In this episode, Dr. Kermode and Dr. Batchelor look into whether we need sterile gloves, or whether we can simply use clean gloves for ambulatory care procedures.

In this episode, Dr. Kermode and Dr. Batchelor discuss the environmental footprint of disposable gowns vs. reusable (washable) gowns. We discuss some complex topics and mathematical equations that we don't really understand, but in the end we do come to a conclusion.

Vozzola E, Overcash M, Griffing E. An Environmental Analysis of Reusable and Disposable Surgical Gowns. AORN J. 2020 Mar;111(3):315-325. doi: 10.1002/aorn.12885. PMID: 32128776.

Link to article: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32128776/

In this episode, Dr. Kermode and Dr. Batchelor discuss a new hot topic in the OR, the environment. We start with comparing disposable gowns to reusable gowns in regard to their ability to repel what they claim they will repel. In the next episode, we'll discuss which has less of an environmental impact.

Resources for this episode:

McQuerry M, Easter E, Cao A. Disposable versus reusable medical gowns: A performance comparison. Am J Infect Control. 2021 May;49(5):563-570. doi: 10.1016/j.ajic.2020.10.013. Epub 2020 Oct 20. PMID: 33091509; PMCID: PMC7572274. Vozzola E, Overcash M, Griffing E. An Environmental Analysis of Reusable and Disposable Surgical Gowns. AORN J. 2020 Mar;111(3):315-325. doi: 10.1002/aorn.12885. PMID: 32128776.

In this episode I am joined by the legend that is Dr. Cameron Molder and his studious medical student, Callum Hicks, to discuss whether leaving the testicular end of the vas deferens open during a vasectomy prevents congestive epididymitis.

Resources for this episode: Moss WM. A comparison of open-end versus closed-end vasectomies: a report on 6220 cases. Contraception. 1992 Dec;46(6):521-5. doi: 10.1016/0010-7824(92)90116-b. PMID: 1493712.

Dr. Kermode and Dr. Batchelor discuss fecal calprotectin in the office for those patients who have chronic diarrhea. Is it a useful test to rule in or rule out IBD?

Resources for this episode: Freeman K, Willis BH, Fraser H, Taylor-Phillips S, Clarke A. Faecal calprotectin to detect inflammatory bowel disease: a systematic review and exploratory meta-analysis of test accuracy. BMJ Open. 2019 Mar 8;9(3):e027428. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-027428. PMID: 30852550; PMCID: PMC6429840.

In this episode, we dive into hernia fixation techniques. Resources for this episode: Jiang WR, Zhang XB, Wang R, Cao D, Yu YJ. Mesh fixation techniques in Lichtenstein tension-free repair: a network meta-analysis. ANZ J Surg. 2022 Oct;92(10):2442-2447. doi: 10.1111/ans.17730. Epub 2022 Apr 16. PMID: 35429222.

In this episode, we delve into the age old practice of putting tape on your string when closing incisions vs just using string itself.

Resources for this episode:

Raja BS, Choudhury AK, Paul S, Gowda AKS, Kalia RB. No Additional Benefits of Tissue Adhesives for Skin Closure in Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. J Arthroplasty. 2022 Jan;37(1):186-202. doi: 10.1016/j.arth.2021.07.012. Epub 2021 Jul 31. PMID: 34419313.

Custis T, Armstrong AW, King TH, Sharon VR, Eisen DB. Effect of Adhesive Strips and Dermal Sutures vs Dermal Sutures Only on Wound Closure: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Dermatol. 2015 Aug;151(8):862-7. doi: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2015.0174. PMID: 25875131; PMCID: PMC4982140.

In this episode, Dr. Batchelor and Dr. Kermode discuss if you burn someone, does it hurt more than if you simply just cut them?

Resources for this episode:

Elbohoty AE, Gomaa MF, Abdelaleim M, Abd-El-Gawad M, Elmarakby M. Diathermy versus scalpel in transverse abdominal incision in women undergoing repeated cesarean section: A randomized controlled trial. J Obstet Gynaecol Res. 2015 Oct;41(10):1541-6. doi: 10.1111/jog.12776. PMID: 26446416.

Ismail A, Abushouk AI, Elmaraezy A, Menshawy A, Menshawy E, Ismail M, Samir E, Khaled A, Zakarya H, El-Tonoby A, Ghanem E. Cutting electrocautery versus scalpel for surgical incisions: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Surg Res. 2017 Dec;220:147-163. doi: 10.1016/j.jss.2017.06.093. Epub 2017 Jul 26. PMID: 29180177.

Image credit: "Dragon-forged" by billrdio is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.