Apart from its immediate clinical consequences, anastomotic leakage also has an independent negative association with survival.

Leakage following a colorectal anastomosis after potentially curative resection for adenocarcinoma of the rectum is an independent predictor of local recurrence.

Medical students are not inherently equipped to manage common ward-based distractions to mitigate error. These skills can be taught-with simulation and feedback conferring the greatest benefit. Curricular integration of simulated ward round experiences is recommended.

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first empirical study of a surgical BC that takes a socio-cultural approach to exploring and understanding context, complexities, uncertainties and learning associated with one example of SBE. Our findings suggest that a BC is as much about social and cultural processes as it is about individual, cognitive and acquisitive learning. Acknowledging this explicitly will help those planning similar enterprises and open up a new perspective on SBE research.

OBJECTIVES: The outcome of colovesical fistula management may be unsatisfactory; complications are reported in up to 45% of patients. Published studies are retrospective and tend to lack standardized management strategies and long-term follow-up. This cohort study assesses a policy of resection of colovesical fistulae in continuity with any distal colorectal stricture, and includes 5-year follow-up. METHOD: All patients undergoing surgery in our institution for colovesical fistula between February 1991 and April 1995 were entered into the study. The fistulae were resected in continuity with any distal bowel stricture, according to a standard single-stage operative protocol. Postoperative mortality and morbidity were recorded, and prospective review was undertaken at April 2000. RESULTS: Nineteen consecutive patients entered the study. The source of the fistula was diverticular disease (n = 14), colorectal cancer (n = 3), trauma (n = 1) or Crohn's (n = 1) disease. Thirteen patients had a colorectal stricture. One patient died due to ischaemic colitis within 30 days of surgery. Eleven other patients died of unrelated causes before April 2000, in whom there was no evidence of fistula recurrence before death at a median of 37 months after operation (range 2-95 months). At 5-year follow-up there was no evidence of fistula recurrence in the seven remaining patients. CONCLUSIONS: A policy of resection of the fistula and associated colorectal stricture with primary bowel anastomosis and bladder drainage, resulted in no recurrences and low morbidity. However comorbidity is important in this patient population, most of whom will die from unrelated causes within a few years.

Background Closure of an abdominal stoma, a common elective operation, is associated with frequent complications; one of the commonest and impactful is incisional hernia formation. We aimed to investigate whether biological mesh (collagen tissue matrix) can safely reduce the incidence of incisional hernias at the stoma closure site. Methods In this randomised controlled trial (ROCSS) done in 37 hospitals across three European countries (35 UK, one Denmark, one Netherlands), patients aged 18 years or older undergoing elective ileostomy or colostomy closure were randomly assigned using a computer-based algorithm in a 1:1 ratio to either biological mesh reinforcement or closure with sutures alone (control). Training in the novel technique was standardised across hospitals. Patients and outcome assessors were masked to treatment allocation. The primary outcome measure was occurrence of clinically detectable hernia 2 years after randomisation (intention to treat). A sample size of 790 patients was required to identify a 40% reduction (25% to 15%), with 90% power (15% drop-out rate). This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02238964.

IntroductionPractice using simulators has been validated as a mean for surgical trainees to improve basic laparoscopic skills and free their attention for higher cognitive functions. However, mere provision of equipment does not result in frequent practice. This study assesses one approach to incentivising practice within core surgical training programmes and leads to further recommendations.Methods30 core surgical trainees (CST) starting laparoscopic-based specialties were recruited from East and West of Scotland CST programmes and given take-home laparoscopic simulators, with six training modules. Attainment of target metric scores generated an eCertificate, to be rewarded by progression in the live theatre. Questionnaires assessed confounding variables and explored CSTs’ anxieties about laparoscopy.Results27 trainees (90%) agreed to participate (mean age 28 years, range 24–25; 17 males). 13 CSTs (48%) were in the first year of surgical training. 11 (41%) had no previous simulation experience and 7 (32%) CSTs played video games >3 hours/week. 12 of 27 trainees (44%) completed ≥1 task and 7 completed all (26%).Performances improved in some participants, but overall engagement with the programme was poor. Reasons given included poor internet connectivity, busy rotations and examinations. CSTs who engaged in the study significantly reduced their anxiety (mean 4.96 vs 3.56, p<0.05).ConclusionsThe provision of take-home laparoscopic simulators with accompanying targets did not successfully incentivise CSTs to practise. However, the subgroup who did engage with the project reported performance improvements and significantly reduced anxiety. Proposals to overcome barriers to practising in simulation, including obligatory simulation-based assessments, are discussed.

Background Several regions in the UK and Ireland have delivered home-based laparoscopic simulation programmes in an attempt to progress surgical trainees’ skills through deliberate practice. However, engagement with these programmes has been poor. This study aims to uncover the barriers to engagement with home-based simulation, with a view to developing an improved programme. Methods This was a qualitative study using focus groups with key stakeholders including junior surgical trainees, consultants/attendings and simulation faculty. Data were collected across four regions in three countries. Data were audio-recorded, transcribed and a thematic analysis was performed using NVivo software. Results Sixty-three individuals were interviewed in 12 focus groups (43 trainees, 20 trainers). Trainees cited competing commitments as a barrier to engaging with home-based simulation. They tended to focus on scoring ‘points’ towards career progression rather than viewing tasks as interesting, or associated with personal development. Their view was that this approach is perpetuated by the training system, which rewards trainees for publications and exams, but not for operative skill. Trainees were unsatisfied with metric feedback and wanted individual feedback from consultants (attendings). Trainees perceived consultants as lacking interest in the programmes and training in general. However, some consultants were unaware of the programmes being delivered and others felt lacking in confidence to deliver the necessary training. Conclusions Scheduled simulation sessions which provide trainees with the opportunity for consultant feedback may improve engagement. Tackling the ‘point-scoring’ culture is more challenging. This could be addressed by modified assessment structures, greater recognition and accountability for trainers, and recognition and funding of simulation strategies including in-house skills sessions.