Sumping's Up: A Multidisciplinary Educational Initiative on Gastric Drainage Tubes.

Background: Nasogastric tube placement is widely taught, and tube maintenance relies on astute nursing care with adherence to both institutional and evidence-based recommendations. However, precise adherence to current recommendations relies on knowledge base regarding the identification of malfunctioning gastric drainage tubes. Troubleshooting skills are crucial in maintaining patient safety and recognizing malfunction.

Mapping the increasing interest in acute care surgery-Who, why and which fellowship?

Background: Interest in acute care surgery (ACS) has increased over the past 10 years as demonstrated by the linear increase in fellowship applicants to the different fellowships leading to ACS careers. It is unclear why interest has increased, whether various fellowship pathways attract different applicants or whether fellowship choice correlates with practice patterns after graduation.

Methods: An online survey was distributed to individuals previously registered with the Surgical critical care and Acute care surgery Fellowship Application Service.

Prevention of Colorectal Neoplasia.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. There are well-established screening protocols involving fecal testing, radiographic, and endoscopic evaluations that have led to decreased incidence and mortality of CRC in the United States. In addition to screening for CRC, there is interest in preventing colorectal neoplasia by targeting the signaling pathways that have been identified in the pathway of dysplasia progressing to carcinoma.

Redesigning a joint replacement program using Lean Six Sigma in a Veterans Affairs hospital.

Importance: In April 2009, an analysis of joint replacement surgical procedures at the Richard L. Roudebush Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, revealed that total hip and knee replacements incurred $1.4 million in non-Veterans Affairs (VA) care costs with an average length of stay of 6.