Evaluating image quality in surgical photography: a multivariable analysis of cameras and shooting conditions

\ua9 2025 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.Introduction: Use of mobile devices with high-quality cameras has expanded medical photography. We investigate the impact of different devices and conditions on photograph quality in a surgical setting. Methods: Fourteen surgeons across six centres scored photograph quality of kidneys donated for transplantation. Images were captured using an iPhone, iPad, or DSLR camera on automatic modes under varying lighting conditions. In blinded A/B testing, surgeons selected the image perceived more clinically useful for remote organ quality assessment and rated each on a 5-point Likert scale. Quality was objectively analysed using two computer vision referenceless quality assessment tools (BRISQUE & NIMA). Results: Of 369 photographs, mobile device images were rated higher quality by surgeons (78.4%) compared to DSLR (9.4%, p < 0.001). Multilevel regression using BRISQUE showed higher quality for iPhones (β = −5.86, p < 0.001) and iPads (β = −3.90, p < 0.001) versus DSLR. Room lighting improved quality over direct overhead illumination with theatre lights (β = 17.87, p < 0.001). Inter-rater (Gwet AC = 0.78) and intra-rater (Cohen’s κ = 0.86) agreements were high. Discussion: Smartphones can produce high quality photographs. These findings should reassure clinicians that smartphone devices do not compromise photograph quality and support their use in clinical practice and image analysis research

PANC Study (Pancreatitis: A National Cohort Study): national cohort study examining the first 30 days from presentation of acute pancreatitis in the UK

Background Acute pancreatitis is a common, yet complex, emergency surgical presentation. Multiple guidelines exist and management can vary significantly. The aim of this first UK, multicentre, prospective cohort study was to assess the variation in management of acute pancreatitis to guide resource planning and optimize treatment. Methods All patients aged greater than or equal to 18 years presenting with acute pancreatitis, as per the Atlanta criteria, from March to April 2021 were eligible for inclusion and followed up for 30 days. Anonymized data were uploaded to a secure electronic database in line with local governance approvals. Results A total of 113 hospitals contributed data on 2580 patients, with an equal sex distribution and a mean age of 57 years. The aetiology was gallstones in 50.6 per cent, with idiopathic the next most common (22.4 per cent). In addition to the 7.6 per cent with a diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis, 20.1 per cent of patients had a previous episode of acute pancreatitis. One in 20 patients were classed as having severe pancreatitis, as per the Atlanta criteria. The overall mortality rate was 2.3 per cent at 30 days, but rose to one in three in the severe group. Predictors of death included male sex, increased age, and frailty; previous acute pancreatitis and gallstones as aetiologies were protective. Smoking status and body mass index did not affect death. Conclusion Most patients presenting with acute pancreatitis have a mild, self-limiting disease. Rates of patients with idiopathic pancreatitis are high. Recurrent attacks of pancreatitis are common, but are likely to have reduced risk of death on subsequent admissions