Effects of bariatric surgery on diabetic nephropathy after 5 years of follow-up.

Background: Studies have reported that the benefits of bariatric surgery extend beyond durable weight loss and include significant improvement in glycemic control. We hypothesized that improving diabetes control may have positive effects on end-organ complications of this disease, such as diabetic nephropathy (DN).

Methods: We identified all patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who underwent bariatric surgery at our institution and had completed a 5-year follow-up.

Validation of a structured training and assessment curriculum for technical skill acquisition in minimally invasive surgery: a randomized controlled trial.

Objective: : To develop and validate an ex vivo comprehensive curriculum for a basic laparoscopic procedure.

Background: : Although simulators have been well validated as tools to teach technical skills, their integration into comprehensive curricula is lacking. Moreover, neither the effect of ex vivo training on learning curves in the operating room (OR), nor the effect on nontechnical proficiency has been investigated.

A comparison of 2 ex vivo training curricula for advanced laparoscopic skills: a randomized controlled trial.

Objective: To compare the effectiveness and cost of 2 ex vivo training curricula for laparoscopic suturing.

Background: Although simulators have been developed to teach laparoscopic suturing, a barrier to their wide implementation in training programs is a lack of knowledge regarding their relative training benefit and their associated cost.

Method: This prospective single-blinded randomized trial allocated 24 surgical residents to train to proficiency using either a virtual reality (VR) simulator or box trainer.

Five-year results of 5-fluorouracil augmented needling revision of failing blebs.

Background And Objective: To report the 5-year intraocular pressure (IOP) outcomes of patients requiring a 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) needling revision compared to a matched sample.

Patients And Methods: Forty eyes receiving 5-FU bleb needling revision were matched to 40 patients not needled. IOP was recorded preoperatively and annually to 5 years.

Resident perceptions of advanced laparoscopic skills training.

Background: The purpose of this study was to explore resident perceptions regarding four current models for teaching laparoscopic suturing and to assess the current quality of training in advanced minimally invasive surgical techniques at an academic teaching center.

Methods: This study included 14 senior general surgery residents (PGY 3-5) participating in a workshop in advanced laparoscopy. Four training tools were used in the course curriculum: the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) black box suturing model, a synthetic Nissen fundoplication model, a virtual reality (VR) simulator suturing task, and a porcine jejuno-jejunostomy model.

Human neutrophil peptides and phagocytic deficiency in bronchiectatic lungs.

Rationale: A well-known clinical paradox is that severe bacterial infections persist in the lungs of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) despite the abundance of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) and the presence of a high concentration of human neutrophil peptides (HNP), both of which are expected to kill the bacteria but fail to do so. The mechanisms remain unknown.

Objectives: This study examined several possible mechanisms to understand this paradox.

Level of evidence in minimal access pediatric surgery.

Introduction: The use of minimal access techniques is rapidly expanding in pediatric surgery. Our aim was to answer two questions: (1) What is the current quality of evidence for minimal access pediatric surgery (MAPS)? and (2) Has the evidence for MAPS improved with respect to focus and methodology over a 12-year period (1995-2006)?

Methods: A systematic review was performed. Data collected included: study characteristics, methods, and outcomes recorded.

Is ultrasonography a good screening test for intestinal malrotation?

Background: Early diagnosis of malrotation can prevent fatal midgut volvulus. Abnormal orientation of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and vein (SMV) on ultrasonography (US) has been described in malrotation. We aimed to determine the accuracy of this technique.