Teaching to transform surgical culture: an educational programme and thematic analysis in a general surgery department.

INTRODUCTION: General surgery departments are busy, meaning educational opportunities may be sporadic. Clinical priorities can sometimes supersede teaching and trainees may feel alienated at the periphery of the working community. In this study, we demonstrate how a reflective, multidisciplinary general surgery teaching programme was established and use this to assess the impact of structured teaching on surgical doctors of all grades in the department. METHODS: Twelve semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with participants of varying grades. Transcripts were analysed using a grounded theory thematic analysis, revealing four themes: the value of teaching; learning as a community; barriers to successful training; and culture of surgery. DISCUSSION: Teaching helped juniors construct healthy narratives around general surgery and encouraged a process of professional identity formation. Pairing junior and senior colleagues allowed both to develop their skills, and reflective learning revealed new learning opportunities. Transparency across the 'community of practice' was achieved and the programme helped juniors overcome negative stereotypes of intimidation embedded in the hidden surgical curriculum. CONCLUSION: Reflective, multidisciplinary learning can challenge the hidden curriculum and encourage team cohesion. A commitment to critical reflective teaching will be vital in cultivating surgeons of the future.

Selective Hepatic Vascular Exclusion versus Pringle Maneuver in Major Hepatectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objectives: Mortality and morbidity following hepatic resection is significantly affected by major intra-operative blood loss. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates whether selective hepatic vascular exclusion (SHVE) compared to a Pringle maneuver in hepatic resection reduces rates of morbidity and mortality. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines by screening EMBASE, MEDLINE/PubMed, CENTRAL and SCOPUS for comparative studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Pooled odds ratios or mean differences were calculated for outcomes using either fixed- or random-effects models. Results: Six studies were identified: three randomised controlled trials and three observational studies reporting a total of 2,238 patients. Data synthesis showed significantly decreased rates of mortality, overall complications, blood loss, transfusion requirements, air embolism, liver failure and multi-organ failure in the SHVE group. Rates of hepatic vein rupture, post-operative hemorrhage, operative and warm ischemia time, length of stay in hospital and intensive care unit were not statistically significant between the two groups. Conclusion: Performing SHVE in major hepatectomy may result in reduced rates of morbidity and mortality when compared to a Pringle maneuver. The results of this meta-analysis are based on studies where tumors were adjacent to major vessels. Further RCTs are required to validate these results. Clinical Trial Registration: PROSPERO (CRD42020212372) https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=212372.

Liver Transplantation for Non-Resectable Liver Metastases from Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUNDS: Colorectal liver metastases were historically considered a contraindication to liver transplantation, but dismal outcomes for those with metastatic colorectal cancer and advancements in liver transplantation (LT) have led to a renewed interest in the topic. We aim to compare the current evidence for liver transplantation for non-resectable colorectal liver metastases (NRCLM) with the current standard treatment of palliative chemotherapy. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis of proportions was conducted following screening of MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS and CENTRAL for studies reporting liver transplantation for colorectal liver metastases. Post-operative outcomes measured included one-, three- and five-year survival, overall survival, disease-free survival and complication rate. RESULTS: Three non-randomised studies met the inclusion criteria, reporting a total of 48 patients receiving LT for NRCLM. Survival at one-, three- and five-years was 83.3-100%, 58.3-80% and 50-80%, respectively, with no significant difference detected (p = 0.22, p = 0.48, p = 0.26). Disease-free survival was 35-56% with the most common site of recurrence being lung. Thirteen out of fourteen deaths were due to disease recurrence. CONCLUSION: Although current evidence suggests a survival benefit conferred by LT in NRCLM compared to palliative chemotherapy, the ethical implications of organ availability and allocation demand rigorous justification. Concomitant improvements in the management of patients following liver resection and of palliative chemotherapy regimens is paramount.

Roux-en-Y versus single loop reconstruction in pancreaticoduodenectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Post-operative pancreatic fistula (POPF) and delayed gastric emptying (DGE) both remain problematic complications following pancreaticoduodenectomy. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates whether Roux-en-Y compared to a single loop reconstruction in pancreaticoduodenectomy significantly reduces rates of these complications. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines by screening EMBASE, MEDLINE/PubMed, CENTRAL and bibliographic reference lists for comparative studies meeting the predetermined inclusion criteria. Post-operative outcome measures included: POPF, DGE, bile leak, operating time, blood loss, need for transfusion, wound infection, intra-abdominal collection, post-pancreatectomy haemorrhage, overall morbidity, re-operation, overall mortality, hospital length of stay. Pooled odds ratios or mean differences with 95% confidence intervals were calculated using either fixed- or random-effects models. RESULTS: Fourteen studies were identified including four randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and 10 observational studies reporting a total of 2,031 patients. Data synthesis showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups in any of the outcome measures except operating time, which was longer in those undergoing Roux-en-Y reconstruction. DISCUSSION: Roux-en-Y is not superior to single loop reconstruction in pancreaticoduodenectomy but may prolong operating time. Future high-quality randomised studies with appropriate study design and sample size power calculation may be required to further validate this conclusion.

The importance of social media to the academic surgical literature: Relationship between Twitter activity and readership metrics.

BACKGROUND: Social media has an increasing role within professional surgical practice, including the publishing and engagement of academic literature. This study aims to analyze the relationship between social media use and traditional and alternative metrics among academic surgical journals. METHOD: Journals were identified through the InCites Journal Citation Reports 2019, and their impact factor, h-index, and CiteScore were noted. Social media platforms were examined, and Twitter activity interrogated between 1 January to 31 December 2019. Healthcare Social Graph score and an aggregated Altmetric Attention Score were also calculated for each journal. Statistical analysis was carried out to look at the correlation between traditional metrics, Twitter activity, and altmetrics. RESULTS: Journals with a higher impact factor were more likely to use a greater number of social media platforms (R2 = 0.648; P < .0001). Journals with dedicated Twitter profiles had a higher impact factor than journals without (median, 2.96 vs 1.88; Mann-Whitney U = 390; P < .001); however, over a 1-year period (2018-2019) having a Twitter presence did not alter impact factor (Mann-Whitney U = 744.5; P = .885). Increased Twitter activity was positively correlated with impact factor. Longitudinal analysis over 6 years suggested cumulative tweets correlated with an increased impact factor (R2 = 0.324, P = .004). Novel alternative measures including Healthcare Social Graph score (R2 = 0.472, P = .005) and Altmetric Attention Score (R2 = 0.779, P = .001) positively correlated with impact factor. CONCLUSION: Higher impact factor is associated with social media presence and activity, particularly on Twitter, with long-term activity being of particular importance. Modern alternative metrics correlate with impact factor. This relationship is complex, and future studies should look to understand this further.

Improving knowledge and confidence in foundation doctors during specialty changeover.

QUALITY PROBLEM: Foundation year junior doctors rotate every 4 months into different specialties. They are often expected to manage patients with complex underlying conditions despite inadequate clinical induction. INITIAL ASSESSMENT: No structured induction was offered to junior doctors rotating to hepato-pancreatico-biliary surgery, a complex and highly specialized discipline within general surgery. We hypothesized that junior doctors will be lacking in both knowledge and confidence when managing these patients. CHOICE OF SOLUTION: Create a structured induction programme and evaluate its effectiveness in improving knowledge and confidence amongst doctors. IMPLEMENTATION: Plan Do Study Act methodology was used along with driver diagrams to map change. A learning resource was developed in the form of a booklet, which included relevant clinical information, processes for escalation and referral as well as guidance for managing acutely unwell patients. A structured 1-hour teaching programme was delivered to junior doctors alongside this. Pre- and post-session questionnaires and statistical analysis were used to determine effect. EVALUATION: Marked improvements in both knowledge and confidence were seen. The intervention showed a statistically significant improvement. LESSONS LEARNED: Clinical induction resources can improve junior doctors' knowledge and confidence in managing their patients. Such induction is both valuable and necessary. Similar interventions can be used with allied health professionals and can involve the use of technology and virtual learning.

Case Report: Familial Hypocalciuric Hypercalcaemia and Hashimoto's Thyroiditis.

Introduction: Hypercalcaemia can be caused by many disorders. Primary hyperparathyroidism is the leading cause with parathyroidectomy being the definitive management. Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcaemia is a rarer cause in which resection of the parathyroid tissue does not result in normalized serum calcium. Case presentation: We report the unusual case of a 53-year-old lady who presented with hypercalcaemia and elevated parathyroid hormone with a presumed diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism. She remained hypercalcaemic after parathyroidectomy and was later diagnosed with familial hypocalciuric hypercalcaemia. During the first operation, a lymph node was also removed, and the histopathology report suggested a metastasis of follicular variant papillary thyroid carcinoma (FVPTC). After multi-disciplinary team (MDT) discussion, the patient underwent a second exploration where total thyroidectomy and removal of the other parathyroid glands were performed. Hypercalcaemia completely resolved on surgical resection of the thyroid and parathyroid tissue, however histopathology revealed normal parathyroid glands and florid Hashimoto's thyroiditis. The initial diagnosis of FVPTC in the lymph node was revisited and the final histopathology report suggested an accessory thyroid nodule with florid Hashimoto's thyroiditis mimicking a lymph node. Conclusion: Our case demonstrates the diagnostic dilemma in hypercalcaemia that may lead a patient to undergo unnecessary invasive procedures; the misdiagnosis of FVPTC after the first operation resulted in a second more extensive procedure. Patients with no clear surgical target and urine CCCR in the gray/non-diagnostic area should be routinely offered genetic testing despite negative family history.

Meta-Analysis of Spinal Anesthesia Versus General Anesthesia During Laparoscopic Total Extraperitoneal Repair of Inguinal Hernia.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate comparative outcomes of spinal anesthesia (SA) and general anesthesia (GA) during laparoscopic total extraperitoneal (TEP) repair of inguinal hernia. METHODS: We systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, CENTRAL, the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry, ClinicalTrials.gov, ISRCTN Register, and bibliographic reference lists. We applied a combination of free text and controlled vocabulary search adapted to thesaurus headings, search operators and limits in each of the above databases. Postoperative pain assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS), individual and overall perioperative morbidity, procedure time and time taken to normal activities, were the outcome parameters. Combined overall effect sizes were calculated using fixed-effect or random-effects models. RESULTS: We identified 5 comparative studies reporting a total of 1518 patients (2134 hernia) evaluating outcomes of laparoscopic TEP inguinal hernia repair under SA (n=1277 patients, 1877 hernia) or GA (n=241 patients, 257 hernia). SA was associated with significantly lower post-operative pain assessed by VAS at 12 hours [mean difference (MD): -0.32; 95% confidence interval (CI), -0.45 to -0.20; P<0.0001] and shorter time to normal activities (MD: -0.30; 95% CI, -0.48 to -0.11; P=0.002) compared with GA. However, it significantly increased risk of urinary retention [odds ratio (OR): 4.02; 95% CI, 1.32-12.24; P=0.01], hypotension (OR: 3.97; 95% CI, 1.57-10.39; P=0.004), headache (OR: 7.65; 95% CI, 1.98-29.48, P=0.003), and procedure time (MD: 3.82; 95% CI, 1.22-6.42; P=0.004). There was no significant difference in VAS at 24 hours (MD: 0.06; 95% CI, -0.06 to 0.17; P=0.34), seroma (OR: 1.54; 95% CI, 0.73-3.26; P=0.26), wound infection (OR: 1.03; 95% CI, 0.45-2.37; P=0.94), and vomiting (OR: 0.84; 95% CI, 0.39-1.83; P=0.66) between the 2 groups. There was a nonsignificant decrease in overall morbidity in favor of GA (OR: 1.84; 95% CI, 0.77-4.40; P=0.17) which became significant following sensitivity analysis (OR: 2.59; 95% CI, 1.23-5.49; P=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Although TEP inguinal hernia repair under SA may reduce pain in early postoperative period, it seems to be associated with increased postoperative morbidity and longer procedure time. It may be an appropriate anesthetic modality in selected patients who are considered high risk for GA. Higher level of evidence is needed.