Intro: Surgical skills training outside the OR is beneficial. The best methods have yet to be identified. In a series of three studies, we attempted unsuccessfully to document predictive validity of simulation training. Methods: In each study we used Global Operative Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills (GOALS) to evaluate operative performance 1.) Prospective, randomized, multi-center trial […]
Background: A reliable, secure closure of the gastrotomy remains a fundamental challenge in transgastric NOTES procedures. Gastrotomy closure using endoscopic clips is unreliable, technically difficult, and expensive. Few tests of the integrity of these closures have been published. We compared burst pressures in gastric explants utilizing looped T-anchors and endoscopic clips.Methods: In nine explanted porcine […]
Introduction: Transgastric, scar-free cholecystectomy is an electrifying prospect. Unfortunately, multiple barriers have hampered early investigation into this technique. Some of the principle obstacles encounered are; a gastroscope which is too flexible for adequate dissection, a surgical site that is located at almost 180° from the direction of scope insertion requiring retro-flexion and significant scope looping, […]
INTRODUCTION: Skills needed for different image-based procedures appear to vary considerably, even though they often derive from the same underlying abilities. The aim of this study was to investigate the transfer of basic skills between colonoscopy and laparoscopy. METHODS: Twenty-nine medical trainees (no clinical experience in laparoscopy and colonoscopy) were stratified by scores on psychometric […]
BACKGROUND: Barrett’s Esophagus (BE) is a complication of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and can be a pre-malignant condition. laparascopic anti-reflux surgeries (LARS) significantly correct physiological and anatomical abnormalities in patients with GERD; nevertheless, there is no consensus about its effectiveness in preventing malignant transformation in patients with BE. The impact of LARS on those suffering […]