Bariatric surgery: trends in utilization, complications, conversions and revisions.

Background: Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) increased in popularity after 2010 but recent data suggest it has concerning rates of gastroesophageal reflux and need for conversions. This study aims to evaluate recent trends in the utilization of bariatric procedures, associated complications, and conversions using an administrative claims database in the United States.

Methods: We included adults who had bariatric procedures from 2000 to 2020 with continuous enrollment for at least 6 months in the MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters database.

Updates in Bariatric Surgery.

Bariatric surgery is currently the most effective long-term treatment for morbid obesity as well as type-2 diabetes mellitus. The field of metabolic and bariatric surgery has seen tremendous growth over the past decade with dramatically reduced risks. This article aims to provide an update on bariatric surgery, highlighting the latest outcomes, improvements, and challenges in the field.

Application of machine learning to predict postoperative gastrointestinal bleed in bariatric surgery.

Background: Postoperative gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) is a rare but serious complication of bariatric surgery. The recent rise in extended venous thromboembolism regimens as well as outpatient bariatric surgery may increase the risk of postoperative GIB or lead to delay in diagnosis. This study seeks to use machine learning (ML) to create a model that predicts postoperative GIB to aid surgeon decision-making and improve patient counseling for postoperative bleeds.

Comparison of Robotic, Laparoscopic, and Open Unilateral Repair of Non-recurrent Inguinal Hernia.

Background: There is a paucity of data comparing open, robotic, and laparoscopic approaches on unilateral, non-recurrent inguinal hernias. Our study presents a large, retrospective triple-arm outcome analysis between robotic, laparoscopic, and open unilateral, non-recurrent inguinal hernia repairs at a single institution.

Methods: 706 patients who underwent elective, non-recurrent inguinal hernia repair performed by 8 general surgeons at a single institution from 2016 to 2019 were reviewed retrospectively.

Force feedback vessel ligation simulator in knot-tying proficiency training.

Background: Tying gentle secure knots is an important skill. We have developed a force feedback simulator that measures force exerted during knot tying. This pilot study examines the benefits of this simulator in a deliberate practice curriculum.

Design of vessel ligation simulator for deliberate practice.

Background: Surgical residents develop technical skills at variable rates, often based on random chance of cases encountered. One such skill is tying secure knots without exerting excessive force. This study describes the design of a simulator using a force sensor to measure instantaneous forces exerted on a blood vessel analog during vessel ligation and the development of expert-derived performance goals.