the incidence of PCC in patients who received Sugammadex (24.2%) was significantly lower than those without (37.3%) (p = 0.001). Risk factors that appeared to be closely associated with PCC included age, malignancy, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, blood loss amount and anemia. The use of Sugammadex decreased the risk of PPC. In order to enhance early recovery after da Vinci surgery, the use of Sugammadex to rapidly reverse muscle relaxants may be an appropriate choice.

Postoperative opioid prescribing patterns in the geriatric patient population

BackgroundOpioid prescription patterns in elderly patients undergoing general surgery are not well characterized. The purpose of this study was to identify trends in postoperative opioid prescriptions in geriatric patients undergoing general surgery procedures and determine prescribing differences between the geriatric and non-geriatric patient population. MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated geriatric and non-geriatric patients undergoing the most frequently performed open and laparoscopic general surgery procedures at our institution from 2014 to 2019. Differences in opioid prescriptions between the groups were analyzed. ResultsWe identified 5874 non-geriatric and 3306 geriatrics patients who underwent the included procedures at our institution. 5169 (88.0%) of non-geriatric patients and 2692 (81.4%) of geriatric patients received a perioperative opioid prescription. While the vast majority of both groups were prescribed opioids, geriatric patients were less likely to receive an opioid prescription (p < 0.0001). Between 2016 and 2019, the amount of opioid prescribed in the geriatric population decreased each year (p < 0.0001). Prescription amounts were significantly higher in geriatric patients aged 65–74 compared to patients 85 or older (p < 0.0001). ConclusionsIndividuals older than 65 years of age represent a growing percent of the population and there is a need to better understand opioid prescribing practices in this complex patient group. Postoperative opioid prescribing patterns differ significantly between the geriatric and non-geriatric patient population and warrant further investigation.

EP.WE.238Implications of COVID-19 on Laparoscopic General Surgery: a single site experience

Introduction and AimsThe COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on service provision in Emergency General Surgery. Due to the unknown risk of COVID-19 transmission, the use of laparoscopic surgery was cautioned against in favour of open surgery or conservative management. This study looks at the impact of service reconfiguration on rates of laparoscopic surgery.MethodsThe management and outcomes were audited of all patients admitted to our unit during the UK COVID-19 lockdown period and compared against the same period last year.ResultsIn total, 645 patients (223 COVID-19 period, 422 non-COVID) were included. Less surgery was performed during the pandemic (32.3% vs 39.3%), with only 2 cases of laparoscopic surgery (0.9% vs 16.1%). Despite a change to conservative management, we report no differences in complication rates or length of stay and 30-day mortality (excluding deaths from COVID-19 pneumonitis). Re-admission rates were higher following conservative management (10.6% vs 4.7%).ConclusionThere is a significant reduction in surgery (particularly laparoscopic surgery) during the COVID-19 pandemic. There are no differences in outcomes, but we show higher re-admission rates for patients treated conservatively. Together with emerging evidence on the safety of laparoscopic surgery, these findings help inform service re-configuration for future pandemic responses.

An analysis of the ergonomic risk of surgical trainees and experienced surgeons during laparoscopic procedures

BackgroundWork-related musculoskeletal injuries have been increasingly recognized to affect surgeons. It is unknown whether such injuries also affect surgical trainees. The purpose of this study was to assess the ergonomic risk of surgical trainees as compared with that of experienced surgeons. MethodsErgonomic data were recorded from 9 surgeons and 11 trainees. Biomechanical loads during surgery were assessed using motion tracking sensors and electromyography sensors. Demanding and static positions of the trunk, neck, right/left shoulder, as well as activity from the deltoid and trapezius muscles bilaterally were recorded. In addition, participants reported their perceived discomfort on validated questionnaires. ResultsA total of 87 laparoscopic general surgery cases (48 attendings and 39 trainees) were observed. Both trainees and attendings spent a similarly high percentage of each case in static (>60%) and demanding positions (>5%). Even though residents reported overall more discomfort, all participants shared similar ergonomic risk with the exception of trainees’ trunk being more static (odds ratio: –11.42, P = .006). ConclusionSurgeons are prone to ergonomic risk. Trainees are exposed to similar postural ergonomic risk as surgeons but report more discomfort and, given that musculoskeletal injuries are cumulative over time, the focus should be on interventions to reduce ergonomic risk in the operating room.

Prospective randomized controlled trial on comparison of standard CO2 pressure pneumoperitoneum insufflator versus AirSeal\xae

BackgroundAirSeal® is a valve-free insufflation system that enables a stable pneumoperitoneum with continuous smoke evacuation and CO2 recirculation during laparoscopic surgery. Comparative evidence on the use of AirSeal® and standard CO2 insufflator in laparoscopic general surgery procedures is scarce. The aim of this study was to compare surgical outcomes between AirSeal® and standard CO2 insufflators in patients undergoing the most frequently performed laparoscopic procedures.MethodsOne hundred and ninety-eight patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy, colorectal surgery and hernia repair were randomized to either AirSeal® (group A) or standard pressure CO2 insufflator (group S). The primary endpoints were operative time and level of postoperative shoulder tip pain (Visual Analog Scale). Secondary outcomes included Clavien–Dindo grade complications, surgical side effect and length of hospital stay.ResultsPatients were randomized to either group A (n = 101) or group S (n = 97) and were analyzed by intention-to-treat. There was no significant difference in mean operative time between the groups (median [IQR]; 71 min [56–94] in group A vs. 69 min [52–93] in group S; p = 0.434). Shoulder tip pain levels were significantly lower in group S (VAS 0 [0–3] in group S vs. 2 [0–4] in group A; p = 0.001). There was no significant difference in complications, surgical side effects (subcutaneous emphysema was not observed in any group) and length of hospital stay.ConclusionThis randomized controlled trial showed that using the AirSeal® system did not reduce operative time and was associated with a higher postoperative shoulder tip pain compared to standard CO2 insufflator for short elective surgeries.ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01740011).

Development and practice of laparoscopic surgery in a Nigerian tertiary hospital.

For the benefits of less postoperative pain, early recovery and discharge, and better cosmesis, laparoscopic surgery is rapidly gaining acceptance amongst surgeons as a better alternative to traditional open procedures. In January 2015, bookings for laparoscopic surgery became a more regular feature on our operation list. We reported the indications, management outcome, and challenges in patients who had laparoscopic surgery in our institution. This is to document the trends in our surgical practice. This is a descriptive study of 137 patients who had laparoscopic surgery for general surgical indications in our institution over a period of 5 years. Patients data as collected from the records department were evaluated for demographic characteristics, medical comorbidities, type of procedures done, and perioperative outcome. Data analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). A total of 137 Patients had laparoscopic general surgery between January 2015 and December 2019. There were 48 males and 89 females with a male-to-female ratio of 1:1.9. The mean age of the patients was 38.8 ± 3.4 years (range 16-87 years). Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (35%) and laparoscopic appendicectomy (29.9%) were the most common procedures performed. Five (3.7%) cases were converted to open surgery. Superficial surgical site infection (5.8%) following laparoscopic appendicectomy was the most common postoperative complication. There was no 30-day postoperative mortality. Laparoscopic surgery is safe and can be applied to wide variety of general surgical conditions in developing countries. Minimal postoperative morbidity of laparoscopy is a major benefit to the patients.

First-year Analysis of the Operating Room Black Box Study.

To characterize intraoperative errors, events, and distractions, and measure technical skills of surgeons in minimally invasive surgery practice. Adverse events in the operating room (OR) are common contributors of morbidity and mortality in surgical patients. Adverse events often occur due to deviations in performance and environmental factors. Although comprehensive intraoperative data analysis and transparent disclosure have been advocated to better understand how to improve surgical safety, they have rarely been done. We conducted a prospective cohort study in 132 consecutive patients undergoing elective laparoscopic general surgery at an academic hospital during the first year after the definite implementation of a multiport data capture system called the OR Black Box to identify intraoperative errors, events, and distractions. Expert analysts characterized intraoperative distractions, errors, and events, and measured trainee involvement as main operator. Technical skills were compared, crude and risk-adjusted, among the attending surgeon and trainees. Auditory distractions occurred a median of 138 times per case [interquartile range (IQR) 96-190]. At least 1 cognitive distraction appeared in 84 cases (64%). Medians of 20 errors (IQR 14-36) and 8 events (IQR 4-12) were identified per case. Both errors and events occurred often in dissection and reconstruction phases of operation. Technical skills of residents were lower than those of the attending surgeon (P = 0.015). During elective laparoscopic operations, frequent intraoperative errors and events, variation in surgeons' technical skills, and a high amount of environmental distractions were identified using the OR Black Box.

Cost containment: an experience with surgeon education and universal preference cards at two institutions.

As the cost of health care increases in the US, focus has been placed upon efficiency, cost reduction, and containment of spending. Operating room costs play a significant role in this spending. We investigated whether surgeon education and universal preference cards can have an impact on reducing the disposable supply costs for common laparoscopic general surgery procedures. General surgeons at two institutions participated in an educational session about the costs of the operative supplies used to perform laparoscopic appendectomies and cholecystectomies. All the surgeons at one institution agreed upon a universal preference card, with other supplies opened only by request. At the other, no universal preference cards were created, and surgeons were free to modify their own existing preference cards. Case cost data for these procedures were collected for each institution pre- (July 2014-December 2014) and post-intervention (February 2015-November 2017). At the institution with an education only program, there was no statistically significant change in supply costs after the intervention. At the institution that intervened with the combined education and universal preference card program, there was a statistically significant supply cost decrease for these common laparoscopic procedures combined. This significant cost decrease persisted for each appendectomies and cholecystectomies when analyzed independently as well (p = 0.001 and p < 0.001 respectively). In this study, surgeon education alone was not effective in reducing operating room disposable supply costs. Surgeon education, combined with the implementation of universal preference cards, significantly maintains reductions in operating room supply costs. As health care costs continue to increase in the US and internationally, universal preference cards can be an effective tool to contain cost for common laparoscopic general surgery procedures.

System Factors Affecting Patient Safety in the OR: An Analysis of Safety Threats and Resiliency.

The objective of this study is to determine the characteristics and frequency of intraoperative safety threats and resilience supports using a human factors measurement tool. Human factors analysis can provide insight into how system elements contribute to intraoperative adverse events. Empiric evidence on safety threats and resilience in surgical practice is lacking. A cross-sectional study of 24 patients undergoing elective laparoscopic general surgery at a single center in the Netherlands from May to November, 2017 was conducted. Video, audio, and patient physiologic data from all included procedures were obtained through a multichannel synchronized recording device. Trained analysts reviewed the recordings and coded safety threats and resilience supports. The codes were categorized into 1 of 6 categories (person, task, tools and technology, physical environment, organization, and external environment). A median of 14 safety threats [interquartile range (IQR) 11-16] and 12 resilience supports (IQR 11-16) were identified per case. Most safety threat codes (median 9, IQR 7-12) and resilience support codes (median 10, IQR 7-12) were classified in the person category. The organization category contained a median of 2 (IQR 1-2) safety threat codes and 2 (IQR 2-3) resilience support codes per case. The tools and technology category contributed a small number of safety threats (median 1 per case, IQR 0-1), but rarely provided resilience support. Through a detailed human factors analysis of elective laparoscopic general surgery cases, this study provided a quantitative analysis of the existing safety threats and resilience supports in a modern endoscopic operating room.

Targeted surgical coaching can improve operative self-assessment ability: A single-blinded nonrandomized trial

BackgroundThe aim of the study was to investigate the effect of targeted surgical coaching on self-assessment of laparoscopic operative skill. Accurate self-assessment is vital for autonomous professional development. Surgical coaching can be used for performance improvement, but its role in this domain has been insufficiently investigated. MethodsThis was a single site, nonrandomized, interrupted time series design trial. Participants were residents, fellows, and attending surgeons regularly performing laparoscopic general surgery operations. Each participant was enrolled in an individualized coaching program using review of personal and peer laparoscopic videos. The program involved 3 to 5 sessions over a period of 6 to 19 weeks. Coaching used case debriefing to target self-assessment proficiency, with a focus on objective interpretation of observations and facilitative capacity building. The primary outcome measure was self-assessment accuracy and correlation to expert ratings. The Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skill global rating scale was utilized for evaluation. ResultsTwelve participants were recruited and completed the coaching program. At baseline, there was no correlation between self-assessment and expert ratings. After completion of the coaching program there was correlation between self-assessment and expert ratings (P = .003) and improved self-assessment accuracy compared to baseline (P = .041). ConclusionThis study has demonstrated that targeted coaching using video review of laparoscopic cases can improve operative self-assessment accuracy using the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skill.

Opioid stewardship after emergency laparoscopic general surgery

BackgroundOpioid administration in postoperative patients has contributed to the opioid crisis by increasing the load of opioids available in the community. Implementation of evidence-based practices is key to optimizing the...