Laparoscopic removal of migrated intrauterine device embedded in intestine.

Introduction: The intrauterine device (IUD) is a popular family planning method worldwide. Some of the complications associated with insertion of an IUD are well described in the literature. The frequency of IUD perforation is estimated to be between 0.

The use of a surgery-specific written examination in the selection process of surgical residents.

Objective: Selection of surgical residents is a difficult task, and program directors are interested in identifying the best candidates. Among the qualities being sought after is the ability to acquire surgical knowledge, and eventually do well on their board examinations. During the interview process, many programs use results from the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) to identify residents they think will do well academically.

Delaying an appendectomy: is it safe?

Appendicitis has always been an indication for an urgent operation, as delay is thought to lead to disease progression and therefore worse outcomes. Recent studies suggest that appendectomy can be delayed slightly without worse outcomes, however the literature is contradictory. The goal of our study was to examine the relationship between this delay to surgery and patient outcomes.

The degree of gallbladder wall thickness and its impact on outcomes after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the gold-standard procedure for management of symptomatic gallstone disease. Increased rates of conversion to an open procedure, increased postoperative complications, and longer lengths of stay are seen in thick-walled gallbladders. Previous studies have only evaluated gallbladder walls as being thick or not thick, without looking at the degree of thickness.

The impact of body mass index on outcomes after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the standard of care for gallstone disease. Some cases will be converted to open surgery and others will have complications, both leading to worse outcomes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether an increased body mass index (BMI) is associated with increased rates of conversion or complication.