MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomised prospective crossover study was designed to compare the AR Gynae endotrainer versus Karl Storz SZABO-BERCI-SACKIER laparoscopic trainer as a tool for training gynaecology laparoscopic skills. Participants were assigned to perform two specially designed tasks used for laparoscopic training using both endotrainers. All subjects evaluated both simulators concerning their performance by the use of a questionnaire comparing: design, ports placement, visibility, ergonomics, triangulation of movement, fulcrum effect, depth perception, ambidexterity, resources for training, and resources for teaching. The overall score was defined as the median value obtained. The ability and time taken for participants to complete the tasks using both endotrainers were also compared. A total of 26 participants were enrolled in this study, including 13 Masters's students from the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology and 13 Masters's students from the Department of Surgery, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM), Kelantan, Malaysia.
RESULTS: A better performance was observed with AR Gynae as compared to Karl Storz endotrainer in five out of ten items evaluated in the questionnaire. Additionally, the overall score of AR Gynae endotrainer (median of 3.98) was comparable to that of Karl Storz endotrainer (median of 3.91) with p=0.519. For the items design and resources for teaching, the evaluation for AR Gynae endotrainer was significantly higher with p-values of 0.003 and 0.032, respectively. All participants were able to complete both tasks using both endotrainers. The time taken to complete both tasks was comparable on both endotrainers. Also, the AR Gynae endotrainer was cheaper.
CONCLUSIONS: The AR Gynae endotrainer was found to be a convenient and cost-effective laparoscopic simulator for gynaecology laparoscopic training and was comparable to the established Karl Storz SZABO-BERCI-SACKIER laparoscopic trainer.
SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The COVID-19 pandemic has extensively impacted global healthcare systems. We hypothesized that the degree of psychological impact would be higher for surgical providers deployed for COVID-19 work, certain surgical specialties, and for those who knew of someone diagnosed with, or who died, of COVID-19.
METHODS: We conducted a global web-based survey to investigate the psychological impact of COVID-19. The primary outcomes were the depression anxiety stress scale-21 and Impact of Event Scale-Revised scores.
RESULTS: A total of 4283 participants from 101 countries responded. 32.8%, 30.8%, 25.9%, and 24.0% screened positive for depression, anxiety, stress, and PTSD respectively. Respondents who knew someone who died of COVID-19 were more likely to screen positive for depression, anxiety, stress, and PTSD (OR 1.3, 1.6, 1.4, 1.7 respectively, all P < 0.05). Respondents who knew of someone diagnosed with COVID-19 were more likely to screen positive for depression, stress, and PTSD (OR 1.2, 1.2, and 1.3 respectively, all P < 0.05). Surgical specialties that operated in the head and neck region had higher psychological distress among its surgeons. Deployment for COVID- 19-related work was not associated with increased psychological distress.
CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic may have a mental health legacy outlasting its course. The long-term impact of this ongoing traumatic event underscores the importance of longitudinal mental health care for healthcare personnel, with particular attention to those who know of someone diagnosed with, or who died of COVID-19.
SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Prolonged operation duration in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) surgery was associated with increased perioperative complications. However, the factors affecting operation duration in AIS surgery were unknown.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate the factors affecting operation duration in posterior spinal fusion (PSF) surgery using a dual attending surgeon strategy among Lenke 1 and 2 AIS patients.
METHODS: In all, 260 AIS patients with Lenke 1 and 2 curves who underwent PSF were retrospectively reviewed. Preoperative and intraoperative factors affecting operation duration such as age, sex, height, weight, body mass index, Risser grade, Lenke subtypes, number of fusion level, number of screws, screw density, wound length, upper and lowest instrumented vertebrae level, preoperative Cobb angle, and flexibility of the major curve were assessed using univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses. Independent factors were determined when P-value <0.05.
RESULTS: The mean operation duration was 122.2±28.6 minutes. Significant independent factors affecting operation duration in PSF among Lenke 1 and 2 AIS patients were Lenke 2 subtypes (β=8.86, P=0.008), number of screws (β=7.01, P<0.001), wound length (β=1.14, P=0.009), and flexibility of the major curve (β=-0.25, P=0.005). The overall model fit was R2=0.525. Operation duration can be predicted using the formula: (8.86×Lenke subtypes)+(7.01×number of screws)+(1.14×wound length)-(0.25×flexibility)-0.54, where Lenke 2=1 and Lenke 1=0.
CONCLUSION: The factors affecting operation duration in PSF among Lenke 1 and 2 AIS patients were Lenke 2 curves, number of screws, wound length, and curve flexibility. The knowledge of these factors enables the spinal deformity surgeons to plan and estimate the operation duration before AIS surgery.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of burnout, assess the personal and professional characteristics associated with burnout in spine surgeons and determine their quality of life.
SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Burnout is a syndrome characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and decreased sense of accomplishment that leads to decreased effectiveness at work. To date, there has been a lack of information on the prevalence of burnout among spine surgeons worldwide and the risk factors associated with this condition.
METHODS: An electronic survey with members of AO Spine was performed in May 2018. The survey evaluated demographic variables, practice characteristics, burnout, and quality of life. Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and EuroQol 5-dimensions (EQ5D) were used to evaluate burnout and quality of life, respectively.
RESULTS: A total of 818 surgeons from 86 countries completed the survey. The prevalence of burnout was 30.6%. In the multiple linear model, emotional fatigue was independently associated with younger age (B = -0.17, CI95% = -0.26 to -0.07, P
METHODS: This validated questionnaire-based study was conducted over 1-month during which Ngenuity 3D surgery was demonstrated. All surgeons and trainees exposed were recruited to complete a questionnaire comprising visualization, physical, ease of use, teaching and learning, and overall satisfaction.
RESULTS: All 7 surgeons and 33 postgraduate students responded. Surgeons reported no significant difference except overall (P = 0.047, paired t-test). Postgraduate trainees reported significantly better experience with 3D for illumination (P = 0.008), manoeuvrability (P = 0.01), glare (P = 0.037), eye strain (P = 0.008), neck and upper back strain (P = 0.000), lower back pain (P = 0.019), communication (P = 0.002), comfortable environment (P = 0.001), sharing of knowledge (P = 0.000), and overall (P = 0.009).
CONCLUSIONS: During early experience, surgeons and trainees reported better satisfaction with 3D overall. Trainees had better satisfaction with 3D in various subcomponents of visualization, physical, ease of use, and education.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the surgical learning curve of a dual attending surgeon strategy in IS patients.
STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study.
PATIENT SAMPLE: 415 IS patients (Cobb angle <90°) who underwent PSF using a dual attending surgeon strategy OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcomes included operative time, total blood loss, allogenic blood transfusion requirement, length of hospital stay and perioperative complication rate.
METHODS: Regression analysis using Locally Weighted Scatterplot Smoothing (LOWESS) method was applied to create the best-fit-curve between case number versus operative time and total blood loss in identifying cut-off points for the learning curve.
RESULTS: The mean Cobb angle was 60.8±10.8°. Mean operative time was 134.4±32.1 minutes and mean total blood loss was 886.0±450.6 mL. The mean length of hospital stay was 3.0±1.6 days. The learning curves of a dual attending surgeon strategy in this study were established at the 115th case (operative time) and 196th case (total blood loss) respectively (p
METHODS: A comprehensive search of peer reviewed journals was completed based on the key words, "Circumflex aorta," "Circumflex retro-esophageal aorta" and "circumflex arch" using Google scholar, Scholars Portal Journals and PubMed. The reference section for each article found was searched to obtain additional articles. Literature on the circumflex aorta was reviewed starting from the embryogenesis to the latest management strategies.
RESULTS: Right circumflex aorta is more prevalent compared to left circumflex aorta. It can occur in isolation or in association with other intracardiac lesions. Mainly presents in children, however reported in adults too. The presentation may vary from asymptomatic lesion to acute respiratory distress secondary to airway compression. Computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are important tools in delineating the vascular anatomy. Aortic uncrossing is the definitive procedure. However, the role of concomitant tracheobronchopexy is emerging. Native tissue-to-tissue anastomosis is commonly preferred, but cases of extra-anatomic grafts are reported.
CONCLUSION: Circumflex aorta is amenable to complete repair. Preoperative delineation of anatomy is important for successful surgical outcome. Division of the retro-esophageal segment is crucial in relieving the compressive symptoms. In addition, tracheobronchopexy is helpful in addressing residual tracheomalacia but this accounts for a high-risk surgery.
MATERIALS & METHODS: Standardised surgical technique with Parametrium & Paracolpium resection approach was adopted by qualified and experienced Gynecologic/Gyne-Oncologic Endoscopic & Minimally Invasive Surgeons in performing Laparoscopic Radical Hysterectomy for Cervical Cancer stage 1A1-1B1 from January 2009-May 2014, involving 53 patients. Electronic Medical Record system (EMR) Of Chang Gung Memorial Hospital(Tertiary Referral Centre), Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology was accessed for surgical and oncologic outcomes.
RESULTS: Fifty-Three patients operated from January 2009 to May 2014 were followed up for an average of 96.7 months with longest follow-up at 127 months. There were no cases of recurrence or death reported. 5 Year - Survival Rate and 5 Year Disease-Free Survival Rate were 100%. Two patients received post-operative pelvic radiation concurrent with chemotherapy using Cisplatin due to greater than 1/3 cervical stromal invasion.
CONCLUSION: It is vital to standardize minimally invasive surgical techniques for early stage cervical cancer, with focus on adequate radicality and resection which may contribute to excellent survival outcomes. Further international multi-center randomized trial (Minimally Invasive Therapy Versus Open Radical Hysterectomy In Cervical Cancer) will provide justification for continued practice of MIS in early stage cervical cancer.
Case presentation: A 33-year-old female presented with recurrent hypoglycemia. Endogenous hyperinsulinemia was confirmed by a prolonged fast, however serial imaging was negative. Incidental finding of an ovarian mass gave rise to the suspicion of an insulin-producing ovarian tumor. Subsequent multimodality pancreatic imaging remained negative, requiring more invasive investigations. The tumor was localized by specialized arteriography using calcium stimulation to support the diagnosis of an insulinoma. However, repeated negative imaging led to further delays in definitive management, with worsening hypoglycemia. The surgery was finally performed three years after the initial presentation with successful removal of the tumor using intra-operative ultrasound.
Clinical discussion: It is important to emphasize that preoperative radiological imaging is useful to localize pancreatic lesions. However, most insulinomas could only be detected intraoperatively. The absence of suggestive radiological evidence should not deter surgeons from proceeding with definitive surgical intervention.
Conclusion: The case highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in the management of a complicated case.