Surgical residents' perception of competence and relevance of the clinical curriculum to future practice.

Introduction: General surgery residents maintain a case log throughout residency in order to achieve a targeted number of designated operations. Program directors must certify that each graduate is competent to enter general surgery practice without direct supervision. Our purpose was twofold, to determine: 1) graduates' perception of competence and relevance of specific operations to their practice; and 2) if case volume is related to competence.

Revisional bariatric surgery at a single institution.

Background: Bariatric surgery, although safe, can have long-term complications that require revision. Our series illustrates the spectrum of primary procedures, indications for surgery, and strategies for revision.

Methods: The study was a retrospective chart review.

Assessing compliance with national quality measures to improve colorectal cancer care at the VA.

Background: The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Quality and Performance's July 2009 report detailed the quality of VA colorectal cancer (CRC) care on the basis of 10 quality indicators (QIs). Of 21 Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs), the authors' VISN ranked last or near last on more than half of the QIs. The aim of this study was to compare a national-level assessment of performance with an institutional-level clinical review.

Prevention of thromboembolic events in surgical patients through the creation and implementation of a computerized risk assessment program.

Objectives: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a major source of postoperative morbidity and mortality and is currently a major quality improvement initiative. Mechanical and pharmacological prophylaxis is effective in preventing postoperative thromboembolic events, yet it remains underutilized in the clinical setting. Thus, the objective of this study was to develop and implement a computerized DVT risk assessment program in the electronic medical record and determine its effect on compliance with DVT prophylaxis guidelines.

Effect of surgeon training, specialization, and experience on outcomes for cancer surgery: a systematic review of the literature.

Background: Outcomes after cancer resections have been shown to be better for high-volume surgeons compared with low-volume surgeons; however, reasons for this relationship have been difficult to identify. The objective of this study was to assess studies examining the effect of surgeon training and experience on outcomes in surgical oncology.

Methods: A systematic review of the literature was performed to assess articles examining the impact of surgeon training, certification, and experience on outcomes.