Proficiency-based Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery skills training results in durable performance improvement and a uniform certification pass rate.

Background: The authors have previously documented a 100% certification pass rate immediately after a proficiency-based skills training curriculum for the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) program. This study aimed to determine the durability of skills acquired after initial training.

Methods: For this study, 21 novice medical students were enrolled in institutional review board (IRB)-approved protocols at two institutions.

Pretraining on Southwestern stations decreases training time and cost for proficiency-based fundamentals of laparoscopic surgery training.

Background: We previously reported a proficiency-based Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) curriculum that uniformly resulted in passing the technical skills certification criteria. We hypothesized that pretraining using the Southwestern (SW) videotrainer stations would decrease costs and training time and maintain benefits.

Study Design: Group I (2nd-year medical student, n = 10) underwent FLS pretesting (Pretest 1), SW station proficiency-based training, repeat FLS testing (Pretest 2), FLS proficiency-based training, and final FLS testing (Posttest).

Implementation, construct validity, and benefit of a proficiency-based knot-tying and suturing curriculum.

Objectives: The aim of this proficiency-based, open knot-tying and suturing study was to evaluate the feasibility of implementing this curriculum within a residency program, and to assess construct validity and educational benefit.

Methods: PGY1 residents (n = 37) were enrolled in an Institutional Review Board (IRB)-approved prospective study that was conducted over a 12-week period. Trainees viewed a video tutorial during orientation and as needed; they self-practiced to proficiency for 12 standardized knot-tying, practiced suturing tasks; performed 1 repetition of each task at baseline and posttesting; and completed questionnaires.

Completely transvaginal NOTES cholecystectomy using magnetically anchored instruments.

Introduction: Natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is an evolving field and suitable instruments are lacking. The purpose of this study was to perform transvaginal cholecystectomies using instruments incorporated into a magnetic anchoring and guidance system (MAGS).

Methods: Non-survival procedures were conducted in pigs (n = 4).

A cost-effective proficiency-based knot-tying and suturing curriculum for residency programs.

Background: The purpose of this study was to develop a structured open skills curriculum for knot-tying and suturing using expert-derived performance goals and to examine its feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and construct validity.

Methods: Using commercially available bench models, 11 standardized tasks (ranging from 2-handed knot-tying to running subcuticular closure) were developed and scored using previously validated metrics based on time and errors. Expert performance was used to establish training endpoints and to create a video tutorial.

RAGE blockade stabilizes established atherosclerosis in diabetic apolipoprotein E-null mice.

Background: Previous studies suggested that blockade of RAGE in diabetic apolipoprotein (apo) E-null mice suppressed early acceleration of atherosclerosis. A critical test of the potential applicability of RAGE blockade to clinical settings was its ability to impact established vascular disease. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that RAGE contributed to lesion progression in established atherosclerosis in diabetic apoE-null mice.