Survey shows all surgical residents have exposure to robotic surgery yet no formalized curricula exist amongst programs: A Southwest Surgical Congress Survey.

Background: Increased robotic surgery exposure during general surgery training occurs at many institutions without a formal education curriculum. Our study evaluates the current state of general surgery robotic training within programs represented by the Southwestern Surgical Congress (SWSC).

Methods: A web-based survey regarding robot-assisted surgery (RAS) and general surgery training was developed and sent to member institutions of the SWSC.

Reoperative central lymph node dissection for incidental papillary thyroid cancer can be performed safely: A retrospective review.

Background: This study compares the pathological outcomes and operative morbidity for papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) patients undergoing a primary total thyroidectomy (TT) with central lymph node dissection (CLND), to those undergoing an interval CLND following a previous thyroid operation, or for the unsuspected diagnosis of PTC.

Methods: Single-institution, retrospective review of PTC patients from 2000 to 2015 was performed. Three treatment groups were identified: primary TT/CLND, interval prophylactic CLND, and interval therapeutic CLND.

Central Lymph Node Dissection Improves Lymph Node Clearance in Papillary Thyroid Cancer Patients with Lateral Neck Metastases, Even after Prior Total Thyroidectomy.

The oncologic benefit of a central lymph node dissection (CLND) at the time of modified radical neck dissection (MRND) in patients with papillary thyroid cancer who have previously undergone a total thyroidectomy (TT) has not been studied. Patients with lateral cervical metastases were divided into two treatment groups: the concurrent cohort (TT with CLND and MRND), and the interval cohort (CLND and MRND after prior TT). Primary outcomes were lymph node metastases, skip metastases, level VI cancer recurrence, hypoparathyroidism and recurrent laryngeal nerve injury.

Newly diagnosed and decompensated congestive heart failure is associated with increased rates of pneumonia, reintubation, and death following laparoscopic cholecystectomy: A NSQIP database review of 143,761 patients.

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is routinely performed as an outpatient operation. NSQIP tracks acute or symptomatic congestive heart failure (CHF) within 30 days of the index operation. This study aims to quantify adverse events after LC and determine if patients with CHF may benefit from pre-operative optimization or post-operative admission.

Routine central lymph node dissection with total thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid cancer potentially minimizes level VI recurrence.

Background: Treatment strategies for papillary thyroid cancer remain controversial due to the lack of large, randomized controlled trials. The purpose of this study was to review the benefit of routine bilateral central lymph node dissection (CLND) by analyzing local recurrence and complication rates from a single institution over a 15-year period.

Methods: A retrospective, institutional review board-approved review of the Baylor Scott & White Tumor Registry was performed on all patients who underwent operation for papillary thyroid cancer between 2000 and 2015.