Project description:BackgroundSimulation has spread widely this last decade, especially in laparoscopic surgery, and training out of the operating room has proven its positive impact on basic skills during real laparoscopic procedures. Few articles dealing with advanced training in laparoscopic abdominal surgery, however, have been published. Such training may decrease learning curves in the operating room for junior surgeons with limited access to complex laparoscopic procedures as a primary operator.MethodsTwo reviewers, using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and The Cochrane Library conducted a systematic research with combinations of the following keywords: (teaching OR education OR computer simulation) AND laparoscopy AND (gastric OR stomach OR colorectal OR colon OR rectum OR small bowel OR liver OR spleen OR pancreas OR advanced surgery OR advanced procedure OR complex procedure). Additional studies were searched in the reference lists of all included articles.ResultsFifty-four original studies were retrieved. Their level of evidence was low: most of the studies were case series and one fifth were purely descriptive, but there were eight randomized trials. Pig models and video trainers as well as gastric and colorectal procedures were mainly assessed. The retrieved studies showed some encouraging trends in terms of trainee satisfaction with improvement after training, but the improvements were mainly on the training tool itself. Some tools have been proven to be construct-valid.ConclusionHigher-quality studies are required to appraise educational value in this field.
Project description:BackgroundRecovery of gastrointestinal function is often delayed after major abdominal surgery, leading to postoperative ileus (POI). Enhanced recovery protocols recommend laxatives to reduce the duration of POI, but evidence is unclear. This systematic review aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of laxative use after major abdominal surgery.MethodsOvid MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library and PubMed databases were searched from inception to May 2019 to identify eligible RCTs focused on elective open or minimally invasive major abdominal surgery. The primary outcome was time taken to passage of stool. Secondary outcomes were time taken to tolerance of diet, time taken to flatus, length of hospital stay, postoperative complications and readmission to hospital.ResultsFive RCTs with a total of 416 patients were included. Laxatives reduced the time to passage of stool (mean difference (MD) -0·83 (95 per cent c.i. -1·39 to -0·26) days; P = 0·004), but there was significant heterogeneity between studies for this outcome measure. There was no difference in time to passage of flatus (MD -0·17 (-0·59 to 0·25) days; P = 0·432), time to tolerance of diet (MD -0·01 (-0·12 to 0·10) days; P = 0·865) or length of hospital stay (MD 0·01(-1·36 to 1·38) days; P = 0·992). There were insufficient data available on postoperative complications for meta-analysis.ConclusionRoutine postoperative laxative use after major abdominal surgery may result in earlier passage of stool but does not influence other postoperative recovery parameters. Better data are required for postoperative complications and validated outcome measures.
Project description:BackgroundAdverse events in the operating theatre related to non-technical skills and teamwork are still an issue. The influence of minimally invasive techniques on team performance and subsequent impact on patient safety remains unclear. The aim of this review was to assess the methodology used to objectify and rate team performance in minimally invasive abdominal surgery.MethodsA systematic literature search was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. Studies on assessment of surgical team performance or non-technical skills of the surgical team in the setting of minimally invasive abdominal surgery were included. Study aim, methodology, results and conclusion were extracted for qualitative synthesis.ResultsSixteen studies involving 677 surgical procedures were included. All studies consisted of observational case series that used heterogeneous methodologies to assess team performance and were of low methodological quality. The most commonly used team performance objectification tools were 'construct'- and 'incident'-based tools. Evidence of validity for the assessed outcome was spread widely across objectification tools, ranging from low to high. Diverse and poorly defined outcomes were reported.ConclusionTeam demands for minimally invasive approaches to abdominal procedures remain unclear. The current literature consists of studies with heterogeneous methodology and poorly defined outcomes.
Project description:BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to perform a systematic review of the current literature on simulator-based training in vitreoretinal surgery (VRS). We examined the results regarding simulated VRS and provided an overview of how the current results may be employed in VRS training. Lastly, we evaluated the quality of these results.MethodsThe databases of Pubmed, Embase and Cochrane Library were searched for articles in English involving simulated VRS training. A qualitative analysis was performed, since the studies which met our inclusion criteria did not allow for a quantitative meta-analysis.ResultsWe identified 203 articles of which seven met the inclusion criteria. Of these, six studies investigated simulation with EyeSi® Surgical (VRMagic, Mannheim, Germany). Six studies reported positive performance curves. Four studies showed construct validity. One study attempted to show skill transfer from simulator to vitrectomies performed on cadavers. Methodological quality of the included studies was moderate but lacking in instrument validation.ConclusionSimulator-based training in VRS can assess and possibly assist acquisition of a variety of VRS skills. Further research is needed to support transfer from simulator to operating room. Future studies should strive to follow established validation frameworks and streamline study designs.
Project description:ObjectiveTo compare the postoperative outcomes of preoperative respiratory muscle training (RMT) with a device to preoperative aerobic exercise training (AET) in patients undergoing thoracic surgeries (cardiac and lung).Data sourcesPubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Web of Science were comprehensively searched upon inception to 9/2020.Study selectionAll randomized control studies, including preoperative RMT and preoperative AET compared with a non-training control group, were included.Data extractionThe meta-analysis was performed for outcomes including postoperative pulmonary complications (PPC), pneumonia, postoperative respiratory failure (PRF), hospital length of stay (HLOS), and mortality. We performed a network meta-analysis based on Bayesian random-effects regression models.Data synthesisA total of 25 studies, 2070 patients were included in this meta-analysis. Pooled data for the patients who performed RMT with a device showed a reduction in PPCs, pneumonia, PRF with odds ratio (OR) of 0.35 (P value .006), 0.38 (P value .002), and 0.22 (P value .008), respectively. Pooled data for the patients who performed AET showed reduction in PPC, pneumonia with a OR of 0.33 (P value <.00001) and OR of 0.54 (P value .01), respectively. HLOS was decreased by 1.69 days (P value <.00001) by performing RMT and 1.79 days (P value .0008) by performing AET compared with the usual group. No significant difference in all-cause mortality compared with usual care in both RMT and AET intervention groups. No significant difference in the incidence of PRF compared with usual group in RMT + AET and AET alone intervention groups (OR 0.32; P=.21; OR 0.94; P=.87). Based on rank probability plots analysis, on network meta-analysis, RMT and AET ranked similarly on the primary outcome of PPC and secondary outcomes of pneumonia, PRF and HLOS.ConclusionsIn thoracic surgeries, preoperative RMT is comparable with preoperative AET to prevent PPC, pneumonia, and PRF and reduce HLOS. It can be considered in patients in resource-limited settings.
Project description:BackgroundPostoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) have an impact on the recovery of adults after surgery. It is therefore important to establish whether preoperative respiratory rehabilitation can decrease the risk of PPCs and to identify adults who might benefit from respiratory rehabilitation.ObjectivesOur primary objective was to assess the effectiveness of preoperative inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on PPCs in adults undergoing cardiac or major abdominal surgery. We looked at all-cause mortality and adverse events.Search methodsWe searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2014, Issue 10), MEDLINE (1966 to October 2014), EMBASE (1980 to October 2014), CINAHL (1982 to October 2014), LILACS (1982 to October 2014), and ISI Web of Science (1985 to October 2014). We did not impose any language restrictions.Selection criteriaWe included randomized controlled trials that compared preoperative IMT and usual preoperative care for adults undergoing cardiac or major abdominal surgery.Data collection and analysisTwo or more review authors independently identified studies, assessed trial quality, and extracted data. We extracted the following information: study characteristics, participant characteristics, intervention details, and outcome measures. We contacted study authors for additional information in order to identify any unpublished data.Main resultsWe included 12 trials with 695 participants; five trials included participants awaiting elective cardiac surgery and seven trials included participants awaiting elective major abdominal surgery. All trials contained at least one domain judged to be at high or unclear risk of bias. Of greatest concern was the risk of bias associated with inadequate blinding, as it was impossible to blind participants due to the nature of the study designs. We could pool postoperative atelectasis in seven trials (443 participants) and postoperative pneumonia in 11 trials (675 participants) in a meta-analysis. Preoperative IMT was associated with a reduction of postoperative atelectasis and pneumonia, compared with usual care or non-exercise intervention (respectively; risk ratio (RR) 0.53, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.34 to 0.82 and RR 0.45, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.77). We could pool all-cause mortality within postoperative period in seven trials (431 participants) in a meta-analysis. However, the effect of IMT on all-cause postoperative mortality is uncertain (RR 0.40, 95% CI 0.04 to 4.23). Eight trials reported the incidence of adverse events caused by IMT. All of these trials reported that there were no adverse events in both groups. We could pool the mean duration of hospital stay in six trials (424 participants) in a meta-analysis. Preoperative IMT was associated with reduced length of hospital stay (MD -1.33, 95% CI -2.53 to -0.13). According to the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) Working Group guidelines for evaluating the impact of healthcare interventions, the overall quality of studies for the incidence of pneumonia was moderate, whereas the overall quality of studies for the incidence of atelectasis, all-cause postoperative death, adverse events, and duration of hospital stay was low or very low.Authors' conclusionsWe found evidence that preoperative IMT was associated with a reduction of postoperative atelectasis, pneumonia, and duration of hospital stay in adults undergoing cardiac and major abdominal surgery. The potential for overestimation of treatment effect due to lack of adequate blinding, small-study effects, and publication bias needs to be considered when interpreting the present findings.
Project description:BackgroundIntravenous fluid therapy plays a role in maintaining the hemodynamic status for tissue perfusion and electrolyte hemostasis during surgery. Recent trials in critically ill patients reported serious side effects of some types of fluids. Since the most suitable type of fluid is debatable, a consensus in perioperative patients has not been reached.MethodWe performed a systematic review of randomized control trials (RCTs) that compared two or more types of fluids in major abdominal surgery. The outcomes were related to bleeding, hemodynamic status, length of hospital stay, and complications, such as kidney injury, electrolyte abnormality, major cardiac adverse event, nausea, vomiting, and mortality. A literature search was performed using Medline and EMBASE up to December 2019. The data were pooled to investigate the effect of fluid on macrocirculation and intravascular volume effect.ResultsForty-three RCTs were included. Eighteen fluids were compared: nine were crystalloids and nine were colloids. The results were categorized into macrocirculation and intravascular volume effect, microcirculation, anti-inflammatory parameters, vascular permeability, renal function (colloids), renal function and electrolytes (crystalloids), coagulation and bleeding, return of bowel function, and postoperative nausea vomiting (PONV). We found that no specific type of fluid led to mortality and every type of colloid was equivalent in volume expansion and did not cause kidney injury. However, hydroxyethyl starch and dextran may lead to increased bleeding. Normal saline can cause kidney injury which can lead to renal replacement therapy, and dextrose fluid can decrease PONV.ConclusionIn our opinion, it is safe to give a balanced crystalloid as the maintenance fluid and give a colloid, such as HES130/0.4, 4% gelatin, or human albumin, as a volume expander.
Project description:BackgroundAs of the most recent surveys of resident programs in 2018, only slightly more than half of programs have formal robotic training curriculums implemented. Fewer programs have further assessed their own curriculum and its benefit.MethodWe conducted a PubMed/MEDLINE literature search for robotic surgery curriculums and those that had assessment of their programs.ResultsA total of 11 studies were reviewed. When reviewed in chronological order, there has been a progression towards more robotic specific objective data analysis as opposed to subjective surveying. There is a wide variation in curriculums, but simulation use is pervasive.ConclusionsOur review makes evident two important concepts-there is great variety in training curriculums and there is great benefit in implementation. The importance is in establishment of what makes resident training effective and supports the adaptable and successful surgeon. This may come from an adaptable curriculum but a structured test-out assessment.
Project description:ObjectivesTo investigate how oropharyngeal muscle strength training affected the safety and performance of swallowing in patients with poststroke oropharyngeal dysphagia.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.Data sourcesCochrane Central Register of Controlled of Trials, Web of Science, PubMed, Embase databases and ClinicalTrials.gov were systematically searched, for publications in English, from database inception to December 2022.Eligibility criteriaStudies comparing the effect of oropharyngeal muscle strength training with conventional dysphagia therapy in patients with poststroke. Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS) and Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) were assessed as the main outcomes.Data extraction and synthesisTwo researchers independently screened the literature, extracted data and evaluated the quality of the included studies, with disagreements resolved by another researcher. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was used to assess the risk of bias. Review Manager V.5.3 was employed for the meta-analysis. Random effect models were used for meta-analysis.ResultsSeven studies with 259 participants were included in this meta-analysis. The results showed that oropharyngeal muscle strength training could reduce PAS score compared with conventional dysphagia therapy (mean difference=-0.98, 95% CI -1.34 to -0.62, p<0.0001, I2=28%). The results also showed that oropharyngeal muscle strength training could increase FOIS score (mean difference=1.04, 95% CI 0.55 to 1.54, p<0.0001, I2=0%) and the vertical displacement of the hyoid bone (mean difference=0.20, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.38, p=0.04, I2=0%) compared with conventional dysphagia therapy.ConclusionIn patients with poststroke oropharyngeal dysphagia, oropharyngeal muscle strength training can improve swallowing safety and performance.Prospero registration numberCRD42022302471.
Project description:BackgroundInspiratory muscle training (IMT) is a simple and well-tolerated physical therapy that increases respiratory muscle strength and relieving the degree of dyspnea and fatigue. Therefore, it may be used as a transitional modality before exercise training or as a specific physical therapy intervention for those who are diagnosed with respiratory muscle weakness. However, the current evidence on IMT in pulmonary hypertension (PH) patients is inconclusive. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to summarize the current role of IMT in this group of patients.MethodsPubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched through May 2022. Trials examining the feasibility and effectiveness of IMT in PH patients. Outcome measures included adverse events, training adherence and compliance, maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximum expiratory pressure (MEP), forced vital capacity (FVC%), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1%), FEV1/FVC%, 6 min walk distance (6MWD), Peak VO2, dyspnea, and fatigue perception after the IMT training program. Only randomized controlled trials were included. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool for controlled trials was adopted to assess study quality. Statistical heterogeneity was evaluated with the chi-square test and I 2 statistic. Mean differences and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated.ResultsWe ultimately identified four studies that met the criteria. These studies comprised 80 patients with 16 males and 64 females. The mean age was 53.25. The main types of PH were group I (pulmonary arterial hypertension, 95%) and group IV (chronic thromboembolic PH, 5%). No severe adverse events were reported in the included studies. IMT had a significant effect on improving MIP (18.89 cmH2O; 95% CI: 9.43-28.35, P < 0.001) and MEP (8.06 cmH2O; 95% CI: 2.39-13.73; P = 0.005), increase in the 6MWD (30.16 m; 95% CI: 1.53-58.79; P = 0.04). No significant improvement was found in pulmonary function (P > 0.05), and uncertain effect on the quality of life (QoL) score.ConclusionBased on currently limited evidence, IMT is an effective physical therapy for increasing respiratory muscle function and exercise capacity, but still a lack of evidence on dyspnea and fatigue levels, pulmonary function, and QoL in PH patients. There are reasons to believe that IMT is a promising intervention in PH patients, enriching rehabilitation options and serving as a bridge before formal exercise training. It is expected that IMT will play an important role in the future clinical pathway of physical therapy for this group of patients.Systematic review registration[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/logout.php], identifier [CRD42022335972].