Three-dimensional modelling as a novel interactive tool for preoperative planning for complex perianal fistulas in Crohn's disease

Crohn disease; Artificial intelligence; Three-dimensional imagingEnfermedad de Crohn; Inteligencia artificial; Imagen tridimensionalMalaltia de Crohn; Intel·ligència artificial; Imatge tridimensionalAim The aim of this study is to demonstrate the added value of three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction models and artificial intelligence for preoperative planning in complex perianal Crohn's disease. MRI is the gold standard for diagnosis of complex perianal fistulas and abscess due to its high sensitivity, but it lacks high specificity values. This creates the need for better diagnostic models such as 3D image processing and reconstruction (3D-IPR) with artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms. Method This is a prospective study evaluating the utility of 3D reconstruction models from MRI in four patients with perineal Crohn's disease (pCD). Results Four pCD patients had 3D reconstruction models made from pelvic MRI. This provided a more visual representation of perianal disease and made possible location of the internal fistula orifice, seton placement in fistula tracts and abscess drainage. Conclusion Three-dimensional reconstruction in CD-associated complex perianal fistulas can facilitate disease interpretation, anatomy and surgical strategy, potentially improving preoperative planning as well as intraoperative assistance. This could probably result in better surgical outcomes to control perianal sepsis and reduce the number of surgical procedures required in these patients

Global disparities in surgeons’ workloads, academic engagement and rest periods: the on-calL shIft fOr geNEral SurgeonS (LIONESS) study

: The workload of general surgeons is multifaceted, encompassing not only surgical procedures but also a myriad of other responsibilities. From April to May 2023, we conducted a CHERRIES-compliant internet-based survey analyzing clinical practice, academic engagement, and post-on-call rest. The questionnaire featured six sections with 35 questions. Statistical analysis used Chi-square tests, ANOVA, and logistic regression (SPSS® v. 28). The survey received a total of 1.046 responses (65.4%). Over 78.0% of responders came from Europe, 65.1% came from a general surgery unit; 92.8% of European and 87.5% of North American respondents were involved in research, compared to 71.7% in Africa. Europe led in publishing research studies (6.6 ± 8.6 yearly). Teaching involvement was high in North America (100%) and Africa (91.7%). Surgeons reported an average of 6.7 ± 4.9 on-call shifts per month, with European and North American surgeons experiencing 6.5 ± 4.9 and 7.8 ± 4.1 on-calls monthly, respectively. African surgeons had the highest on-call frequency (8.7 ± 6.1). Post-on-call, only 35.1% of respondents received a day off. Europeans were most likely (40%) to have a day off, while African surgeons were least likely (6.7%). On the adjusted multivariable analysis HDI (Human Development Index) (aOR 1.993) hospital capacity > 400 beds (aOR 2.423), working in a specialty surgery unit (aOR 2.087), and making the on-call in-house (aOR 5.446), significantly predicted the likelihood of having a day off after an on-call shift. Our study revealed critical insights into the disparities in workload, access to research, and professional opportunities for surgeons across different continents, underscored by the HDI