Implementing new surgical technology: a national perspective on case volume requirement for proficiency in transanal total mesorectal excision.

Background: Early data suggest that transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) is a safe alternative to the abdominal approach for rectal cancer. This study aims to understand the approach to the management of rectal cancer in Canada and to ascertain perspectives on introducing TaTME.

Methods: Surgeons were invited to complete a survey that asked about their management practices relating to rectal cancer and their opinions regarding TaTME.

Simulation in surgical education.

The pedagogical approach to surgical training has changed significantly over the past few decades. No longer are surgical skills solely acquired through a traditional apprenticeship model of training. The acquisition of many technical and nontechnical skills is moving from the operating room to the surgical skills laboratory through the use of simulation.

A novel approach to assessing technical competence of colorectal surgery residents: the development and evaluation of the Colorectal Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skill (COSATS).

Objective: To develop and evaluate an objective method of technical skills assessment for graduating subspecialists in colorectal (CR) surgery-the Colorectal Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skill (COSATS).

Background: It may be reasonable for the public to assume that surgeons certified as competent have had their technical skills assessed. However, technical skill, despite being the hallmark of a surgeon, is not directly assessed at the time of certification by surgical boards.

Proximal diversion at the time of ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis: current practices of North American colorectal surgeons.

Purpose: Pelvic sepsis is a serious complication after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis that may lead to pouch failure or poor function. Although a temporary loop ileostomy may be created at the time of ileal pouch-anal anastomosis to prevent or minimize the consequences of an anastomotic leak, research has suggested that an ileostomy can be safely omitted in selected patients. The purpose of this study was to examine the use of proximal diversion by colorectal surgeons at the time of ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis.