ABSTRACT
Background: The most common complications related to the closure of abdominal wall incisions are surgical site infections, wound dehiscence and the development of an incisional hernia. Several factors relating to the surgical technique and the materials used have been identified and analysed over the years, as mirrored in the current recommendations of the European Hernia Society, but some misconceptions still remain that hinder wide implementation. Method: A literature search was performed in the PubMed and GoogleScholar databases on 15 July 2021 and additionally on 30 March 2022 to include recent updates. The goal was to describe the scientific background behind the optimal strategies for reducing incisional hernia risk after closure of abdominal wall incisions in a narrative style review. Results: An aponeurosis alone, small bites/small steps continuous suture technique should be used, using a slowly resorbable USP 2/0 or alternatively USP 0 suture loaded in a small ½ circle needle. The fascial edges should be properly visualised and tension should be moderate. Conclusion: Despite the reproducibility, low risk and effectiveness in reducing wound complications following abdominal wall incisions, utilisation of the recommendation of the guidelines of the European Hernia Society remain relatively limited. More work is needed to clear misconceptions and disseminate the established knowledge and technique especially to younger surgeons.
ABSTRACT
Women represent the majority of medical students in several countries. In any surgical specialty and above all in surgical leadership positions, women still remain disproportionally underrepresented. The objective of this study was to investigate female surgeons' career advancement and satisfaction with training. A standardized questionnaire was devised and sent out via the web-based survey tool SurveyMonkey® to female surgeons in the German federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia. A total of 125 completed questionnaires were analyzed (response rate 40.8%). Female surgeons are at least largely (76%) satisfied with their surgical training. Increased time (>5 h/week) as the principal surgeon in the operating room significantly stimulates the satisfaction with the surgical training (86% vs. 68%, p = 0.0384). At the participants' current workplace, the heads of departments are predominantly male surgeons (91%). Respondents not satisfied with their surgical training prefer a female head of department more frequently (24% vs. 2%, p = 0.0085). The majority of the respondents themselves aspire to become a consultant surgeon (56%), while only 12% intend to become a head of a department. Female surgeons aiming at leadership positions work overtime (≥50 h/week) significantly more frequently (81% vs. 57%, p = 0.0041). Favoritism of male colleagues is perceived by 34%. Respondents who do not perceive any preferential treatment are significantly more satisfied with their surgical training (88% vs. 57%, p = 0.0004). In conclusion, female surgeons seem positive about their career choice, once in the surgical profession, and aptly fill upcoming positions. Women interested in surgery are likely to pursue a surgical career despite the alleged workload, demonstrating the importance of professional self-fulfillment among female surgeons.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND/AIMS: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) with its progressive form nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the most common chronic liver disease in western countries which is associated with end-stage liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This entity is a consistently increasing indication for transplantation. However, data about postsurgery outcome and complications are still limited. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Records of 432 consecutive transplanted patients between October 2007 and January 2011 were investigated retrospectively. Forty transplants were performed due to NASH-induced cirrhosis. Perioperative courses and short- and long-term outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: The NAFLD population consisted of 16 women and 24 men with a mean age of 55 years. The median MELD score was 27 at the time of liver transplantion. BMI before surgery ranged from 21 to 45 (mean 31). Sixteen of the initial 40 patients are still alive. Patients with sustained obesity and features of the metabolic syndrome had a worse 1-year mortality rate of 42%. CONCLUSIONS: A significant number of liver transplantations in our center was performed due to NASH; transplantation in this cohort was associated with high mortality and postoperative complications, most likely due to associated obesity and diabetes. Weight reduction prior to surgery may lead to a better outcome.
