The learning effect of intraoperative video-enhanced surgical procedure training

BACKGROUND: The transition from basic skills training in a skills lab to procedure training in the operating theater using the traditional master-apprentice model (MAM) lacks uniformity and efficiency. When the supervising surgeon performs parts of a procedure, training opportunities are lost. To minimize this intervention by the supervisor and maximize the actual operating time for the trainee, we created a new training method called INtraoperative Video-Enhanced Surgical Training (INVEST). METHODS: Ten surgical residents were trained in laparoscopic cholecystectomy either by the MAM or with INVEST. Each trainee performed six cholecystectomies that were objectively evaluated on an Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) global rating scale. Absolute and relative improvements during the training curriculum were compared between the groups. A questionnaire evaluated the trainee's opinion on this new training method. RESULTS: Skill improvement on the OSATS global rating scale was significantly greater for the trainees in the INVEST curriculum compared to the MAM, with mean absolute improvement 32.6 versus 14.0 points and mean relative improvement 59.1 versus 34.6% (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: INVEST significantly enhances technical and procedural skill development during the early learning curve for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Trainees were positive about the content and the idea of the curriculum

The Current State of Robot-Assisted Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy (RAMIE): Outcomes from the Upper GI International Robotic Association (UGIRA) Esophageal Registry

\ua9 The Author(s) 2024.Background: Robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) is increasingly adopted in centers worldwide, with ongoing refinements to enhance results. This study aims to assess the current state of RAMIE worldwide and to identify potential areas for improvement. Methods: This descriptive study analyzed prospective data from esophageal cancer patients who underwent transthoracic RAMIE in Upper GI International Robotic Association (UGIRA) centers. Main endpoints included textbook outcome rate, surgical techniques, and perioperative outcomes. Analyses were performed separately for intrathoracic (Ivor–Lewis) and cervical anastomosis (McKeown), divided into three time cohorts (2016–2018, 2019–2020, 2021–2023). A sensitivity analysis was conducted with cases after the learning curve (> 70 cases). Results: Across 28 UGIRA centers, 2012 Ivor–Lewis and 1180 McKeown procedures were performed. Over the time cohorts, textbook outcome rates were 39%, 48%, and 49% for Ivor–Lewis, and 49%, 63%, and 61% for McKeown procedures, respectively. Fully robotic procedures accounted for 66%, 51%, and 60% of Ivor–Lewis procedures, and 53%, 81%, and 66% of McKeown procedures. Lymph node yield showed 27, 30, and 30 nodes in Ivor–Lewis procedures, and 26, 26, and 34 nodes in McKeown procedures. Furthermore, high mediastinal lymphadenectomy was performed in 65%, 43%, and 37%, and 70%, 48%, and 64% of Ivor–Lewis and McKeown procedures, respectively. Anastomotic leakage rates were 22%, 22%, and 16% in Ivor–Lewis cases, and 14%, 12%, and 11% in McKeown cases. Hospital stay was 13, 14, and 13 days for Ivor–Lewis procedures, and 12, 9, and 11 days for McKeown procedures. In Ivor–Lewis and McKeown, respectively, the sensitivity analysis revealed textbook outcome rates of 43%, 54%, and 51%, and 47%, 64%, and 64%; anastomotic leakage rates of 28%, 18%, and 15%, and 13%, 11%, and 10%; and hospital stay of 11, 12, and 12 days, and 10, 9, and 9 days. Conclusions: This study demonstrates favorable outcomes over time in achieving textbook outcome after RAMIE. Areas for improvement include a reduction of anastomotic leakage and shortening of hospital stay

Anastomotic leakage following robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE): which anastomosis should be preferred?

\ua9 The Author(s) 2025.Background: The optimal technique for intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomosis in esophagectomy remains undetermined. This study evaluates different anastomotic techniques in robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) and their impact on anastomotic leakage rates. Materials and Methods: This observational, retrospective, comparative cohort study analyzed data obtained from the Upper GI International Robotic Association (UGIRA) Esophageal Registry. All consecutive patients with a histologically proven esophageal malignancy who underwent RAMIE with intrathoracic esophagogastrostomy were included. The anastomotic technique was performed based on the clinical judgement and expertise of each individual surgeon. For comparison, the four most common techniques were included: circular end-to-side, linear side-to-side, handsewn end-to-side, and handsewn end-to-end. The primary endpoint of this study was the occurrence of anastomotic leakage, defined by the Esophagectomy Complications Consensus Group as a full-thickness gastrointestinal defect involving the esophagus, anastomosis, staple line, or conduit, regardless of its presentation or method of identification. Results: Between 2016 and September 2023, 1518 patients were included. Univariable analysis demonstrated that the linear stapled side-to-side anastomosis was associated with the lowest anastomotic leakage rate (14.0%), while the handsewn end-to-end anastomosis had the highest (32.8%) (p < 0.001). The anastomotic leakage rates for circular end-to-side and handsewn end-to-side anastomoses were 19.4% and 26.9%, respectively. Multivariable analysis confirmed that anastomotic technique was independently associated with anastomotic leakage. Specifically, handsewn anastomoses were associated with a higher risk of anastomotic leakage for both end-to-side (OR 1.675, 95% CI 1.195–2.348, p = 0.003) and end-to-end (OR 2.181, 95% CI 1.403–3.390, p < 0.001) techniques compared to circular end-to-side anastomoses. Conclusions: In RAMIE, linear side-to-side and circular end-to-side stapled anastomoses are associated with lower anastomotic leakage rates compared to handsewn techniques. While acknowledging the multifactorial complexity of anastomotic leakage, these findings favor the use of mechanical stapling in clinical practice

New broad-spectrum resistance to septoria tritici blotch derived from synthetic hexaploid wheat

Septoria tritici blotch (STB), caused by the ascomycete Mycosphaerella graminicola, is one of the most devastating foliar diseases of wheat. We screened five synthetic hexaploid wheats (SHs), 13 wheat varieties that represent the differential set of cultivars and two susceptible checks with a global set of 20 isolates and discovered exceptionally broad STB resistance in SHs. Subsequent development and analyses of recombinant inbred lines (RILs) from a cross between the SH M3 and the highly susceptible bread wheat cv. Kulm revealed two novel resistance loci on chromosomes 3D and 5A. The 3D resistance was expressed in the seedling and adult plant stages, and it controlled necrosis (N) and pycnidia (P) development as well as the latency periods of these parameters. This locus, which is closely linked to the microsatellite marker Xgwm494, was tentatively designated Stb16q and explained from 41 to 71% of the phenotypic variation at seedling stage and 28–31% in mature plants. The resistance locus on chromosome 5A was specifically expressed in the adult plant stage, associated with SSR marker Xhbg247, explained 12–32% of the variation in disease, was designated Stb17, and is the first unambiguously identified and named QTL for adult plant resistance to M. graminicola. Our results confirm that common wheat progenitors might be a rich source of new Stb resistance genes/QTLs that can be deployed in commercial breeding programs

Effective and efficient learning in the operating theater with intraoperative video-enhanced surgical procedure training

<p>INtraoperative Video Enhanced Surgical procedure Training (INVEST) is a new training method designed to improve the transition from basic skills training in a skills lab to procedural training in the operating theater. Traditionally, the master-apprentice model (MAM) is used for procedural training in the operating theater, but this model lacks uniformity and efficiency at the beginning of the learning curve. This study was designed to investigate the effectiveness and efficiency of INVEST compared to MAM.</p><p>Ten surgical residents with no laparoscopic experience were recruited for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy training curriculum either by the MAM or with INVEST. After a uniform course in basic laparoscopic skills, each trainee performed six cholecystectomies that were digitally recorded. For 14 steps of the procedure, an observer who was blinded for the type of training determined whether the step was performed entirely by the trainee (2 points), partially by the trainee (1 point), or by the supervisor (0 points). Time measurements revealed the total procedure time and the amount of effective procedure time during which the trainee acted as the operating surgeon. Results were compared between both groups.</p><p>Trainees in the INVEST group were awarded statistically significant more points (115.8 vs. 70.2; p <0.001) and performed more steps without the interference of the supervisor (46.6 vs. 18.8; p <0.001). Total procedure time was not lengthened by INVEST, and the part performed by trainees was significantly larger (69.9 vs. 54.1 %; p = 0.004).</p><p>INVEST enhances effectiveness and training efficiency for procedural training inside the operating theater without compromising operating theater time efficiency.</p>

P42 EFFICACY OF ENDOSCOPIC TREATMENT FOR CONTAINED LEAKAGE AFTER IVOR LEWIS ESOPHAGECTOMY

Abstract Aim Anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy (AL) is a severe complication that often needs aggressive and invasive treatment. However, there is no consensus on what strategy is best. The aim of this study was to analyse the different treatment strategies for AL and evaluate their outcomes. Background and methods A retrospective analysis was performed on all patients who developed AL after Ivor Lewis Esophagectomy (IL) from January 2011 until September 2016 in three high volume hospitals. Treatment of AL was based on local expertise, without common guideline. The different treatment strategies (surgical and endoscopic) were compared for patients with contained (confined to the mediastinum) and uncontained AL (leakage with intrapleural complications). Endpoints were the amount of re-interventions, readmission to the ICU, ICU- and hospital stay, time to restart oral feeding and mortality. Results Seventy-three patients with AL were identified in this multicentre cohort with either a contained or an uncontained leak. Basic variables were similar in both groups. A contained leak was identified in 39 patients. An endoscopic approach was chosen in 25 patients (64%) and was successful in 19 (76%). Fourteen patients (36%) were primarily treated with a surgical approach that was successful in 11 (79%). Significantly more patients were (re)admitted to the ICU in the surgical group versus the endoscopic group (100% vs 52%, p=0.003). The ICU and hospital stay, time to restart oral intake and mortality were not significantly different in both groups. An uncontained leak was seen in 34 patients. Endoscopic treatment was chosen in 14 patients (41%) and was successful in 10 (71%). A surgical approach was performed in 20 patients (59%) and was successful in 12 (60%). (Re)admission rate to the ICU was significantly higher in the surgical group (95% vs 57%, p=0.012). The ICU- and hospital stay and time to restart oral intake were similar. There was no mortality in this cohort. Conclusion The classification of leakages into contained and uncontained might help to determine treatment strategy. In this multicentre cohort, the endoscopic approach for contained leaks appears to be feasible and successful. The operative approach remains the preferred option for uncontained anastomotic leakage. </jats:sec