A single centre case series of gallstone sigmoid ileus management.

Aims/introduction: Gallstone sigmoid ileus is a rare condition that presents with symptoms of large bowel obstruction secondary to a gallstone impacted within the sigmoid colon. This arises because of three primary factors: cholelithiasis causing a cholecystoenteric fistula; a gallstone large enough to obstruct the bowel lumen; and narrowing of the bowel. We describe 3 patients treated in a district general hospital over a 3-year period, and discuss their management.

A comparison of skill acquisition and transfer in single incision and multi-port laparoscopic surgery.

Objectives: Single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) offers a scar-less approach to cholecystectomy. We conducted a cadaveric randomized crossover study to compare the novice learning curves for multiport laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) and single incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC), and to investigate the acquisition of transferable skills.

Participants: Twenty medical students were randomized into SILS or LC groups.

A cadaveric porcine model for assessment in laparoscopic bariatric surgery--a validation study.

Background: Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP) is the most effective surgical therapy for morbid obesity. It is an advanced laparoscopic surgical procedure and has a protracted learning curve. Therefore, it is important to develop innovative ways of training and assessing surgeons.

Can virtual reality simulation be used for advanced bariatric surgical training?

Introduction: Laparoscopic bariatric surgery is a safe and effective way of treating morbid obesity. However, the operations are technically challenging and training opportunities for junior surgeons are limited. This study aims to assess whether virtual reality (VR) simulation is an effective adjunct for training and assessment of laparoscopic bariatric technical skills.

A high fidelity model for single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) is a safe approach for cholecystectomy, with the potential to minimise the iatrogenic trauma sustained from the operation. However, a number of reports show SILS to be technically challenging and as such there is expected to be a significant learning curve for expert surgeons adopting the new technique, as well as for junior surgical trainees. There are inherent risks to patient safety associated with practicing and developing new skills in a real-life theatre environment.

Does previous laparoscopic experience improve ability to perform single-incision laparoscopic surgery?

Background: Single-site laparoscopic surgery (SSLS) has been suggested as a safe and less invasive alternative to standard laparoscopic surgery (LAP). It is not clear whether previous laparoscopic experience influences the ability to perform SSLS. This study aimed to assess the impact of laparoscopic experience on the performance of SSLS.

The adoption of advanced surgical techniques: are surgical masterclasses enough?

Background: The surgical master class is a traditional method for a surgeon to learn new operations. However, there is limited evidence to support that it can help a surgeon adopt a new technique. The aim of this study was to investigate the adoption of surgical techniques after attendance at a surgical master class.

Gastrointestinal images: complete tubular duplication of the oesophagus in an adult.

Introduction: Duplication of the oesophagus is a rare congenital abnormality that usually presents in children. Presentation in adults is extremely rare.

Case History: We report a case of a19-year-old gentleman presenting with general gastrointestinal symptoms of pain and dysphagia.