Preoperative Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist Utilization and Association with Bariatric Surgery Outcomes.

Background: The efficacy of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP1RA) for the treatment of obesity has led to considerably increased demand for these medications. GLP1RA use prior to bariatric surgery may represent a novel approach to treating obesity. The objectives of this study were to (1) describe trends in pre-bariatric GLP1RA use, (2) investigate social and clinical factors associated with their use, and (3) evaluate differences in clinical outcomes based on preoperative GLP1RA use.

The Ability of Healthcare Professionals to Predict Patient Outcomes Following Bariatric Surgery.

Introduction: Patients with obesity seeking bariatric surgery undergo an extensive evaluation by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals' (HCPs) to assess patient compliance among other factors and determine their eligibility for surgery. However, the HCPs' assessments are not devoid of bias that may affect eligibility and preoperative decisions. This study aimed to investigate team members' ability to predict patient outcomes following bariatric surgery.

Aberrant anatomy in the context of the critical view of safety.

Background: The protective impact of the Critical View of Safety (CVS) approach on the vasculo-biliary injuries during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) depends largely upon the understanding of the normal and variant anatomy. Structures exposed during the acquisition of the CVS can deviate from the typical dual configuration of the cystic duct and artery (gallbladder pedicle) representing either a third (supernumerary) or atypical in course (heterotopic) element. The aim of this study was to determine the identity and the frequency of these anatomical elements and to propose anatomic schemata that can guide the achievement of CVS by surgeons.

Development and application of a non-technical skills coaching intervention framework for surgeons: A pilot quality improvement initiative.

Non-technical skills (NTS) challenges experienced by surgeons may degrade performance, ultimately impacting the safety and quality of care delivered to patients. The objectives of this work were to develop a framework for NTS coaching for surgeons and implement a coaching program utilizing the developed NTS coaching framework. Leveraging adult learning and self-determination theories, a specialty-agnostic NTS coaching framework was developed for individual coaching sessions with robotic surgeons.

Racial disparities in the utilization and outcomes of robotic bariatric surgery: an 8-year analysis of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation Quality Improvement Program data.

Background: Robotic surgery utilization has been increasing across surgical specialties; however, racial disparities in patient access to care and outcomes have been reported.

Objectives: In this study, we examined racial disparities in the utilization and outcomes of robotic bariatric surgery over an 8-year period.

Setting: Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) centers of excellence across the United States.

Does the length of bypassed bowel during distal gastric bypass affect weight loss?

Introduction: Weight recurrence (WR) affects > 20% of patients following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Shortening of the common channel (CC) after RYGB (distal bypass) has been proposed for additional weight loss in patients with WR, but results vary, and concerns for vitamin deficiencies/malnutrition exist. Our aim was to determine whether the percentage of bowel bypassed after distal bypass is associated with the amount of postoperative weight loss.

Safety and factors associated with early discharge in revisional laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: analysis of the MBSAQIP database.

Background: Improvements in bariatric surgery outcomes have prompted policy initiatives that explore shifting bariatric surgery toward outpatient procedures. While the safety of early discharge after primary laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) has been reported, its safety for revisional LRYGB remains uncertain. Our study aimed to investigate the safety and patient factors associated with early discharge in patients undergoing revisional LRYGB compared with primary LRYGB.

Nontechnical Skills Assessment in Acute Care Trauma Simulations: A Mixed Methods Approach Using Eye Tracking and Behavioral Marker Systems.

Introduction: The condition of trauma patients and the urgent need for timely resuscitation present unique challenges to trauma teams. These difficulties are exacerbated for military trauma teams in combat environments. Consequently, there is a need for continued improvement of nontechnical skills (NTS) training for trauma teams.

Multisociety research collaboration: timing of cholecystectomy following cholecystostomy drainage for acute cholecystitis.

Background: Patients with acute cholecystitis (AC) presenting with unfavorable systemic or local conditions are often managed with percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) as a temporary measure. The clinical outcomes of interval cholecystectomy following PC remain unclear. The aim of the study was to identify the association between the timing of cholecystectomy following PC for AC and perioperative complication rates at interval cholecystectomy.

Preventing Surgeon Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Pilot Study of the Comprehensive Operating Room Ergonomics (CORE) Program.

Importance: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among surgeons are markedly increasing. Several proposed interventions to reduce WMSDs among surgeons have been studied, but few follow an occupational therapy-oriented approach addressing biomechanical, psychophysical, and psychosocial risk factors.

Objective: To design, implement, and assess the potential of the Comprehensive Operating Room Ergonomics (CORE) program for surgeons, a holistic evidence-based ergonomics and wellness intervention grounded in occupational therapy principles.

Evaluation of a passive arm-support exoskeleton for surgical team members: Results from live surgeries.

Background: Musculoskeletal symptoms and injuries adversely impact the health of surgical team members and their performance in the operating room (OR). Though ergonomic risks in surgery are well-recognized, mitigating these risks is especially difficult. In this study, we aimed to assess the impacts of an exoskeleton when used by OR team members during live surgeries.

The Blue Ribbon Committee II Report and Recommendations on Surgical Education and Training in the United States: 2024.

Objective: An expert panel made recommendations to optimize surgical education and training based on the effects of contemporary challenges.

Background: The inaugural Blue Ribbon Committee (BRC I) proposed sweeping recommendations for surgical education and training in 2004. In light of those findings, a second BRC (BRC II) was convened to make recommendations to optimize surgical training considering the current landscape in medical education.

Eye tracking and audio sensors to evaluate surgeon's non-technical skills: An empirical study.

Non-Technical Skills (NTS) of medical teams are currently measured using subjective and resource-intensive ratings given by experts. This study explores if objective NTS assessment approaches with eye-tracking and audio sensors can measure teamwork and communication skills in surgery. Eight surgeons participated in a simulated two-phase surgical scenario developed to assess their NTS.

Evaluation of operating room inefficiencies and their impact on operating room duration using a surgical app.

Background: Efficient utilization of the operating room (OR) is essential. Inefficiencies are thought to cause preventable delays. Our goal was to identify OR incidents causing delays and estimate their impact on the duration of various general surgery procedures.

Utilizing Eye Tracking to Assess Medical Student Non-Technical Performance During Scenario-Based Simulation: Results of a Pilot Study.

Background: Non-technical skills (NTS) are essential for safe surgical patient management. However, assessing NTS involves observer-based ratings, which can introduce bias. Eye tracking (ET) has been proposed as an effective method to capture NTS.

Patients' perspectives on weight recurrence after bariatric surgery: a single-center survey.

Background: Weight recurrence (WR) affects nearly 20% of patients after bariatric surgery and may decrease its benefits, affecting patients' quality of life negatively. Patient perspectives on WR are not well known.

Objectives: Assess patient needs, goals, and preferences regarding WR treatment.

Society for Simulation in Healthcare Guidelines for Simulation Training.

Background: Simulation has become a staple in the training of healthcare professionals with accumulating evidence on its effectiveness. However, guidelines for optimal methods of simulation training do not currently exist.

Methods: Systematic reviews of the literature on 16 identified key questions were conducted and expert panel consensus recommendations determined using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology.

Does the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program bariatric risk/benefit calculator hold its weight? An assessment of its accuracy.

Background: Bariatric clinical calculators have already been implemented in clinical practice to provide objective predictions of complications and outcomes. The Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) Surgical Risk/Benefit Calculator is the most comprehensive risk calculator in bariatric surgery.

Objectives: Evaluate the accuracy of the calculator predictions regarding the 30-day complication risk, 1-year weight loss outcomes, and comorbidity resolution.

Augmenting mental imagery for robotic surgery using neurofeedback: results of a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Mental imagery (MI) can enhance surgical skills. Research has shown that through brain-computer interface (BCI), it is possible to provide feedback on MI strength. We hypothesized that adding BCI to MI training would enhance robotic skill acquisition compared with controls.