Behind The Knife: The Surgery Podcast

• Journal Review in Artificial Intelligence: Four Times Better Than Us

  You have probably seen recent headlines that Microsoft has developed an AI model that is 4x more accurate than humans at difficult diagnoses. It’s been published everywhere, AI is 80% accurate compared to a measly 20% human rate, and AI was cheaper too! Does this signal the end of the human physician? Is the title nothing more than clickbait? Or is the truth somewhere in-between? Join Behind the Knife fellow Ayman Ali and Dr. Adam Rodman from Beth Israel Deaconess/Harvard Medical School to discuss what this study means for our future.       Studies: Sequential Diagnosis with Large Language Models: https://arxiv.org/abs/2506.22405v1 METR study: https://metr.org/blog/2025-07-10-early-2025-ai-experienced-os-dev-study/ Hosts: Ayman Ali, MD Ayman Ali is a Behind the Knife fellow and general surgery PGY-4 at Duke Hospital in his academic development time where he focuses on applications of data science and artificial intelligence to surgery.  Adam Rodman, MD, MPH, FACP, @AdamRodmanMD Dr. Rodman is an Assistant Professor and a practicing hospitalist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. He’s the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Director of AI Programs. In addition, he’s the co-director of the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center iMED Initiative. Podcast Link: http://bedside-rounds.org/ Please visit https://behindtheknife.org to access other high-yield surgical education podcasts, videos and more.   If you liked this episode, check out our recent episodes here: https://app.behindtheknife.org/listen

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• Clinical Challenges in Robotic Bariatric Surgery: The Robot is Here to Stay!

  Join us as we dissect the use of robotics in bariatric surgery – where precision meets programming, and the scalpel gets a software upgrade. Video Clip Link: https://app.behindtheknife.org/video/clinical-challenges-in-robotic-bariatric-surgery-the-robot-is-here-to-stay This videos includes: - Robotic RYGB - Robotic Sleeve Gastrectomy - SADI: Single Anastomosis Duodenoileostomy Hosts:  - Matthew Martin, trauma and bariatric surgeon at the University of Southern California/Los Angeles General Medical Center (Los Angeles, California) - Adrian Dan, bariatric and MIS surgeon, program director for the advanced MIS bariatric and foregut fellowship at Summa Health System (Akron, Ohio) -  Crystal Johnson Mann, bariatric and foregut surgeon at the University of Florida (Gainesville, Florida) - Katherine Cironi, general surgery resident at the University of Southern California/Los Angeles General Medical Center (Los Angeles, California) Learning objectives:  Strengths of the robot:  Surgical robots are at the forefront of technology and continue to improve with detailed, precision cameras and the ability to remove baseline tremors Allows for smooth movements, fine dissection, and precise tissue handling  Ergonomics are more advantageous to the surgeon when compared to laparoscopy Weaknesses of the robot: The loss of haptic feedback can be challenging for surgeons early in their learning curve Emphasis on surgical robots means some trainees may be losing exposure to laparoscopic techniques Longer operative time when working robotically, and more time under anesthesia for the patient  Increased cost for robotic surgery  Outcomes data:  Mixed data from the MBSA QIP database (metabolic and bariatric surgery accreditation and quality improvement program) The most recent study looked at 824,000 patients from 2015-2022 who had a sleeve gastrectomy or RNY gastric bypass, either laparoscopically (lap sleeve 61%, lap RYGB 24%) or robotically (robo sleeve 11%, robo RYGB 4%). Robotic sleeves were reported to have higher complication rates compared to laparoscopy, seen as higher overall morbidity and an increased rate of leaks  While the robotic RYGBs have lower overall complications, including decreased morbidity and bleeding. Robotic RYGB can be especially advantageous with revisional surgeries when compared to lap.   Setting up for success Train your eyes to determine tension on tissue, since there is no haptic feedback Learn how to assist yourself (manipulating the camera and effectively utilizing the fourth arm) Understand how techniques of the surgery change when doing it robotically, as compared to laparoscopy  Experienced operating room team  When learning, recommend putting all cases feasible on the robot (including easier cases), to master the straightforward cases before moving to technically challenging revision cases. Don’t hesitate to add an additional trocar or assistant port when needed  Education in Robotic learning  Learning by observation/mirroring – ex: robotic bilateral inguinal hernia (mirroring the attending/instructor)  Easy for the attending/instructor in the case to switch instruments seamlessly, then give them back intermittently at the appropriate time  Helpful when the attending annotates the screen to depict where to go  Data-driven teaching tools on the Davinci system  Tips for robotic sleeve gastrectomy:  Of the robotic bariatric surgeries, sleeve gastrectomy is most similar to its laparoscopic procedure 30-40 degrees of reverse Trendelenburg Liver hammock stitch instead of a liver retractor (one less trocar), which makes a total of 4 trocars needed for the case Green staple load for the first firing, then the rest are typically blue loads Mixed opinions on reinforced staple loads versus non-reinforced staple loads and oversewing the staple line (discussed cost-benefit)  Tips for robotic gastric bypass:   Watch videos from colleagues to learn what they do Gastric bypass is a multi-quadrant surgery; thus, you must set yourself up for success so that your arms are not fighting when moving through different quadrants  A size 12 trocar on the left can make the formation of  the gastric pouch easier GJ and JJ anastomosis formed with a linear fire, then a two-layer closure with absorbable barb suture Don’t forget to close the mesenteric defect (non-absorbable braided suture) Tips for robotic DS and SADI:   If doing a duodenal anastomosis hand-sewn, then recommend planning the exact number of sutures and locations of each for ease Hand-sewn anastomosis can have less bleeding and fewer strictures for patients, and is completed in a much more seamless fashion with the robot   Future of Robotics  Haptic feedback Integrated visual overlays to identify anatomical structures/serve as an intraoperative map Artificial intelligence integration  Telesurgery – ex, small surgical robot deployed to space  Please visit https://behindtheknife.org to access other high-yield surgical education podcasts, videos and more.   If you liked this episode, check out our recent episodes here: https://app.behindtheknife.org/listen

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• Clinical Challenges in Vascular Surgery: The Risk & Reality of EVAR Complications

  It’s 2 a.m. The on-call resident’s voice is shaky. The CT shows an 18cm abdominal aortic aneurysm with a Type 1B endoleak. There’s gas in the sac, fluid in the belly, and the patient has a defibrillator on both sides of his chest. Is it a rupture? A graft infection? An aortoenteric fistula? All of the above? You’re the vascular surgeon, what do you do?  This episode dives deep into decision-making when EVAR fails, when infection strikes, and when the patient might not survive a definitive repair. Let’s talk about what happens when clinical textbooks meet real-world chaos. Hosts: ·      Christian Hadeed -PGY 4 General Surgery, Brookdale Hospital Medical Center ·      Paul Haser -Division chief, Vascular Surgery, Brookdale Hospital Medical Center ·      Andrew Harrington, Vascular surgery, Brookdale Hospital Medical Center ·      Lucio Flores, Vascular surgery, Brookdale Hospital Medical Center Learning objectives: · Understand the clinical implications and management of late EVAR complications, including Type 1B endoleak and aortoenteric fistula. · Explore the decision-making process in critically ill patients with multiple comorbidities and infected aortic grafts. · Compare endovascular vs open surgical approaches in the setting of infected AAA, and when each is appropriate. · Recognize the role of multidisciplinary collaboration in complex vascular cases. · Discuss the ethical considerations and goals-of-care planning in high-risk, potentially terminal vascular patients. · Highlight the importance of long-term surveillance after EVAR and the consequences of noncompliance. References ·       Karl Sörelius et al.Nationwide Study of the Treatment of Mycotic Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms Comparing Open and Endovascular Repair.Circulation. 2016;134(22):1822–1832. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27799273/ pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+15pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+15researchgate.net+15 ·       PARTNERS Trial (OVER Trial).Outcomes Following Endovascular vs Open Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: A Randomized Trial.JAMA. 2009;302(14):1535–1542. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19826022/ pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+6pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+6jamanetwork.com+6 ·       B.T. Müller et al.Mycotic Aneurysms of the Thoracic and Abdominal Aorta and Iliac Arteries: Experience with Anatomic and Extra-anatomic Repair in 33 Cases.J Vasc Surg. 2001;33(1):106–113. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11137930/ sciencedirect.com+5pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+5periodicos.capes.gov.br+5 ·       Chung‑Dann Kan et al.Outcome after Endovascular Stent Graft Treatment for Mycotic Aortic Aneurysm: A Systematic Review.J Vasc Surg. 2007 Nov;46(5):906–912. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17905558/ researchgate.net+15pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+15pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+15 ·       Hamid Gavali et al.Outcome of Radical Surgical Treatment of Abdominal Aortic Graft and Endograft Infections Comparing Extra‑anatomic Bypass with In Situ Reconstruction: A Nationwide Multicentre Study.Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg. 2021;62(6):918–926. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34782231/ pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+6pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+6diva-portal.org+6  Please visit https://behindtheknife.org to access other high-yield surgical education podcasts, videos and more.   If you liked this episode, check out our recent episodes here: https://app.behindtheknife.org/listen

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• Clinical Challenges in Hepatobiliary Surgery: Necrotizing Pancreatitis, Time to Step Up!

  In the corner of the ICU, on multiple pressors, distended, oliguric, and intubated you’ll find the necrotizing pancreatitis patient. Sounds intimidating, but with the persistence, patience, and the proper care these patients can make it! In this episode from the HPB team at Behind the Knife listen in as we discuss the Step-Up approach, when to surgically intervene, various approaches to pancreatic Necrosectomy, and additional aspects of the multidisciplinary care required for the successful treatment of necrotizing pancreatitis.  Hosts Anish J. Jain MD (@anishjayjain) is a current PGY3 General Surgery Resident at Stanford University and a former T32 Research Fellow at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Jon M. Harrison is a 2nd year HPB Surgery Fellow at Stanford University. He will be joining as faculty at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, MA at the conclusion of his fellowship in July 2024.    Learning Objectives ·      Develop an understanding of the severity of necrotizing pancreatitis and the proper indications to surgical intervene on this often-tenuous patients.  ·      Develop an understanding of the Step-Up approach and key aspects (reimaging, clinical status, physiologic status, etc.) that determine when to “step-up” treatment for patients with necrotizing pancreatitis. ·      Develop an understanding of long term sequalae and complications associated with necrotizing pancreatitis and operative management ·      Develop an understanding of multidisciplinary care and long-term follow-up necessary for adequate treatment of patients suffering from necrotizing pancreatitis. Suggested Reading Maurer LR, Fagenholz PJ. Contemporary Surgical Management of Pancreatic Necrosis. JAMA Surg. 2023;158(1):81–88. doi:10.1001/jamasurg.2022.5695 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36383374/ Harrison JM, Day H, Arnow K, Ngongoni RF, Joseph A, Aldridge T, Wheeler KJ, DeLong JC, Bergquist JR, Worth PJ, Dua MM, Friedland S, Park W, Eldika S, Hwang JH, Visser BC. What's Behind it all: A Retrospective Cohort Study of Retrogastric Pancreatic Necrosis Management. Ann Surg. 2024 Sep 3. doi: 10.1097/SLA.0000000000006521. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39225420/ Harrison JM, Visser BC. Not Dead Yet: Managing the Abdominal Catastrophe in Necrotizing Pancreatitis. Pancreas. 2025 May 20. doi: 10.1097/MPA.0000000000002512. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40388698/ Harrison JM, Li AY, Sceats LA, Bergquist JR, Dua MM, Visser BC. Two-Port Minimally Invasive Nephrolaparoscopic Retroperitoneal Debridement for Pancreatic Necrosis. J Am Coll Surg. 2024 Dec 1;239(6):e7-e12. doi: 10.1097/XCS.0000000000001152. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39051721/ van Santvoort HC, Besselink MG, Bakker OJ, Hofker HS, Boermeester MA, Dejong CH, van Goor H, Schaapherder AF, van Eijck CH, Bollen TL, van Ramshorst B, Nieuwenhuijs VB, Timmer R, Laméris JS, Kruyt PM, Manusama ER, van der Harst E, van der Schelling GP, Karsten T, Hesselink EJ, van Laarhoven CJ, Rosman C, Bosscha K, de Wit RJ, Houdijk AP, van Leeuwen MS, Buskens E, Gooszen HG; Dutch Pancreatitis Study Group. A step-up approach or open necrosectomy for necrotizing pancreatitis. N Engl J Med. 2010 Apr 22;362(16):1491-502. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa0908821. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20410514/ Bang JY, Arnoletti JP, Holt BA, Sutton B, Hasan MK, Navaneethan U, Feranec N, Wilcox CM, Tharian B, Hawes RH, Varadarajulu S. An Endoscopic Transluminal Approach, Compared With Minimally Invasive Surgery, Reduces Complications and Costs for Patients With Necrotizing Pancreatitis. Gastroenterology. 2019 Mar;156(4):1027-1040.e3. doi: 10.1053/j.gastro.2018.11.031. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30452918/ Zyromski NJ, Nakeeb A, House MG, Jester AL. Transgastric Pancreatic Necrosectomy: How I Do It. J Gastrointest Surg. 2016 Feb;20(2):445-9. doi: 10.1007/s11605-015-3058-y. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26691148/ Please visit https://behindtheknife.org to access other high-yield surgical education podcasts, videos and more.   If you liked this episode, check out our recent episodes here: https://app.behindtheknife.org/listen

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• Intern Bootcamp: Dominate Intern Year

  RE-RELEASE This was first published in 2023 but it's so good we are running it back! Buckle up, PGY-1’s! Intern year is starting whether you’re ready or not. Don’t fret, BTK has your back to make sure you dominate the first year of residency.  In this last episode of the intern bootcamp mini-series, we’ll talk about tips & tricks as well as good habits to establish in order to dominate intern year. Hosts: Shanaz Hossain, Nina Clark Tips for New Interns:  GENERAL TIPS FOR SUCCESS ON THE WARDS Spend time with the patient! Trust, but verify. Be kind to everyone. Stay humble. Be flexible. Seek and apply feedback. HOW TO LEARN IN THE OR Double scrub as many cases as you can. Write down/record everything after a case. MAINTAIN YOUR PERSONAL SANITY Figure out your stress outlets and what brings you joy. Decompress after work. Maintain work/life boundaries. Keep in touch with loved ones. Vacations are meant for relaxation.Repeat after me: NO WORK ON VACATION! Please visit https://behindtheknife.org to access other high-yield surgical education podcasts, videos and more. If you liked this episode, check out our new how-to video series on suture and knot-tying skills – https://behindtheknife.org/video-playlists/btk-suture-practice-kit-knot-tying-simulator-how-to-videos/

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