Journal of the American College of Surgeons
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In the US, obesity continues to be a severe health issue now affecting adolescents. Bariatric surgery remains the most effective treatment for obesity, but use among adolescents remains low. The objective of this study was to identify current national trends in bariatric surgery among adolescents. ⋯ With the increasing prevalence of obesity among adolescents in the US, bariatric surgery increased over time but was performed less in patients younger than 16 years of age and racial minorities. Bariatric surgery among adolescents remains safe, with extremely low complication rates and zero in-hospital mortality.
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Historically, robotic surgery incurs longer operative times, higher costs, and nonsuperior outcomes compared with laparoscopic surgery. However, in areas of limited visibility and decreased accessibility such as the gastroesophageal junction, robotic platforms may improve visualization and facilitate dissection. This study compares 30-day outcomes between robotic-assisted foregut surgery (RAF) and laparoscopic-assisted foregut surgery in the Veterans Health Administration. ⋯ Veterans undergoing RAF ascertained shorter operative times and reduced complications vs laparoscopy. As surgeons use the robotic platform, clinical outcomes and operative times continue to improve, particularly in operations where extra articulation in confined spaces is required.
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Artificial intelligence (AI) applications aiming to support surgical decision-making processes are generating novel threats to ethical surgical care. To understand and address these threats, we summarize the main ethical issues that may arise from applying AI to surgery, starting from the Ethics Guidelines for Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence framework recently promoted by the European Commission. ⋯ A multidisciplinary focus on implementation science and digital health education is desirable to balance opportunities offered by emerging AI technologies and respect for the ethical principles of a patient-centric philosophy.
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Mentorship is an important factor for career promotion and professional development. The Women in Surgery Committee developed a mentorship program that matched early career female surgeons to senior female surgeons for 1 year. We hypothesized participation in the program would empower junior surgeons by providing opportunities to network and hone skills necessary to attain their career goals. ⋯ The Women in Surgery Committee Mentorship Program provides an opportunity for young female surgeons; however, perceived benefit is dependent on mentee engagement.
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It is well documented that surgeons who identify as racial and ethnic minorities experience discrimination while navigating the surgical environment. There is evidence to suggest that the most prevalent form of discrimination experienced is microaggressions. This study sought to identify common microaggressions experienced in the surgical workplace by racial and ethnic minority surgeons with the use of a validated scale. ⋯ The current study suggests that surgeons who identified as a racial and ethnic minority experience microaggressions in various ways. Understanding the specific experience of racial and ethnic minority surgeons is important as the surgical workplace strives to create more inclusive environments by acknowledging the lived experience of its diverse workforce.