Implementing Public Health Modules as an Approach to Improve Knowledge and Attitudes of Medical Students: A Student-Led, Multiyear Study.

PURPOSE: Public health is a necessary focus of modern medical education. However, while numerous studies demonstrate benefits of public health education during medical school among self-selected students (i.e., those interested in public health), there are few educational models shown to be effective across the general medical student population. This study examined the effect of a multiyear, case-based, longitudinal online public health curriculum required for all medical students at an urban, research-focused U.S. medical school. METHOD: The authors created 11 short public health modules to supplement a year-long, organ-based preclerkship course at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. Beginning in 2020, all students were required to complete these modules, with repeated surveys to assess changes in attitudes and knowledge of public health over time. The authors compared responses for these domains before and after each module, across multiple time points throughout the year, and cross-sectionally to a 2019 cohort of students who were not provided the modules. RESULTS: Across 3 cohorts, 405 of 420 (96.4%) students provided responses and were included in subsequent analyses. After completing the modules, students reported perceiving a greater importance of public health to nearly every medical specialty ( P < .001), more positive attitudes toward public health broadly ( P < .001), and increased knowledge of public health content ( P < .001). These findings were consistent across longitudinal analysis of students throughout the year-long course and when compared to the cohort who did not complete the modules. CONCLUSIONS: Case-based, interactive, and longitudinal public health content can be effectively integrated into the required undergraduate medical education curriculum to improve all medical students' knowledge and perceptions of public health. Incorporating evidence-based public health education into medical training may help future physicians to better address the needs of the communities and populations in which they practice.

Robotic Inguinal Hernia Repair - Update 2022 during the SARS-COVID-19 Pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: Inguinal hernia repair is one of the most common surgical procedures performed by general surgeons. Numerous articles have shown that robotic inguinal hernia repair is safe and effective, but also more costly than other hernia repair techniques. The robotic platform uses high-definition visualization and articulating instruments. A growing number of surgeons are using this technology to refine and obtain a critical view of the myopectineal orifice for hernia repair while lessening the pain associated with the open surgical approach. Lower insufflation pressures and good results without Foley catheterization have been reported. This report presents an update, with a focus on the past 3 years during the SARS COVID-19 pandemic, of a series of robotic, laparoscopic inguinal hernia repairs by a single surgeon with extensive laparoscopic hernia experience at a single institution, along with a review of the recent current literature. METHODS: Over 3000 laparoscopic inguinal hernia operations have been performed by the author since 1990. One hundred-fifty-eight were performed from April 2020 to November 2022, in addition to the previously reported 420 robotic TAPP (trans-abdominal pre-peritoneal) procedures performed from April 2012 to March 2020. Hospital records and follow-up care were prospectively reviewed and the patient's age, sex, American Society of Anesthesia (ASA) class and operative time were obtained. Follow-up was done at 2 weeks and 6 weeks following surgery. All patients consented to the use of their data in the study. RESULTS: Ninety-four percent (94%) of the patients were male. The average age was 64.3 years (range 18-91). Co-morbidities included hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, prostatism and GERD, among others. BMI was between 19 and 37.1 (mean 26.1). In 23 patients (15%), an umbilical hernia repair was performed concomitantly. OR time ranged from 25 to 90 minutes (mean 51.8). Complications were uncommon and urinary retention (2.5%) was an infrequent post-operative occurrence. CONCLUSIONS: 1) Use of a lower insufflation pressure (8-12 mm Hg) was routine. 2) Use of a structural mesh (4x6 inches) gave satisfactory results. 3) While fixation of the mesh was not necessary, fibrin sealant was used routinely. 4) Urinary retention was infrequent, and did not require pre- or intra-op Foley catheterization if the patient voided immediately prior to surgery. Finally, 5) OR time was consistently less than 1 hour. These results support the conclusion that robotic inguinal hernia repair is safe and effective.

Impact of Native Language, English Proficiency, and Language Concordance on Interpersonal Care During Evaluation of Acute Coronary Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: High-quality interpersonal interactions between clinicians and patients can improve communication and reduce health disparities among patients with novice English proficiency (NEP). Yet, little is known about the impact of native language, NEP, and native language concordance on patient on perceptions of interpersonal care in the emergency department (ED). OBJECTIVE: To determine the associations of native language, NEP, and native language concordance with patient perceptions of interpersonal care among patients undergoing evaluation for suspected acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in the ED. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This prospective cohort study included 1000 patients undergoing evaluation for suspected ACS at an urban ED from 2013 to 2016. MAIN MEASURES: English- and Spanish-speaking patients were surveyed to identify native language, English proficiency (classified as advanced, intermediate, or novice), and perceived language of the treating ED clinician. Patient perceptions of interpersonal care were assessed using the Interpersonal Processes of Care (IPC) survey, a validated 18-item tool for assessing social-psychological domains of patient-clinician interactions. IPC scores ≤ 4 were categorized as sub-optimal (range, 1-5). The associations between native language, English proficiency, and native language concordance with sub-optimal communication were assessed using hierarchical logistic regression adjusted for all three language variables, sociodemographic characteristics, and depression. KEY RESULTS: Nine hundred thirty-three patients (48.0% native non-English-speaking, 55.7% Hispanic) completed the IPC; 522 (57.4%) perceived native language concordance. In unadjusted analyses, non-English native language (OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.04-1.82) and NEP (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.06-1.98) were associated with sub-optimal communication, whereas language concordance was protective (OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.46-0.81). In fully adjusted analyses, only language concordance remained significantly associated with sub-optimal communication (AOR 0.62, 95% CI 0.42-0.93). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that perceived native language concordance acts as a protective factor for patient-clinician interpersonal care in the acute setting, regardless of native language or English proficiency.

Associations between emergency department crowding and perceptions of interpersonal care in patients presenting with suspected acute coronary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Emergency department (ED) crowding is associated with numerous healthcare issues, but little is known about its effect on psychosocial aspects of patient-provider interactions or interpersonal care. We examined whether ED crowding was associated with perceptions of interpersonal care in patients evaluated for acute coronary syndrome (ACS). METHODS: Patients presenting to a quaternary academic medical centre ED in New York City for evaluation of suspected ACS were enrolled between November 2013 and December 2016. ED crowding was measured using the ED Work Index (EDWIN), which incorporates patient volume, triage category, physician staffing and bed availability. Patients completed the 18-item Interpersonal Processes of Care (IPC) survey, which assesses communication, patient-centred decision-making and interpersonal style. Regression analyses examined associations between EDWIN and IPC scores, adjusting for demographics, comorbidities and depression. RESULTS: Among 933 included patients, 11% experienced ED overcrowding (EDWIN score >2) at admission, 11% experienced ED overcrowding throughout the ED stay and 30% reported suboptimal interpersonal care (defined as per-item IPC score <5). Higher admission EDWIN score was associated with modestly lower IPC score in both unadjusted (ß=-1.70, 95% CI -3.15 to -0.24, p=0.02) and adjusted models (ß = -1.77, 95% CI -3.31 to -0.24, p=0.02). EDWIN score averaged over the entire ED stay was not significantly associated with IPC score (unadjusted ß=-1.30, 95% CI -3.19 to 0.59, p=0.18; adjusted ß=-1.24, 95% CI -3.21 to 0.74, p=0.22). CONCLUSION: Increased crowding at the time of ED admission was associated with poorer perceptions of interpersonal care among patients with suspected ACS.

Robotic Inguinal Hernia Repair.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair has certain advantages over open repair including less pain and earlier return to normal activity. Robotic surgery adds high definition visualization and articulating instruments. This enhanced dexterity can make laparoscopic hernia repair more refined while obtaining a critical view of the myopectineal orifice that should lead to fewer recurrences and complications. A series of robotic, laparoscopic, inguinal hernia repairs by a single surgeon with extensive laparoscopic hernia experience at a single institution along with a review of the literature was undertaken to determine the role of robotic laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in minimally invasive surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One thousand laparoscopic inguinal hernia operations were performed from April 2012 through March 2020. There were 420 cases of robotic trans-abdominal pre-peritoneal (TAPP) procedures done during that time. Hospital records and follow-up care were prospectively reviewed and data was collected for age, sex, American Society of Anesthesia (ASA) class, and operative time. Follow up was done at two weeks, eight weeks, and 16 weeks following surgery. All patients consented for study. RESULTS: Ninety-four percent (94%) of the patients were male. Age averaged 57.8 years with a range of 18-85 years. ASA averaged 2.01 with comorbidities of hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and GERD being the most common. Body mass index (BMI) was between 19-40.5 averaging 26.6. Sixty-three patients (15%) had an umbilical hernia repair done concomitantly. Operating room (OR) time ranged from 25-140 minutes, with an average of 54.36 minutes, and decreased as experience increased. One patient with a large, left scrotal hernia was converted to open, one patient developed perforated sigmoid diverticulitis seven days postoperative and four recurred indirectly after a direct hernia repair. Urinary retention was the most problematic postoperative occurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic inguinal hernia repair is safe and effective. 1) Proper training, including simulators and proctors, is necessary; 2) having the same operating room team and an interested first assistant at the OR table is very helpful; 3) the learning curve is about 50 patients; 4) postoperative narcotics are rarely more than three hydrocodone pills; 4) no fixation of the mesh is necessary, but fibrin sealant was used routinely in these patients; and 5) urinary retention is the most common postoperative issue and is best planned for by knowing the patients urinary history, use of peripheral alpha-blockers, and straight catheterization in the OR at the conclusion of the surgery. OR time was longer than standard laparoscopic herniorrhaphy but decreased with experience. The robotic technique allowed for an excellent view of the myopectineal orifice and appears to have a low complication rate.

Robotic Inguinal Hernia Repair.

Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair has certain advantages over open repair including less pain and earlier return to normal activity. Concurrent robotic inguinal hernia repair at the time of prostatectomy has been shown to have a lower recurrence rate than open repair. Robotic surgery adds high definition visualization and articulating instruments which enhances dexterity that makes laparoscopic hernia repair more refined. A series of robotic, laparoscopic, inguinal hernia repairs by a single surgeon with an extensive laparoscopic hernia experience at a single institution was undertaken to determine the role of robotic laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in minimally invasive surgery. Five hundred forty-two laparoscopic inguinal hernia operations were performed from April 2012 through December 2015. There were 154 cases of robotic transabdominal preperitoneal procedures done during that time. Hospital records and follow-up care were prospectively reviewed and data collected for age, sex, American Society of Anesthesia class, and operative time. Follow-up was done at 2, 8, and 16 weeks after surgery. All patients consented for the study. Ninety percent of the patients were male. Age averaged 57.04 years with a range of 21 to 85 years. American Society of Anesthesia averaged 2.01 with comorbidities of hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and gastroesophageal reflux disease being the most common. Body mass index was between 19 and 31.6, averaging 24.34. Twenty-five patients (16%) had an umbilical hernia repair done concomitantly. Operating room time ranged from 25 to 140 minutes with an average of 63.6 minutes decreased as experience increased. One patient with a large, left scrotal hernia was converted to open; one patient developed perforated sigmoid diverticulitis seven days postop and case #5 recurred indirectly after a direct hernia repair. Four patients required prolonged postoperative Foley catheterization. Robotic inguinal hernia repair is safe and effective. Operating room time was longer than standard laparoscopic herniorrhaphy but decreased with experience. A single-port platform may have use in patients with umbilical hernias, 16 per cent, and will need to be studied.

Update on Bioactive Prosthetic Material for the Treatment of Hernias.

The use of mesh in the repair of hernias is commonplace. Synthetic mesh, like polypropylene, has been the workhorse for hernia repairs since the 1980s. Surgisis® mesh (Cook Surgical, Bloomington, IN), a biologic hernia graft material composed of purified porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS), was first introduced to the United States in 1998 as an alternative to synthetic mesh materials. This mesh, composed of extracellular matrix collagen, fibronectin and associated glycosaminoglycans and growth factors, has been extensively investigated in animal models and used clinically in many types of surgical procedures. SIS acts as a scaffold for natural growth and strength. We reported our initial results in this publication in July 2006. Since then, there have been many more reports and numerous other bioactive prosthetic materials (BPMs) released. The object of this article is to briefly review some of the current literature on the use of BPM for inguinal hernias, sports hernias, and umbilical hernias.

Umbilical herniorrhaphy reinforced with biologic mesh.

The true recurrence rate after umbilical hernia repair in not known. After simple closure, the reported rate of recurrence in the literature is as high as 54 per cent. With synthetic mesh repair, the recurrence rates are lowered to less than 10 per cent. However, synthetic mesh is associated with complications such as enterocutaneous fistula and mesh infections. This preliminary study looks at the safety and effectiveness of biologic extracellular matrix mesh reinforcement in the repair of umbilical hernias. We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent repair of an umbilical hernia defect (2-3 cm) with primary approximation of the margins and reinforced using a biologic mesh placed beneath the umbilical fascia from 2007 to 2009. Demographic data were collected. Patients were followed prospectively at 2 weeks, 8 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year. Data were reviewed for postoperative complications, hernia recurrence, and patient satisfaction. During the study period, 16 patients completed the 1 year follow-up. There were 10 men and six women. Ages ranged from 28 to 75 years with a mean age of 47.6 years. The hernias were 2 to 3 cm in size. Complications were minimal. Overall patient satisfaction with the procedure was high. There were no mesh infections. During a mean follow-up of 12 months, only one patient had recurrent hernia (6%). This preliminary evaluation shows promise for an alternative treatment of umbilical hernias using biologic extracellular matrix mesh added as an underlay to reinforce a primary closure. The biologic mesh has a low incidence of infection and complications and results in high patient satisfaction. This preliminary study begs for a randomized, prospective evaluation with long-term follow-up.

Fibrin glue fixation of bioactive extracellular matrix mesh compared with soft prolene mesh for laparoscopic hernia repair.

INTRODUCTION: A comparison between soft prolene mesh and bioactive extracellular matrix prosthetic mesh fixed and secured with fibrin glue was studied. METHODS: A retrospective study of 160 patients operated upon by a single surgeon at the same institution over the past year was reviewed. There were 36 patients who had fibrin glue used as the sole means to fix the mesh in place during laparoscopic hernia repair. The patients were further subdivided into the type of mesh used, age, operative time, and postoperative events, and the results were analyzed. RESULTS: Bioactive extracellular matrix mesh was used in 18 patients and 23 repairs. There were 21 indirect hernias and 2 direct hernias repaired. Age averaged 36 years (17 to 63) and operative time averaged 30 minutes (19 to 45). Three patients experienced mild bladder "burning" and 3 patients had mild groin pain postoperatively. No recurrences have occurred. "Soft" prolene mesh was used in 18 patients and 23 repairs. There were 14 indirect hernias and 9 direct hernias repaired. Age averaged 50 years (35 to 72) and operative time averaged 26 minutes (20 to 40). Three patients had prolonged groin tenderness with or without ecchymosis lasting 3 weeks and 2 patients needed a foley catheter for 1 week for urinary retention. No recurrences have occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Fibrin glue has been used as a fixation technique for laparoscopic hernia repair with mesh. The bioactive extracellular matrix mesh patients had a slight increased groin/bladder discomfort that subsided in time. Neither group had a hernia recurrence noted over the study time. The use of biologic materials in the repair of hernia is an intriguing concept. It will be needed for studying long-term efficacy.

Bioactive prosthetic material for treatment of hernias.

HYPOTHESIS: Laparoscopic herniorrhaphy using Surgisis (Cook Surgical, Bloomington, IN, USA) mesh is an effective long-term treatment for repair of inguinal hernia. PATIENTS AND INTERVENTION: Between August 1999 and April 2005, 67 patients underwent laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair by the total extraperitoneal (TEP) mesh placement technique using Surgisis mesh. A total of 82 primary direct, indirect, pantaloon, and femoral hernias were repaired using this technique. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Postoperative complications and recurrence as evaluated at two weeks, six weeks, three months, six months, one year, and yearly thereafter for up to five years. RESULTS: The operations were performed successfully on all the patients. One revision was done to an open procedure. Postoperative complications were typical of inguinal hernia surgery. Average follow up was 38 (range: 4-72, median: 35 months. Four non-technical recurrences following repair of direct hernias were reported, which indicates a 4.9% recurrence rate. No recurrences of indirect hernias were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic inguinal herniorrhaphy using Surgisis mesh is effective in treatment of primary inguinal hernias in adults with minimal complications and recurrence up to five years of follow up.

Laparoscopic herniorrhaphy with porcine small intestinal submucosa: a preliminary study.

INTRODUCTION: Using mesh or a synthetic prosthesis during the laparoscopic repair of inguinal hernias has been demonstrated to be safe and effective. A new material, porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS mesh), has been successfully used in canine and rodent animal models with excellent results. This mesh is degradable and resorbable with a marked decrease in the possibility of becoming infected. However, the amount of fibroblast ingrowth is equal to that with polypropylene mesh. METHODS: A comparison was made between this new SIS mesh to repair 15 inguinal hernias in 12 patients and polypropylene mesh used in 12 similar patients. A preperitoneal approach with balloon dissection was used in all patients. RESULTS: Demographics were similar in both groups. The results were excellent and compared equally. Complications (seroma, discomfort) were minimal in both groups and were similar. CONCLUSIONS: Porcine small intestinal submucosa, SIS mesh, can be used for laparoscopic repair of inguinal hernias. Long-term follow-up will be necessary to confirm these preliminary results.