Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Abstract Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries

Management of Biliary Complications in Liver Transplant Recipients

Biliary complications are often referred to as the Achilles’ heel of liver transplantation (LT). The most common of these complications include strictures, and leaks. Prompt diagnosis and management is key for preservation of the transplanted organ. Unfortunately, a number of factors can lead to delays in diagnosis and make adequate treatment a challenge. Innovations in advanced endoscopic techniques have increased non-surgical options for these complications and in many cases is the preferred approach

Intractable Fasting Hypoglycemia as a Manifestation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Non-islet cell tumor hypoglycemia (NICTH) is a rare and serious paraneoplastic complication of both malignant and benign tumors to consider when evaluating fasting hypoglycemia, especially in the setting of liver diseases. We present a case of NICTH in a 54-year-old male with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who presented with symptomatic intractable hypoglycemia (IH) after bowel preparation and fasting for screening upper endoscopy and colonoscopy

Intractable Fasting Hypoglycemia as a Manifestation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Non-islet cell tumor hypoglycemia (NICTH) is a rare and serious paraneoplastic complication of both malignant and benign tumors to consider when evaluating fasting hypoglycemia, especially in the setting of liver diseases. We present a case of NICTH in a 54-year-old male with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who presented with symptomatic intractable hypoglycemia (IH) after bowel preparation and fasting for screening upper endoscopy and colonoscopy

See Something, Say Something: Global Positioning System Tracker Foreign Body Ingestion as a Unique Presentation of Human Trafficking

In 2021, there were about 17,000 victims of human trafficking in the United States. We present a case of a 28-year-old sex trafficking victim who was forced to swallow 2 global positioning system trackers by her perpetrator. The gastroenterology team performed an upper endoscopy and retrieved 2 global positioning system devices from her antrum. Most of these victims do not disclose any history of abuse because of fear of their perpetrators. Further training and research can help to allow for recognition of these victims and potentially help them

Novel single‐operator through‐the‐scope traction device for endoscopic submucosal dissection: Outcomes of a multicenter randomized pilot ex‐vivo study in trainees with limited endoscopic submucosal dissection experience (with video)

ObjectivesEndoscopic submucosal dissection is a technically demanding procedure. The pilot study aimed to prospectively evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel single-operator through-the-scope dynamic traction device among trainees with limited endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) experience.MethodsRandomized, controlled, pilot study comparing traction-assisted ESD (T-ESD) versus conventional ESD (C-ESD) in an ex-vivo porcine stomach model. Trainees were randomized to group 1 (T-ESD followed by C-ESD) and group 2 (C-ESD followed by T-ESD). Lesions were created on the gravity-dependent area of the stomachs. The primary outcome was submucosal dissection speed. Secondary outcomes included differences in en-bloc resection, adverse events, and workload, assessed by the National Aeronautical and Space Administration Task Load Index (NASA-TLX).ResultsFive trainees performed two T-ESD and two C-ESD each, for a total of 20 procedures. Submucosal dissection speed was significantly faster in the T-ESD group compared to the C-ESD group (43.32 ± 22.61 vs. 24.19 ± 15.86 mm2/min; p = 0.042). En-bloc resection was achieved in 60% with T-ESD and 70% with C-ESD (p = 1.00). The muscle injury rate was higher in the C-ESD group (50% vs. 10%; p = 0.21) with 1 perforation reported with C-ESD and none with T-ESD. NASA-TLX physical demand was lower with T-ESD compared to C-ESD (4.5 ± 2.17 vs. 6.9 ± 2.50; p = 0.03).ConclusionT-ESD resulted in faster submucosal dissection and less physical demand when compared to C-ESD, as performed by trainees in an ex-vivo gravity-dependent model. Future studies are needed to assess its role in human ESD cases