Publications by authors named "Elena Vikis"

Aim: The main objective of this study was to compare the oncological outcomes of patients undergoing abdominoperineal resection (APR) versus low anterior resection (LAR) through a transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) approach.

Method: A total of 360 adult patients with a diagnosis of rectal cancer were enrolled at participating centres from the Canadian taTME Expert Collaboration. Forty-three patients received taTME-APR and received 317 taTME-LAR.

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Introduction: Transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) is a novel approach to surgery for rectal cancer. The technique has gained significant popularity in the surgical community due to the promising ability to overcome technical difficulties related to the access of the distal pelvis. Recently, Norwegian surgeons issued a local moratorium related to potential issues with the safety of the procedure.

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Introduction: Extragonadal locations of teratomas are uncommonly reported in the literature. Teratomas are neoplasms usually found in the gonadal organs: ovaries and testis. The majority of teratomas are found in the pediatric age group.

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Introduction: Transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) is a valuable surgical option for removal of rectal polyps and early rectal cancers. A potential complication of this technique is abdominal entry if the lesion is located above the peritoneal reflection. We present the first case series describing the use of a laparoscopic stapling device to remove a sessile lesion, and seal the resulting defect simultaneously with full thickness excision of the rectal lesion, avoiding abdominal entry.

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Introduction: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is known to be opportunistic in immunocompromised patients. However, there have been emerging cases of severe CMV infections found in immunocompetent patients. Gastrointestinal (GI) CMV disease is the most common manifestation affecting immunocompetent patients, with duodenal involvement being exceedingly rare.

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Background: The transformation of a trainee into a surgeon is influenced strongly by communication patterns in the operating room (OR). In the current era of limited educational opportunities, elucidation of teaching and learning strategies in this environment is critical. The aim of this study was to further understand the elements of an effective communicative instructional interaction (CII) as perceived by surgical residents.

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Background: The objectives of this study were to (1) establish the utility of an assessment tool for participants in a laparoscopic colectomy course and (2) to determine the accuracy of technical skill self-assessment in this group.

Methods: Twenty-two surgeons enrolled in a 2-day course participated. During the animal laboratory, each participant's operative performance was videotaped.

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Background: This study explored the factors contributing to the low application rates to general surgery (GS) residency by female students and compared perceptions of GS between students and female surgeons.

Methods: We distributed surveys to final-year students at 4 medical schools and nationwide to every female general surgeon in Canada.

Results: Of students who were deterred from GS, women were less likely than men to meet a same-sex GS role model and more likely to experience gender-based discrimination during their GS rotation (P < .

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