The adequacy of Hepato‐Pancreato‐Biliary training: how closely do perceptions of fellows and programme directors align?

BackgroundHepatopancreatobiliary fellowship programmes have recently undergone significant changes with regards to training standards, case‐volume thresholds and multimodality educational platforms. The goals of this study were to compare the perspectives of fellows and programme directors (PDs) on perceptions of readiness to enter practice and identify core Hepato‐Pancreato‐Biliary (HPB) procedures that require increased emphasis during training.MethodsThis survey targeted PDs and trainees participating in the Fellowship Council/AHPBA pathway. Data related to demographics, education and career plans were collected. Analysis of PD and fellow opinions regarding their confidence to perform core HPB procedures was completed.ResultsThe response rate was 88% for both fellows (21/24) and PDs (23/26). There was good agreement between PDs and fellows in the perception of case volumes. Select differences where PDs ranked higher perceptions included major hepatectomies (PDs: 87% versus fellows: 57%, P = 0.04), pancreaticoduodenectomies (100% versus 81%, P = 0.04) and laparoscopic distal pancreatectomies (78% versus 43%, P = 0.03). ‘Good or excellent’ case volumes translated into increased fellow readiness, except for some pancreatitis procedures, laparoscopic distal pancreatectomies and potentially major hepatectomies.ConclusionsThis study provides insight into content domains that may require additional attention to achieve an appropriate level of proficiency and confidence upon completion of training.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/113116/1/hpb12457.pd

Intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome in acute pancreatitis, hepato-pancreato-biliary operations and liver transplantation

  Intra-abdominal hypertension, even preceding the onset of abdominal compartment syndrome, is still recognized as an adverse prognostic factor. Unfortunately, most of the current supporting evidence within the critical care environment remains observational in nature. In acute pancreatitis, an active role for intra-abdominal hypertension early in the disease process follows a strong intuitive basis, and it is corroborated by preliminary evidence from animal models. Additional studies are needed to better characterize the optimal fluid resuscitation strategy, as well as the importance of intra-abdominal hypertension as an early therapeutic target. All critically ill patients with acute pancreatitis should be considered for routine intra-abdominal pressure monitoring. The prevalence and clinical relevance of intra-abdominal hypertension after elective major abdominal operations are underestimated in the literature. Hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery and liver transplantation represent high-risk surgical subspecialties, and routine intra-abdominal hypertension risk assessment to indicate postoperative intra-abdominal pressure monitoring can be recommended. Conservative management of intra-abdominal hypertension should be promptly initiated upon diagnosis. Although abdominal catheter drainage and decompressive laparotomy may be required in refractory cases based on expert clinical judgment, precise indications and timing are still unclear. Implementation of institutional protocols based on the Abdominal Compartment Society reference standards is crucial to optimize both clinical management and research in this evolving area.    Intra-abdominal hypertension, even preceding the onset of abdominal compartment syndrome, is still recognized as an adverse prognostic factor. Unfortunately, most of the current supporting evidence within the critical care environment remains observational in nature. In acute pancreatitis, an active role for intra-abdominal hypertension early in the disease process follows a strong intuitive basis, and it is corroborated by preliminary evidence from animal models. Additional studies are needed to better characterize the optimal fluid resuscitation strategy, as well as the importance of intra-abdominal hypertension as an early therapeutic target. All critically ill patients with acute pancreatitis should be considered for routine intra-abdominal pressure monitoring. The prevalence and clinical relevance of intra-abdominal hypertension after elective major abdominal operations are underestimated in the literature. Hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery and liver transplantation represent high-risk surgical subspecialties, and routine intra-abdominal hypertension risk assessment to indicate postoperative intra-abdominal pressure monitoring can be recommended. Conservative management of intra-abdominal hypertension should be promptly initiated upon diagnosis. Although abdominal catheter drainage and decompressive laparotomy may be required in refractory cases based on expert clinical judgment, precise indications and timing are still unclear. Implementation of institutional protocols based on the Abdominal Compartment Society reference standards is crucial to optimize both clinical management and research in this evolving area.

Acute care and emergency general surgery in patients with chronic liver disease: how can we optimize perioperative care? A review of the literature

The increasing prevalence of advanced cirrhosis among operative candidates poses a major challenge for the acute care surgeon. The severity of hepatic dysfunction, degree of portal hypertension, emergency of surgery, and severity of patients’ comorbidities constitute predictors of postoperative mortality. Comprehensive history taking, physical examination, and thorough review of laboratory and imaging examinations typically elucidate clinical evidence of hepatic dysfunction, portal hypertension, and/or their complications. Utilization of specific scoring systems (Child-Pugh and MELD) adds objectivity to stratifying the severity of hepatic dysfunction. Hypovolemia and coagulopathy often represent major preoperative concerns. Resuscitation mandates judicious use of intravenous fluids and blood products. As a general rule, the most expeditious and least invasive operative procedure should be planned. Laparoscopic approaches, advanced energy devices, mechanical staplers, and topical hemostatics should be considered whenever applicable to improve safety. Precise operative technique must acknowledge common distortions in hepatic anatomy, as well as the risk of massive hemorrhage from porto-systemic collaterals. Preventive measures, as well as both clinical and laboratory vigilance, for postoperative hepatic and renal decompensation are essential.Medicine, Faculty ofNon UBCSurgery, Department ofReviewedFacult