Pub Date : 2025-07-08DOI: 10.1016/j.surge.2025.07.003
Floortje Huizing , Vincent Q. Sier , Annelot D. Sark , Heleen S. Snijders , Joost R. van der Vorst , Roderick F. Schmitz , Abbey Schepers , Joris J. Blok , Future Surgeon Initiative
Background and purpose
Intergenerational differences in surgery create both challenges and opportunities. While differening perspectives and expectations may deter younger generations from pursuing surgical careers, it is crucial to balance these with the core values that define the surgical profession. This narrative review was conducted to better understand how the profession needs to evolve.
Methods
A structured literature search on generational changes in surgery was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar. Relevant search terms were employed, covering (i) surgeons/surgery, (ii) generation/cohort and (ii) culture/identity/behaviour. After independent title and abstract screening by three authors, consensus was reached to include relevant studies published in English up to November 2023.
Main findings
Full-text evaluation led to an inclusion of 50 studies, reviewed for returning themes. Identified themes included: generations (n = 9), work engagement (n = 8), work-life balance (n = 7), training and education (n = 4) and attractiveness of the profession (n = 8). An additional 14 relevant studies were included based on reference lists and external sources.
Conclusions
This review summarizes key factors contributing to surgical well-being and generational dynamics. Awareness of these factors is increasing. While generational differences exist, many distinctions may be attributed to life phases, lifestyles or systemic changes in the past decades. Addressing these topics daily can foster intergenerational dialogue and a supportive environment for future surgeons.
{"title":"Bridging generational gaps in Surgery: A narrative review on values, well-being, and training preferences","authors":"Floortje Huizing , Vincent Q. Sier , Annelot D. Sark , Heleen S. Snijders , Joost R. van der Vorst , Roderick F. Schmitz , Abbey Schepers , Joris J. Blok , Future Surgeon Initiative","doi":"10.1016/j.surge.2025.07.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.surge.2025.07.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background and purpose</h3><div>Intergenerational differences in surgery create both challenges and opportunities. While differening perspectives and expectations may deter younger generations from pursuing surgical careers, it is crucial to balance these with the core values that define the surgical profession. This narrative review was conducted to better understand how the profession needs to evolve.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A structured literature search on generational changes in surgery was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar. Relevant search terms were employed, covering (i) surgeons/surgery, (ii) generation/cohort and (ii) culture/identity/behaviour. After independent title and abstract screening by three authors, consensus was reached to include relevant studies published in English up to November 2023.</div></div><div><h3>Main findings</h3><div>Full-text evaluation led to an inclusion of 50 studies, reviewed for returning themes. Identified themes included: generations (n = 9), work engagement (n = 8), work-life balance (n = 7), training and education (n = 4) and attractiveness of the profession (n = 8). An additional 14 relevant studies were included based on reference lists and external sources.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This review summarizes key factors contributing to surgical well-being and generational dynamics. Awareness of these factors is increasing. While generational differences exist, many distinctions may be attributed to life phases, lifestyles or systemic changes in the past decades. Addressing these topics daily can foster intergenerational dialogue and a supportive environment for future surgeons.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49463,"journal":{"name":"Surgeon-Journal of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons of Edinburgh and Ireland","volume":"23 6","pages":"Pages 333-341"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144602078","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-06-30DOI: 10.1016/j.surge.2025.06.003
Lachlan Dick, Sannah Ali, Katie Hughes
{"title":"Enhancing medical student learning in the operating theatre: the need for integrated preparation","authors":"Lachlan Dick, Sannah Ali, Katie Hughes","doi":"10.1016/j.surge.2025.06.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.surge.2025.06.003","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":49463,"journal":{"name":"Surgeon-Journal of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons of Edinburgh and Ireland","volume":"23 5","pages":"Pages 324-325"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144545819","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-06-28DOI: 10.1016/j.surge.2025.06.002
Michele Schiano di Visconte
Background
Acute hemorrhoidal disease (AHD) is a prevalent anorectal condition that significantly impacts patients' quality of life and healthcare systems. Despite the availability of various conservative treatments, comparative efficacy data remains limited. This retrospective study evaluates two treatment regimens for AHD, focusing on symptom relief, patient-reported outcomes, and treatment tolerability.
Methods
Medical records of 123 patients with AHD treated at a tertiary care center between October 2022 and October 2024 were reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups: Group A treated with oral diosmin/hesperidin, bromelain, and topical lidocaine, and Group B treated with oral diosmin/hesperidin, bromelain, and topical nifedipine. Symptoms were evaluated using the Hemorrhoidal Disease Symptom Score (HDSS), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, and Short Health Scale for Hemorrhoidal Disease (SHS-HD) at baseline and on days 7, 14, and 21.
Results
Both groups showed significant improvements in symptoms during the study period. Group A demonstrated faster pain reduction (VAS day 7:0.17 ± 0.52 vs. 2.20 ± 1.11, p < 0.001) and greater improvement in HDSS score (day 7: 0.02 ± 0.87 vs. 10.16 ± 3.38, p < 0.001). Improvements in SHS-HD scores were more rapid for Group A, with scores on day 7 showing a significant difference (Group A: 7.58 ± 2.58 vs. Group B: 12.27 ± 4.21, p < 0.001). Both regimens were well tolerated, with no significant adverse events.
Conclusions
The combination of oral diosmin/hesperidin, bromelain, and lidocaine provides superior initial symptom relief compared with nifedipine-based regimens. Lidocaine is the preferred topical agent for rapid pain management in AHD patients. Further studies are required to confirm these results.
背景:急性痔疮病(AHD)是一种常见的肛肠疾病,严重影响患者的生活质量和医疗保健系统。尽管有各种保守治疗方法,但相对疗效数据仍然有限。本回顾性研究评估了AHD的两种治疗方案,重点关注症状缓解、患者报告的结果和治疗耐受性。方法:回顾2022年10月至2024年10月在某三级保健中心治疗的123例AHD患者的病历。患者分为两组:A组口服地奥司明/橙皮苷、菠萝碱,外用利多卡因;B组口服地奥司明/橙皮苷、菠萝碱,外用硝苯地平。在基线和第7、14和21天使用痔疮疾病症状评分(HDSS)、疼痛视觉模拟量表(VAS)和痔疮疾病短期健康量表(SHS-HD)对症状进行评估。结果:两组患者在研究期间症状均有明显改善。A组疼痛减轻更快(VAS日:0.17±0.52 vs. 2.20±1.11,p)结论:与硝苯地平为主的方案相比,口服地奥司明/橙皮苷、菠萝酶和利多卡因联合使用可更好地缓解初始症状。利多卡因是AHD患者快速止痛的首选外用药物。需要进一步的研究来证实这些结果。
{"title":"Comparative efficacy of lidocaine- and nifedipine-based conservative therapies in acute hemorrhoidal disease: A retrospective cohort study","authors":"Michele Schiano di Visconte","doi":"10.1016/j.surge.2025.06.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.surge.2025.06.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Acute hemorrhoidal disease (AHD) is a prevalent anorectal condition that significantly impacts patients' quality of life<span> and healthcare systems. Despite the availability of various conservative treatments, comparative efficacy data remains limited. This retrospective study evaluates two treatment regimens for AHD, focusing on symptom relief, patient-reported outcomes, and treatment tolerability.</span></div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div><span>Medical records of 123 patients with AHD treated at a tertiary care center between October 2022 and October 2024 were reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups: Group A treated with oral diosmin/hesperidin, </span>bromelain<span><span>, and topical lidocaine, and Group B treated with oral diosmin/hesperidin, bromelain, and topical </span>nifedipine<span>. Symptoms were evaluated using the Hemorrhoidal Disease Symptom Score (HDSS), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, and Short Health Scale for Hemorrhoidal Disease (SHS-HD) at baseline and on days 7, 14, and 21.</span></span></div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Both groups showed significant improvements in symptoms during the study period. Group A demonstrated faster pain reduction (VAS day 7:0.17 ± 0.52 vs. 2.20 ± 1.11, <em>p</em><span> < 0.001) and greater improvement in HDSS score (day 7: 0.02 ± 0.87 vs. 10.16 ± 3.38, p < 0.001). Improvements in SHS-HD scores were more rapid for Group A, with scores on day 7 showing a significant difference (Group A: 7.58 ± 2.58 vs. Group B: 12.27 ± 4.21, p < 0.001). Both regimens were well tolerated, with no significant adverse events.</span></div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div><span>The combination of oral diosmin/hesperidin, bromelain, and lidocaine provides superior initial symptom relief compared with nifedipine-based regimens. Lidocaine is the preferred topical agent for rapid pain management in AHD patients. Further studies are required to confirm these results</span><strong>.</strong></div></div>","PeriodicalId":49463,"journal":{"name":"Surgeon-Journal of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons of Edinburgh and Ireland","volume":"23 6","pages":"Pages 406-411"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-06-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144530715","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-06-27DOI: 10.1016/j.surge.2025.06.001
Bibi Ayesha Bassa , Michele Fernandes , Elizabeth Little , Kaitlin Alexander , Frank Lyons , Valeria Lima Passos , Fionnuala Ni Ainle , Etimbuk Umana
Aim
Due to complex injury patterns, the safe timing of venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis in trauma patients is challenging. The purpose of this study was to characterize current thromboprophylaxis practice in trauma patients amongst trauma providers in Ireland.
Methods
We conducted a national, cross-sectional survey of trauma providers. The survey was sponsored by the Irish Network for VTE Research (INViTE) and disseminated through the national trauma and VTE office. The survey was a 35-item questionnaire and collected information regarding non-pharmacologic prophylaxis practice, preferred pharmacologic agent and dose, timing to initiation of prophylaxis in high-risk patients and selection of patients for extended thromboprophylaxis post discharge.
Results
A total of 116 trauma providers responded (estimated response rate among surgical specialities 11 %). Majority of respondents (72/116; 65 %) were consultant doctors or fellows. Thirty-seven percent of respondents (43/116) reported having a VTE guideline for trauma patients at their institution. Majority of respondents (115/116; 99 %) reported using some form of mechanical prophylaxis. The most common pharmacologic dosing regimen reported was enoxaparin 40 mg 24-hourly (44/116; 38 %). Forty-four percent of respondents (51/116) indicated adjusting doses in patients with obesity. A high degree of variability in initial timing of prophylaxis following traumatic brain injury, solid organ injury, and spinal column injuries was observed.
Conclusion
There is variable VTE prevention practice among trauma providers in Ireland. A standardized, national approach to VTE prevention in trauma care is needed.
{"title":"Venous thromboembolism (VTE) prevention in the trauma patient: A national survey of practice","authors":"Bibi Ayesha Bassa , Michele Fernandes , Elizabeth Little , Kaitlin Alexander , Frank Lyons , Valeria Lima Passos , Fionnuala Ni Ainle , Etimbuk Umana","doi":"10.1016/j.surge.2025.06.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.surge.2025.06.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Aim</h3><div>Due to complex injury patterns, the safe timing of venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis in trauma patients is challenging. The purpose of this study was to characterize current thromboprophylaxis practice in trauma patients amongst trauma providers in Ireland.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted a national, cross-sectional survey of trauma providers. The survey was sponsored by the Irish Network for VTE Research (INViTE) and disseminated through the national trauma and VTE office. The survey was a 35-item questionnaire and collected information regarding non-pharmacologic prophylaxis practice, preferred pharmacologic agent and dose, timing to initiation of prophylaxis in high-risk patients and selection of patients for extended thromboprophylaxis post discharge.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 116 trauma providers responded (estimated response rate among surgical specialities 11 %). Majority of respondents (72/116; 65 %) were consultant doctors or fellows. Thirty-seven percent of respondents (43/116) reported having a VTE guideline for trauma patients at their institution. Majority of respondents (115/116; 99 %) reported using some form of mechanical prophylaxis. The most common pharmacologic dosing regimen reported was enoxaparin 40 mg 24-hourly (44/116; 38 %). Forty-four percent of respondents (51/116) indicated adjusting doses in patients with obesity. A high degree of variability in initial timing of prophylaxis following traumatic brain injury, solid organ injury, and spinal column injuries was observed.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>There is variable VTE prevention practice among trauma providers in Ireland. A standardized, national approach to VTE prevention in trauma care is needed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49463,"journal":{"name":"Surgeon-Journal of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons of Edinburgh and Ireland","volume":"23 6","pages":"Pages 412-419"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144512639","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-06-16DOI: 10.1016/j.surge.2025.05.005
Javier Arredondo Montero MD, PhD
{"title":"Pitfalls of crude pooling in assessing diagnostic accuracy: A cautionary note","authors":"Javier Arredondo Montero MD, PhD","doi":"10.1016/j.surge.2025.05.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.surge.2025.05.005","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":49463,"journal":{"name":"Surgeon-Journal of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons of Edinburgh and Ireland","volume":"23 5","pages":"Pages 322-323"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144318480","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-06-03DOI: 10.1016/j.surge.2025.05.003
Matthew G. Davey , Gordon R. Daly , Noel E. Donlon , Nuala A. Healy , Arnold D.K. Hill
Background
The use of transversus abdominus plane (TAP) blocks have come into vogue in recent times, with the ambition to reduce post-operative pain following laparoscopic cholecystectomy. TAP block is commonly performed using an ultrasound-guided approach (US-TAP), with emerging data indicating that laparoscopic-guided (L-TAP) approach may also be useful.
Aim
To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials (RCTs) comparing outcomes following US-TAP and L-TAP block in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Methods
A systematic review was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager version 5.4.
Results
6 RCTs including 428 patients were included. Overall, 212 patients were randomised to US-TAP (49.5 %) and 216 to L-TAP (50.5 %) respectively. A non-significant difference was observed between groups for mean age, gender, mean body mass indices, and American Society of Anesthesiologists grades (all P > 0.050). At meta-analyses, a non-significant difference was observed for US-TAP and L-TAP with respect to 2-, 6-, 12-, 24-, and 48-h post-operative visual analogue scores. A non-significant difference was also observed in relation to intraoperative duration, breakthrough opioid consumption, and post-operative vomiting, at meta-analysis. Patients who underwent US-TAP had longer anesthetic administration times (mean difference: 6.38, 95 % confidence interval: 2.77–10.00, P < 0.001) compared to those randomised to undergo L-TAP.
Conclusion
L-TAP and US-TAP provided similar post-operative pain scores, intraoperative duration, breakthrough opioid consumption, and post-operative vomiting following laparoscopic cholecystectomy. However, the time taken to perform L-TAP was significantly shorter. Should expertise allow, L-TAP should be considered in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
{"title":"Ultrasound-guided versus laparoscopic-guided transversus abdominus plane block for laparoscopic cholecystectomy – A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials","authors":"Matthew G. Davey , Gordon R. Daly , Noel E. Donlon , Nuala A. Healy , Arnold D.K. Hill","doi":"10.1016/j.surge.2025.05.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.surge.2025.05.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The use of transversus abdominus plane (TAP) blocks have come into vogue in recent times, with the ambition to reduce post-operative pain following laparoscopic cholecystectomy. TAP block is commonly performed using an ultrasound-guided approach (US-TAP), with emerging data indicating that laparoscopic-guided (L-TAP) approach may also be useful.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials (RCTs) comparing outcomes following US-TAP and L-TAP block in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A systematic review was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager version 5.4.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>6 RCTs including 428 patients were included. Overall, 212 patients were randomised to US-TAP (49.5 %) and 216 to L-TAP (50.5 %) respectively. A non-significant difference was observed between groups for mean age, gender, mean body mass indices, and American Society of Anesthesiologists grades (all <em>P</em> > 0.050). At meta-analyses, a non-significant difference was observed for US-TAP and L-TAP with respect to 2-, 6-, 12-, 24-, and 48-h post-operative visual analogue scores. A non-significant difference was also observed in relation to intraoperative duration, breakthrough opioid consumption, and post-operative vomiting, at meta-analysis. Patients who underwent US-TAP had longer anesthetic administration times (mean difference: 6.38, 95 % confidence interval: 2.77–10.00, <em>P</em> < 0.001) compared to those randomised to undergo L-TAP.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>L-TAP and US-TAP provided similar post-operative pain scores, intraoperative duration, breakthrough opioid consumption, and post-operative vomiting following laparoscopic cholecystectomy. However, the time taken to perform L-TAP was significantly shorter. Should expertise allow, L-TAP should be considered in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49463,"journal":{"name":"Surgeon-Journal of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons of Edinburgh and Ireland","volume":"23 6","pages":"Pages 399-405"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144227376","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-05-29DOI: 10.1016/j.surge.2025.05.002
Lylas Aljohmani , Aoife Gaffney , Linda Kelly , Lucy-Anne O'Sullivan , Eunice Leyva , Michael O'Connor , Jackie McCavana , Eric Heffernan , Christine Quinlan , Roisin Dolan
Objective
This study aims to assess surgical trainee knowledge of occupational radiation exposure, personal protection equipment (PPE) compliance, and prior radiation protection training.
Design
A cross-sectional quantitative study using a questionnaire-based survey.
Setting
Tertiary care hospitals in Ireland.
Participants
79 surgical trainees across six surgical disciplines, with a 70 % response rate.
Results
Seventy-nine of 112 surgical trainees (70 %) completed the survey. Most were specialist registrars (47 %), with orthopaedics, plastic surgery, and urology comprising 70 % of respondents. Although 78 % had attended a radiation safety course, 40 % lacked fluoroscopy-specific training. Knowledge gaps were evident—60 % of questions were commonly answered incorrectly, with only 11 % correctly identifying CT radiation dose. Despite frequent fluoroscopy use, dosimeter use was poor: only 7.6 % always wore one. Prior training correlated with increased PPE use and awareness of long-term radiation risks, including fertility concerns. While 67 % expressed concern about exposure, only 21.5 % said it influenced speciality choice. The most used PPE was lead skirt/top (72 %), followed by thyroid shield (52 %), while lead glasses and gloves were rarely worn.
Conclusion
Significant knowledge gaps and low PPE compliance were observed amongst surgical trainees. Given the strong desire for further training, we recommend a modernised, interactive national radiation safety training program tailored to surgical specialities.
{"title":"Knowledge gaps and radiation exposure concerns: Time for a revamp of radiation training structures for trainee surgeons","authors":"Lylas Aljohmani , Aoife Gaffney , Linda Kelly , Lucy-Anne O'Sullivan , Eunice Leyva , Michael O'Connor , Jackie McCavana , Eric Heffernan , Christine Quinlan , Roisin Dolan","doi":"10.1016/j.surge.2025.05.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.surge.2025.05.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aims to assess surgical trainee knowledge of occupational radiation exposure, personal protection equipment (PPE) compliance, and prior radiation protection training.</div></div><div><h3>Design</h3><div>A cross-sectional quantitative study using a questionnaire-based survey.</div></div><div><h3>Setting</h3><div>Tertiary care hospitals in Ireland.</div></div><div><h3>Participants</h3><div>79 surgical trainees across six surgical disciplines, with a 70 % response rate.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div><span>Seventy-nine of 112 surgical trainees (70 %) completed the survey. Most were specialist registrars (47 %), with orthopaedics<span>, plastic surgery, and urology comprising 70 % of respondents. Although 78 % had attended a radiation safety course, 40 % lacked fluoroscopy-specific training. Knowledge gaps were evident—60 % of questions were commonly answered incorrectly, with only 11 % correctly identifying CT radiation dose. Despite frequent </span></span>fluoroscopy<span> use, dosimeter use was poor: only 7.6 % always wore one. Prior training correlated with increased PPE use and awareness of long-term radiation risks, including fertility concerns. While 67 % expressed concern about exposure, only 21.5 % said it influenced speciality choice. The most used PPE was lead skirt/top (72 %), followed by thyroid shield (52 %), while lead glasses and gloves were rarely worn.</span></div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Significant knowledge gaps and low PPE compliance were observed amongst surgical trainees. Given the strong desire for further training, we recommend a modernised, interactive national radiation safety training program tailored to surgical specialities.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49463,"journal":{"name":"Surgeon-Journal of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons of Edinburgh and Ireland","volume":"23 6","pages":"Pages 393-398"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144188385","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-05-28DOI: 10.1016/j.surge.2025.04.003
Chloe Jane Lowe , Jun Wei Lim , Stephanie Buchan , Anouska Ayub , Felicity Pease , Emily Baird
Aim
This study aims to investigate the early exposure of orthopaedic trainees to paediatric orthopaedics and explore their training experiences, focusing on the factors influencing their decision to either select or deselect paediatric orthopaedics as a subspecialty.
Method
A national survey was distributed electronically to members of the British Orthopaedic Trainees' Association following a pilot survey sent to British Society of Children's Orthopaedic Surgery members. The survey concentrated on trainees' experiences and interest in paediatric orthopaedics. It included open, closed, and free-text questions, with the responses thematically analysed using NVivo software.
Results
133 responses were received from trainees across the UK and Ireland. The findings showed significant variation in the timing of the first exposure to paediatric orthopaedics, with 25 % not encountering it until Specialty Trainee level 6 or later. Most participants had mixed placements involving both adult and paediatric orthopaedics. Limited theatre exposure and insufficient emphasis on paediatric orthopaedic surgery during training may contribute to a lack of interest. A worrying lack of confidence was noted amongst trainees in performing standard emergency paediatric orthopaedic procedures, which are expected competencies for newly appointed consultants, regardless of their intended subspecialty. Furthermore, many trainees indicated that they might not meet the required work-based assessments and indicative numbers necessary to complete training.
Conclusion
Earlier and more extensive exposure to paediatric orthopaedics during training could help foster greater interest in the subspecialty. Enhanced training in standard emergency paediatric orthopaedic presentations is essential to ensure trainees are confident in performing these procedures as newly appointed general orthopaedic consultants.
{"title":"POSE-UK: Paediatric orthopaedic surgery exposure in the UK","authors":"Chloe Jane Lowe , Jun Wei Lim , Stephanie Buchan , Anouska Ayub , Felicity Pease , Emily Baird","doi":"10.1016/j.surge.2025.04.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.surge.2025.04.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Aim</h3><div>This study aims to investigate the early exposure of orthopaedic<span> trainees to paediatric orthopaedics and explore their training experiences, focusing on the factors influencing their decision to either select or deselect paediatric orthopaedics as a subspecialty.</span></div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>A national survey was distributed electronically to members of the British Orthopaedic Trainees' Association following a pilot survey sent to British Society of Children's Orthopaedic Surgery members. The survey concentrated on trainees' experiences and interest in paediatric orthopaedics. It included open, closed, and free-text questions, with the responses thematically analysed using NVivo software.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>133 responses were received from trainees across the UK and Ireland. The findings showed significant variation in the timing of the first exposure to paediatric orthopaedics, with 25 % not encountering it until Specialty Trainee level 6 or later. Most participants had mixed placements involving both adult and paediatric orthopaedics. Limited theatre exposure and insufficient emphasis on paediatric orthopaedic surgery during training may contribute to a lack of interest. A worrying lack of confidence was noted amongst trainees in performing standard emergency paediatric orthopaedic procedures, which are expected competencies for newly appointed consultants, regardless of their intended subspecialty. Furthermore, many trainees indicated that they might not meet the required work-based assessments and indicative numbers necessary to complete training.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Earlier and more extensive exposure to paediatric orthopaedics during training could help foster greater interest in the subspecialty. Enhanced training in standard emergency paediatric orthopaedic presentations is essential to ensure trainees are confident in performing these procedures as newly appointed general orthopaedic consultants.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49463,"journal":{"name":"Surgeon-Journal of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons of Edinburgh and Ireland","volume":"23 6","pages":"Pages 347-351"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144182950","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-05-26DOI: 10.1016/j.surge.2025.05.004
Niall Murnaghan , Jessica M. Ryan , William P. Duggan , Deborah A. McNamara
Background
Surgical handover is a key risk area in patient care, yet the impact of junior team member involvement in the process is not well understood. This study aims to assess the level of intern involvement in emergency general surgery (EGS) handover and its impact on daily tasks.
Methods
Overt, structured, non-participant observations of morning EGS handover meetings were carried out to assess intern involvement. The same interns were then observed over the course of the day-shift immediately following the handover. During these observation periods, details of all patient care queries addressed to the interns were recorded.
Results
Five general surgery interns (42%) were observed across six EGS handover meetings. A total of 100 clinical queries were recorded during 25 h of observation. Only 2/6 handover meetings had full intern involvement. While all appeared to be actively listening during handover, questions were asked, and readbacks were provided by interns during 4/6 and 3/6 handovers, respectively. Clinical queries directed at interns who were fully involved in the morning handover were more likely to be answered immediately (96.6 %,n = 29 vs. 78.6 %,n = 55; p = 0.024) and using memory of the verbal handover (50 %,n = 15 vs 24.3 %,n = 17; p = 0.012). One incidence of negligible harm occurred, due to omission of a patient's allergy information from the handover.
Conclusion
Interns who are fully involved in handover show evidence of learning and are more likely to respond to queries faster and from memory. Reduced involvement in the post-call handover process has the potential to delay, and therefore negatively impact, patient care.
背景:手术交接是患者护理的一个关键风险领域,然而初级团队成员参与这一过程的影响尚未得到很好的理解。本研究旨在评估实习生在急诊普外科(EGS)工作交接中的参与程度及其对日常工作的影响。方法:采用公开的、结构化的、非参与性的观察方法,对上午的EGS交接会议进行评估。然后,这些实习生在交接后的白班进行观察。在这些观察期间,记录了所有向实习生提出的病人护理问题的细节。结果:在6次EGS交接会议中观察到5名普外科实习生(42%)。在25小时的观察中,共记录了100例临床询问。只有2/6的交接会议有实习生全程参与。虽然所有人在交接过程中都表现得很积极,但在4月6日和3月6日的交接期间,实习生分别提出了问题,并提供了反馈。直接向充分参与早间交接的实习生提出的临床问题更有可能立即得到回答(96.6%,n = 29 vs. 78.6%,n = 55;P = 0.024)和使用言语切换记忆(50%,n = 15 vs 24.3%,n = 17;p = 0.012)。由于在交接过程中遗漏了患者的过敏信息,发生了一个可忽略不计的伤害事件。结论:充分参与交接的实习生表现出学习能力,更有可能更快地根据记忆对问题做出反应。减少对呼叫后交接过程的参与有可能延迟,从而对患者护理产生负面影响。
{"title":"Intern involvement in emergency general surgical handover and implications for patient care","authors":"Niall Murnaghan , Jessica M. Ryan , William P. Duggan , Deborah A. McNamara","doi":"10.1016/j.surge.2025.05.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.surge.2025.05.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Surgical handover is a key risk area in patient care, yet the impact of junior team member involvement in the process is not well understood. This study aims to assess the level of intern involvement in emergency general surgery (EGS) handover and its impact on daily tasks.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Overt, structured, non-participant observations of morning EGS handover meetings were carried out to assess intern involvement. The same interns were then observed over the course of the day-shift immediately following the handover. During these observation periods, details of all patient care queries addressed to the interns were recorded.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Five general surgery interns (42%) were observed across six EGS handover meetings. A total of 100 clinical queries were recorded during 25 h of observation. Only 2/6 handover meetings had full intern involvement. While all appeared to be actively listening during handover, questions were asked, and readbacks were provided by interns during 4/6 and 3/6 handovers, respectively. Clinical queries directed at interns who were fully involved in the morning handover were more likely to be answered immediately (96.6 %,n = 29 vs. 78.6 %,n = 55; <em>p</em> = 0.024) and using memory of the verbal handover (50 %,n = 15 vs 24.3 %,n = 17; <em>p</em> = 0.012). One incidence of negligible harm occurred, due to omission of a patient's allergy information from the handover.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Interns who are fully involved in handover show evidence of learning and are more likely to respond to queries faster and from memory. Reduced involvement in the post-call handover process has the potential to delay, and therefore negatively impact, patient care.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49463,"journal":{"name":"Surgeon-Journal of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons of Edinburgh and Ireland","volume":"23 5","pages":"Pages 277-280"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-05-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144163456","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-05-26DOI: 10.1016/j.surge.2025.05.001
Arnav Barve , Paul McCarroll , Kevin Clesham , Harry Marland , Jake M. McDonnell , Stacey Darwish , Marcus Timlin , Sam Lynch , Seamus Morris , Joseph S. Butler , Keith Synnott
Background
The institution in focus is a tertiary referral centre for all spinal pathology in the country. Traditionally, referrals to this centre have been reviewed by an on-call resident at the referring hospital. However, on May 10, 2023, this changed to a direct consultant-to-consultant referral protocol. This study aims to evaluate the impact of this change in protocol on the spinal care pathway.
Methods
A retrospective review was conducted based on patients with spinal pathology referred to the tertiary centre from February 2023 to August 2023. Referrals made using the traditional referral system (‘Before’ from 08/02/2023–09/05/2023) were compared to referrals made through the consultant-led referral system (‘After’ from 10/05/2023–08/08/2023). Parameters such as the number of referrals, number of surgically managed patients, and patients with complete imaging at the time of referral (TOR) were statistically compared between the groups.
Results
There were 31.2 % fewer referrals in the ‘After’ group (223) than in the ‘Before’ group (324). The proportion of patients with complete imaging at TOR increased significantly (67.3 % vs. 81.6 %, p < 0.05). Also, the number of patients who were treated surgically increased significantly (33.3 % vs. 40.4 %, p < 0.05). Furthermore, the number of patients referred for follow-up to the outpatient department (OPD) decreased significantly (5.2 % vs. 0.9 %; p < 0.05).
Conclusion
The consultant-to-consultant referral protocol decreased the overall referral numbers, increased the number of patients with complete imaging, increased the surgical yield, and decreased the rates of OPD follow-up. This can be attributed to more efficient consultant-led local decision-making, which fortifies the benefits of this referral protocol.
{"title":"The impact of direct consultant-to-consultant referrals on the spinal care pathway: A clinical audit","authors":"Arnav Barve , Paul McCarroll , Kevin Clesham , Harry Marland , Jake M. McDonnell , Stacey Darwish , Marcus Timlin , Sam Lynch , Seamus Morris , Joseph S. Butler , Keith Synnott","doi":"10.1016/j.surge.2025.05.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.surge.2025.05.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The institution in focus is a tertiary referral centre for all spinal pathology in the country. Traditionally, referrals to this centre have been reviewed by an on-call resident at the referring hospital. However, on May 10, 2023, this changed to a direct consultant-to-consultant referral protocol. This study aims to evaluate the impact of this change in protocol on the spinal care pathway.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A retrospective review was conducted based on patients with spinal pathology referred to the tertiary centre from February 2023 to August 2023. Referrals made using the traditional referral system (‘Before’ from 08/02/2023–09/05/2023) were compared to referrals made through the consultant-led referral system (‘After’ from 10/05/2023–08/08/2023). Parameters such as the number of referrals, number of surgically managed patients, and patients with complete imaging at the time of referral (TOR) were statistically compared between the groups.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>There were 31.2 % fewer referrals in the ‘After’ group (223) than in the ‘Before’ group (324). The proportion of patients with complete imaging at TOR increased significantly (67.3 % vs. 81.6 %, p < 0.05). Also, the number of patients who were treated surgically increased significantly (33.3 % vs. 40.4 %, p < 0.05). Furthermore, the number of patients referred for follow-up to the outpatient department (OPD) decreased significantly (5.2 % vs. 0.9 %; p < 0.05).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The consultant-to-consultant referral protocol decreased the overall referral numbers, increased the number of patients with complete imaging, increased the surgical yield, and decreased the rates of OPD follow-up. This can be attributed to more efficient consultant-led local decision-making, which fortifies the benefits of this referral protocol.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49463,"journal":{"name":"Surgeon-Journal of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons of Edinburgh and Ireland","volume":"23 6","pages":"Pages 359-364"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-05-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144163530","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}