"Self-Designed Simulation-Based Laparoscopic Training Program for Urology Residents: Results After 6 Years of Experience".

Introduction: Learning laparoscopy (LAP) is challenging and requires different skills to conventional open surgery. There is a recognized need for a standardized laparoscopic training framework within urology to overcome these difficulties and to shift learning curve from patient to skills laboratory. Simulation-based training has been widely commented, but implementation in real day practice is lacking. We present our "LAP training program for residents". Material: Between 2017 and 2022, 11 residents participated in our self-designed program: Theoretical: (Moodle platform) basic knowledge and multimedia content for initiation into LAP. Evaluated through online exam. Practical: exercises for LAP skills acquisition were proposed and encouraged residents' practice in a box trainer available and experimental surgery sessions on a porcine model. On-site E-BLUS (European Basic Laparoscopic Urologic Skills) examination was performed annually. Feedback was obtained through an anonymous online survey. Results: All residents positively evaluated the program. Theoretical: 82% passed the online exam. The most valued topics: LAP in special clinical situations, complications, instruments, and configuration of the operating room (OR). Practical: all residents increased dry-lab box practices. A total of 23 experimental surgical sessions were carried out. For 64%, simulation in the experimental OR was a necessary complement to achieve laparoscopic skills and allowed them to feel more confident. Forty-five percent considered it essential to improve their surgical technique. E-BLUS evaluation was valued as a means to achieve dexterity and safer surgery by 90%. Reduction in time and errors were observed through time, although only 2 passed the E-BLUS. Conclusion: Our program for learning LAP includes the acquisition of knowledge, training of basic skills and surgical technique in a safe environment, as well as an objective evaluation. Encouraged practice of basic skills and surgical technique simulation and improved objective evaluation. It is structured, reproducible, systematic and has been positively valued, although it requires commitment for success.

Timing of elective tracheotomy and duration of mechanical ventilation among patients admitted to intensive care with severe COVID-19: A multicenter prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Optimal timing for tracheotomy for critically ill COVID-19 patients requiring invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) is not established. METHODS: Multicenter prospective cohort including all COVID-19 patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) in 36 hospitals who required tracheotomy during first pandemic wave. With a target emulation trial framework, we studied the causal effects of early (7-10 days) versus late (>10 days) tracheotomy (LT) on time from tracheotomy to weaning, postoperative mortality, and tracheotomy complications. RESULTS: Of 696 patients, 20.4% received early tracheotomy (ET). ET was associated with faster weaning (hazard ratio [HR] [95% confidence interval, CI]: 1.25 [1.00-1.56]) without differences in mortality (HR [95% CI]: 0.85 [0.60-1.21]) or complications (adjusted rate ratio [95% CI]: 0.56 [0.23-1.33]). CONCLUSIONS: ET had a similar or lower post-tracheotomy weaning time than LT, potentially shortening IMV and ICU stays, without changing complication or mortality rates in COVID-19 patients.