Behind The Knife: The Surgery Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Optimizing Surgical Care for Older Adults: An Inside Look at the ACS Geriatric Surgery Verification Program Oct 27, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, we explore practical tips for caring for older adults in the clinical setting through a case-based discussion highlighting common perioperative challenges and strategies for success. We also take a deeper dive into the American College of Surgeons Geriatric Surgery Verification Program, including its goals, impact, and how clinicians can get involved in advancing surgical care for the aging patient population.
Take Home Points:

The older adult population is the fastest growing patient population and it is important we focus on patient-centered care for this population, as this is a population that almost all of us will engage with.
If you or your hospital isn’t prepared to get verified yet, there are still small processes that can be implemented that can make an impactful difference on your patients.
Geriatric Surgery Verification is at the cutting edge of quality improvement. Like other verification programs (trauma, bariatric) patients will soon seek out these centers that can best address their personal needs.

Hosts:

Agnes Premkumar, MD - General Surgery Resident at Creighton University, @agnespremkumar
Nicole L. Petcka, MD – General Surgery Resident at Emory University, @npetcka2022

Guests:

Marcia M. Russell, MD - Professor of Surgery and Vice Chair for Quality and Safety at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System
Caroline Smolkin, MD - General Surgery Resident at Northwell and American College of Surgeons Clinical Scholar

Resources:
American College of Surgeons Geriatric Surgery Verification Program: https://www.facs.org/quality-programs/accreditation-and-verification/geriatric-surgery-verification/
Katlic MR, Wolf J, Demos SJ, Rosenthal RA. Making a Financial Case for the Geriatric Surgery Verification Program. Ann Surg Open. 2024 May 13;5(2):e439. doi: 10.1097/AS9.0000000000000439. PMID: 38911623; PMCID: PMC11191881.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38911623/
Remer SL, Zhou L, Cohen ME, Russell MM, Rosenthal R, Ko CY. Discharge to Post-Acute Care as a Benchmarking Metric for Elderly Surgical Patients. J Am Coll Surg. 2025 Aug 14. doi: 10.1097/XCS.0000000000001495. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40810404.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40810404/
Jones TS, Jones EL, Richardson V, Finley JB, Franklin JL, Gore DL, Horney CP, Kovar A, Morin TL, Robinson TN. Preliminary data demonstrate the Geriatric Surgery Verification program reduces postoperative length of stay. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2021 Jul;69(7):1993-1999. doi: 10.1111/jgs.17154. Epub 2021 Apr 7. PMID: 33826150.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33826150/
*** UNC Surgery is inviting you to participate in a national survey designed to understand general surgery residents’ perspectives on core curriculum content, structure, & delivery. The results of this survey will inform the development of a standardized general surgery education curriculum.
SURVEY LINK: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeJztQwgB1rJXpCtvboHprGB_gmHGG4UzY1HITAHRmMx9FcRQ/viewform
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Surgical Endoscopy Series Ep. 3: Per Oral Endoscopic Myotomy Oct 23, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, the Surgical Endoscopy team reviews applications of per oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) at different locations in the gastrointestinal tract. Specifically, they discuss esophageal POEM for achalasia, G-POEM for gastroparesis, and Z-POEM for management of a Zenker’s diverticulum. The team describes outcomes for these procedures as well as an overview of the procedural steps and postoperative management. Common pitfalls to POEM are deliberated along with advice on how to mitigate challenging situations when they arise.
VIDEO LINK: https://app.behindtheknife.org/video/surgical-endoscopy-series-ep-3-per-oral-endoscopic-myotomy
Hosts:
• Dr. Sullivan “Sully” Ayuso, Minimally Invasive Surgery Fellow, Endeavor Health (Evanston, IL), @SAyusoMD (Twitter)
• Dr. H. Mason Hedberg, Minimally Invasive Surgeon, Endeavor Health (Evanston, IL)
• Dr. Trevor Crafts, Minimally Invasive Surgeon, Rocky Mountain VA Medical Center (Denver, CO), @CraftsTrevor (Twitter)
• Dr. Michael McCormack, Minimally Invasive Surgeon, Swedish Hospital (Chicago, IL)
Learning Objectives:
• Describe the basic steps of the Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) technique.
• Identify the different applications for POEM in the esophagus, stomach, and pharynx.
• Recognize the primary indications and success rates for esophageal, gastric, and Zenker's diverticulum POEM procedures.
Surgical Endocsopy Series:
- Surgical Endoscopy Series Ep. 1: An Introduction to Surgical Endoscopy: https://behindtheknife.org/podcast/surgical-endoscopy-series-ep-1-an-introduction-to-surgical-endoscopy
- Surgical Endoscopy Series Ep. 2: Endobariatrics - https://behindtheknife.org/podcast/surgical-endoscopy-series-ep-2-endobariatrics
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Operative Standards for Cancer Surgery: Colon Cancer Oct 20, 2025

Show notes

This new mini-series on Behind the Knife will delve into the technical aspects of the Operative Standards for Cancer Surgery, developed through the American College of Surgeons Cancer Research Program. This first episode highlights the colon cancer operative standard.
Hosts:
Timothy Vreeland, MD, FACS (@vreelant) is an Assistant Professor of Surgery at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences and Surgical Oncologist at Brooke Army Medical Center
Lexy (Alexandra) Adams, MD, MPH (@lexyadams16) is a Surgical Oncology fellow at MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Guest:
George Chang, MD, MS, MHCM, FACS, FASCRS, FSSO is a Professor and the interim Department Chair in the Department of Colon and Rectal Surgery at MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Learning Objectives: The extent of colon mobilization and resection depends on tumor location, with high vascular ligation of the tumor-bearing segment to complete adequate regional lymphadenectomy. The technical steps of right colectomy are reviewed, including high ligation of the ileocolic pedicle at the level of the superior mesenteric vein, and the right branch of the middle colic artery if present. Tips and tricks are discussed to identify vascular structures and avoid central vascular injury.
Links to Papers Referenced in this Episode

Operative Standards for Cancer Surgery, Volume 1: Breast, Lung, Pancreas, Colon
https://www.facs.org/quality-programs/cancer-programs/cancer-surgery-standards-program/operative-standards-for-cancer-surgery/purchase/

Kindle edition:
https://www.amazon.com/Operative-Standards-Cancer-Surgery-Section-ebook/dp/B07MWSNFSB

Short-term outcomes of complete mesocolic excision versus D2 dissection in patients undergoing laparoscopic colectomy for right colon cancer (RELARC): a randomized, controlled, phase 3, superiority trial
Lancet Oncol. 2021 Mar; 22(3):391-401.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33587893/

Impact of Proximal Vascular Ligation on Survival of Patients with Colon Cancer.
Ann Surg Oncol. 2018 Jan;25(1):38-45.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27942902/
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Journal Review in Bariatric Surgery: Sleeve vs Bypass and Revisional Strategies Oct 16, 2025

Show notes

Sleeve, bypass, or something new – which surgery really dominates the day? This Bariatric Surgery Journal Club dives into the debate over which bariatric operation is best. We compare the outcomes of the gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and the newer Sadie procedure, exploring how bypass may have an edge in long-term diabetes remission and weight loss. We also discuss revisional options for failed sleeves and the importance of matching the patient to the right operation for their specific needs.
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:
- Contrast the outcomes of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and revisional options such as the single-anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass (SADI)
- Article #1: Hauge 2025, Effect of gastric bypass versus sleeve gastrectomy on the remission of type 2 diabetes, weight loss, and cardiovascular risk factors at 5 years (Oseberg): secondary outcomes of a single-centre, triple blind, randomized controlled trial https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40185112/
- Describe the design and unique triple-blind methodology of a single-center randomized trial comparing bypass and sleeve in patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes.
- Interpret the clinical relevance of the 5-year outcomes, including 63% diabetes remission with bypass vs 30% with sleeve.
- Examine secondary outcomes such as weight loss and cholesterol reduction, which favored bypass over the sleeve
- Formulate patient-centered strategies for selecting bypass versus sleeve in populations with advanced metabolic disease, balancing efficacy with patient preference
- Article #2: The By-Band-Sleeve Collaborative Group 2025, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, adjustable gastric banding, or sleeve gastrectomy for severe obesity (By-Band-Sleeve): a multicenter, open-label, three-group, randomized controlled trial https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40179925/
- Summarize the findings of this multi-center, open-label randomized controlled trial of over 1,300 patients comparing bypass, sleeve, and gastric banding at 5 years
- Discuss the relative weight loss outcomes: 67% excess weight loss for bypass, 63% for sleeve, and 28% for adjustable gastric band
- Evaluate the improvements in diabetes remission, hypertension control, and lipid management with bypass and sleeve compared to banding.
- Analyze the declining role of gastric banding in modern bariatric surgery, while acknowledging its benefits compared to no weight loss treatment
- Article #3: Thomopoulos 2024, Long-term results of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) versus single anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass (SADI) as revisional procedures after failed sleeve gastrectomy: a systematic literature review and pooled analysis https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39579238/
- Compare long-term outcomes of bypass versus SADI after failed sleeve gastrectomy, based on pooled analysis of over 1,000 patients
- Interpret the trade-offs: SADI provides greater weight loss and metabolic improvements, but carries a higher risk for malnutrition and fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies
- Develop strategies for preoperative counseling, nutritional supplementation, and close long-term monitoring, particularly for patients undergoing SADI
- Individualize decision-making for revisional surgery, considering factors such as patient goals, comorbidity burden, prior anatomy, BMI, and reliability with follow-up
- Evolving revisional strategies will influence the next decade of bariatric surgical innovation
- Overall, bariatric surgery consistently improves weight, diabetes control, and cardiovascular risk.
- The procedure of choice should be tailored to the patient through detailed discussion between surgeon and patient, aligning clinical evidence with patient goals and risks.
References
1. Wågen Hauge J, Borgeraas H, Birkeland KI, Johnson LK, Hertel JK, Hagen M, Gulseth HL, Lindberg M, Lorentzen J, Seip B, Kolotkin RL, Svanevik M, Valderhaug TG, Sandbu R, Hjelmesæth J, Hofsø D. Effect of gastric bypass versus sleeve gastrectomy on the remission of type 2 diabetes, weight loss, and cardiovascular risk factors at 5 years (Oseberg): secondary outcomes of a single-centre, triple-blind, randomised controlled trial. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2025 May;13(5):397-409. doi: 10.1016/S2213-8587(24)00396-6. Epub 2025 Apr 1. PMID: 40185112. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40185112/
2. By-Band-Sleeve Collaborative Group. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, adjustable gastric banding, or sleeve gastrectomy for severe obesity (By-Band-Sleeve): a multicentre, open label, three-group, randomised controlled trial. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2025 May;13(5):410-426. doi: 10.1016/S2213-8587(25)00025-7. Epub 2025 Mar 31. PMID: 40179925.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40179925/
3. Thomopoulos T, Mantziari S, Joliat GR. Long-term results of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) versus single anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass (SADI) as revisional procedures after failed sleeve gastrectomy: a systematic literature review and pooled analysis. Langenbecks Arch Surg. 2024 Nov 23;409(1):354. doi: 10.1007/s00423-024-03557-9. PMID: 39579238; PMCID: PMC11585492.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39579238/
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Journal Review in Transplant Surgery: Use of Normothermic Machine Perfusion (NMP) in Liver Transplant Oct 13, 2025

Show notes

Liver transplantation continues to evolve as strategies expand to address organ shortage and optimize outcomes. Normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) offers a novel way to preserve and assess donor livers prior to implantation. In this episode of Behind the Knife, our transplant team at University of Nebraska Medical Center discusses the latest evidence from randomized trials, practical applications in donation after circulatory death (DCD) grafts, and how NMP is shaping clinical decision-making in high-risk transplants.
Hosts
- Madeline Cloonan, MD PhD, General Surgery Resident, University of Nebraska Medical Center, @maddie_cloonan
- Jacqueline Dauch, MD, Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Shaheed Merani, MD PhD, Associate Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Alan Langnas, DO, Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center
Learning Objectives
- Describe the principles of normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) and how it differs from static cold storage.
- Summarize the design and key outcomes of the PROTECT trial and the Chapman et al. trial on NMP in liver transplantation.
- Recognize the clinical scenarios where NMP provides the greatest benefit, particularly in high-risk grafts (e.g., DCD donors, high donor risk index).
- Apply a practical viability assessment framework for livers on NMP, including hemodynamics, bile production, lactate trajectory, and histology when indicated.
- Discuss the implications of NMP for allocation, system logistics, and future adoption trends in transplantation.
References

1. Markmann JF, Abouljoud MS, Ghobrial RM, et al. Impact of portable normothermic blood-based machine perfusion on outcomes of liver transplant: the OCS Liver PROTECT randomized clinical trial. JAMA Surg. 2022;157(3):189-198. doi:10.1001/jamasurg.2021.6781. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34985503/
2. ChapmanWC, Barbas AS, D’Alessandro AM, et al. Normothermic machine perfusion of donor livers for transplantation in the United States: a randomized controlled trial. Ann Surg. 2023;278(5):e912-e921. doi:10.1097/SLA.0000000000005934. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37389552/
3. Nasralla D, Coussios CC, Mergental H, et al; Consortium for Organ Preservation in Europe. A randomized trial of normothermic preservation in liver transplantation. Nature. 2018;557(7703):50-56. doi:10.1038/s41586-018-0047-9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29670285/
4. Brubaker AL, Sellers MT, Abt PL, et al. US liver transplant outcomes after normothermic regional perfusion vs standard super rapid recovery. JAMA Surg. 2024;159(6):677-685. doi:10.1001/jamasurg.2024.0520. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38568597/
5. Wall A, Snoddy M, Du J, et al. The current landscape of in situ and ex situ machine perfusion utilization for liver grafts from cardiac donation after circulatory death donors in the US. Am J Transplant. 2025;25(3):574-582. doi:10.1016/j.ajt.2024.09.012. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39293517/
6. Watson CJE, Gaurav R, Fear C, Swift L, Selves L, Ceresa CDL, Upponi SS, Brais R, Allison M, Macdonald-Wallis C, Taylor R, Butler AJ. Predicting Early Allograft Function After Normothermic Machine Perfusion. Transplantation. 2022 Dec 1;106(12):2391-2398. doi: 10.1097/TP.0000000000004263. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36044364/
7. Watson CJE, Hunt F, Messer S, Currie I, Large S, Sutherland A, Crick K, Wigmore SJ, Fear C, Cornateanu S, Randle LV, Terrace JD, Upponi S, Taylor R, Allen E, Butler AJ, Oniscu GC. In situ normothermic perfusion of livers in controlled circulatory death donation may prevent ischemic cholangiopathy and improve graft survival. Am J Transplant. 2019 Jun;19(6):1745-1758. doi: 10.1111/ajt.15241. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30589499/
8. Olthoff KM, Kulik L, Samstein B, et al. Validation of a current definition of early allograft dysfunction in liver transplant recipients and analysis of risk factors. Liver Transpl. 2010;16(8):943-949. doi:10.1002/lt.22091.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20677285/
9. Kwong AJ, Kim WR, Lake JR, Schladt DP, Handarova D, Howell J, Schumacher B, Weiss S, Snyder JJ, Israni AK. OPTN/SRTR 2023 Annual Data Report: Liver. Am J Transplant. 2025 Feb;25(2S1):S193-S287. doi: 10.1016/j.ajt.2025.01.022. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39947804/
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A Practical Approach to Understanding Global Surgery Oct 09, 2025

Show notes

In this kickoff episode of the Behind the Knife Global Surgery Series, we dive into what global surgery really means—and why it matters to all of us. Five billion people lack access to safe, timely, and affordable surgical care. Our guest, Dr. Juan Carlos Puyana, shares powerful insights on redefining global surgery, building meaningful collaborations, and why surgeons in high-resource countries should care deeply about this work. If you want to broaden your vision of surgery, challenge assumptions, and hear stories that connect operating rooms from South Carolina to South Africa, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
Hosts/Guest:

Mike M. Mallah, MD, FACS, FICS
Director of Global Surgery at Medical University of South Carolina
@MikeMMallahMD
@MUSCGlobalSurg
mallahm@musc.edu
Juan Carlos Puyana, MD, FACS
O’Brian Chair of Global Surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland
@jcpuyanamd
@RCSI_GlobalSurg
Learning objectives:

Define global surgery and explain how its meaning has evolved to highlight disparities in access to safe, timely, and affordable surgical care worldwide.
Recognize the value of global surgery engagement for trainees and surgeons in high-resource settings, including broadening perspectives and fostering humility.
Identify principles of ethical collaboration in global surgery, using real-world examples of partnerships built on trust, mutual respect, and shared goals.

Journal Review in Hepatobiliary Surgery: Resecting Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma Oct 06, 2025

Show notes

Surgical resection of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA) is one of the highest-risk elective operations performed. The obstructive jaundice suffered by patients preoperatively, central location of the tumors, and extensive nature of the resection make pCCA one of the most challenging HPB disease processes. In this episode from the HPB team at Behind the Knife, listen in on the discussion about perioperative strategies to improve outcomes for surgical resection of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma.
Hosts
Anish J. Jain MD (@anishjayjain) is a current PGY4 General Surgery Resident at Stanford University and a former T32 Research Fellow at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Timothy E. Newhook MD, FACS (@timnewhook19) is an Assistant Professor within the Department of Surgical Oncology at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. He is also the associate program director of the HPB fellowship.
Jean-Nicolas Vauthey MD, FACS (@VautheyMD) is Professor of Surgery and Chief of the HPB Section, as well as the Dallas/Fort Worth Living Legend Chair of Cancer Research in the Department of Surgical Oncology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Learning Objectives
· Develop an understanding of the three treatment sequences for resection of disease in patients with synchronous liver metastasis from a primary rectal cancer (reverse, combined, and classic approach)
· Develop an understanding of the benefits, risks, and nuances of each of the three treatment sequences
· Develop an understanding of which patient cases each treatment sequence is ideal for as well as which cases they are not suitable for.
Papers Referenced:
1) Ribero D, Zimmitti G, Aloia TA, Shindoh J, Fabio F, Amisano M, Passot G, Ferrero A, Vauthey JN. Preoperative Cholangitis and Future Liver Remnant Volume Determine the Risk of Liver Failure in Patients Undergoing Resection for Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma. J Am Coll Surg. 2016 Jul;223(1):87-97. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27049784/

2) Jain AJ, Lendoire M, Haddad A, Tzeng CD, Boyev A, Maki H, Chun YS, Arvide EM, Lee S, Hu I, Pant S, Javle M, Tran Cao HS, Vauthey JN, Newhook TE. Improved Outcomes Following Resection of Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma: A 27-Year Experience. Ann Surg Oncol. 2025 Jun;32(6):4352-4362. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40000564/

Additional Suggested Reading
Olthof PB, Erdmann JI, Alikhanov R, Charco R, Guglielmi A, Hagendoorn J, Hakeem A, Hoogwater FJH, Jarnagin WR, Kazemier G, Lang H, Maithel SK, Malago M, Malik HZ, Nadalin S, Neumann U, Olde Damink SWM, Pratschke J, Ratti F, Ravaioli M, Roberts KJ, Schadde E, Schnitzbauer AA, Sparrelid E, Topal B, Troisi RI, Groot Koerkamp B; Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma Collaboration Group. Higher Postoperative Mortality and Inferior Survival After Right-Sided Liver Resection for Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma: Left-Sided Resection is Preferred When Possible. Ann Surg Oncol. 2024 Jul;31(7):4405-4412. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38472674/

Mueller M, Breuer E, Mizuno T, Bartsch F, et al. Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma - Novel Benchmark Values for Surgical and Oncological Outcomes From 24 Expert Centers. Ann Surg. 2021 Nov 1;274(5):780-788. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34334638/

Ad Disclosures:
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Clinical Challenges in Surgical Oncology: Pheochromocytomas Oct 02, 2025

Show notes

Join the Behind the Knife Surgical Oncology Team as we discuss the nuances in the work up and management of patients with pheochromocytomas.
Hosts:
Timothy Vreeland, MD, FACS (@vreelant) is an Assistant Professor of Surgery at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences and Surgical Oncologist at Brooke Army Medical Center.
Daniel Nelson, DO, FACS (@usarmydoc24) is Surgical Oncologist/HPB surgeon at Kaiser LAMC in Los Angeles.
Lexy (Alexandra) Adams, MD, MPH (@lexyadams16) is a 2ndYear Surgical Oncology fellow at MD Anderson.
Beth (Elizabeth) Barbera, MD (@elizcarpenter16) is a General Surgery physician in the United States Air Force station at RAF Lakenheath.
Joe (Joseph) Broderick, MD, MA (@joebrod5) is a General Surgery research resident between his second and third year at Brooke Army Medical Center.
Galen Gist, MD (@gistgalen) is a General Surgery research resident between his second and third year at Brooke Army Medical Center.
Learning Objectives:
1) Review the presentation of patients with pheochromocytomas.
2) Review the work up of patients with pheochromocytomas.
3) Review the treatment of patients with pheochromocytomas.
4) Review the surveillance of patients with pheochromocytomas.
References used in the making of this episode:
Patel D. Surgical approach to patients with pheochromocytoma. Gland Surg. 2020;9(1):32-42. doi:10.21037/gs.2019.10.20. PMID: 32206597; PMCID:PMC7082266.
Eisenhofer G, Lenders JW, Siegert G, et al. Plasma methoxytyramine: a novel biomarker of metastatic pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma in relation to established risk factors of tumour size, location and SDHB mutation status. Eur J Cancer. 2012;48(11):1739-1749. doi:10.1016/j.ejca.2011.07.016. PMID:22036874; PMCID: PMC3372624.
Lenders JWM, Eisenhofer G, Mannelli M, Pacak K. Phaeochromocytoma. Lancet. 2005;366(9486):665-675. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(05)67139-5.
Vicha A, Musil Z, Pacak K. Genetics of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma syndromes: new advances and future treatment options. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes. 2013;20(3):186-191. doi:10.1097/MED.0b013e32835fcc45. PMID: 23481210; PMCID: PMC4711348. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23481210/

Dickson PV, Alex GC, Grubbs EG, et al. Posterior retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy is a safe and effective alternative to transabdominal laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma. Surgery. 2011;150(3):452-458. doi:10.1016/j.surg.2011.07.004. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21878230/

Lei K, Wang X, Yang Z, et al. Comparison of the retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy versus transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy for large (≥6 cm) pheochromocytomas: a single-centre retrospective study. Front Oncol. 2023;13:1043753. doi:10.3389/fonc.2023.1043753. PMID: 36910608; PMCID: PMC9992891. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36910608/

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Meet your AI Examiner: Introducing Behind the Knife Oral Board Simulator Sep 25, 2025

Show notes

Learn more: https://behindtheknifeoralboardsimulator.org/
It has arrived! Introducing Behind the Knife's Oral Board Simulator (beta version):

Unlimited unique oral board scenarios
Available 24/7
Diverse examiners
Natural conversation
Detailed, actionable feedback based on SCORE curriculum and American Board of Surgery grading scheme
Try it for free for a limited time!

Note, this is our FIRST version of the Oral Board Simulator. To make it better, we need your feedback. After using the simulator, please take <1 minute to complete the feedback form. This will help us refine the simulator and improve the user experience.
On this pod, we are thrilled to introduce the newest member of the Behind the Knife team, Dr. Matthew Swenson. Dr. Swenson is a general surgeon and U.S. Air Force veteran. He earned his medical degree from the Uniformed Services University and completed his general surgery residency at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas. After training he was stationed in Anchorage, Alaska for 7 years, where he took part in multiple domestic and overseas military exercises. His practice in Alaska also involved partnerships with the local community, including working with residents and local surgeons at the Alaska Native Medical Center. At the completion of his military service, he was recruited to return to Las Vegas as the Associate Program Direct for the Valley Health System General Surgery residency program. Dr. Swenson's primary passion is ensuring surgical residents are fully prepared for independent practice upon graduation, which has led him to create innovative, AI-powered study tools for oral board exam preparation. Whenever time allows, he enjoys family time and all things outdoors.
Hosts:
Ayman Ali, MD (PGY-4, Duke Hospital)
Patrick Georgoff, MD (Trauma/Critical Care Surgeon, Duke Hospital): @georgoff
Matthew Swenson, MD (General Surgeon, Valley Health System)
Talha Rafeeqi, MD (Foregut Surgeon, The Oregon Clinic)
Please visit https://behindtheknife.org to access other high-yield surgical education podcasts, videos and more.
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USA vs. UK: ASGBI Ep. 6 - Current Challenges and Hopes for the Future of Surgical Training Sep 18, 2025

Show notes

Welcome to the 6th episode of our BTK/ASGBI series! During this series, BTK fellow Agnes Premkumar and ASGBI hosts Jared Wohlgemut and Gita Lingam will compare and contrast various aspects of surgery between the United States and the United Kingdom, debating who does what better.
In this episode, we delve into surgical training, current challenges, and hopes for the future of surgical training in the US and the UK. We will be discussing the advent of the EPA curriculum in the US, the current challenge of obtaining a speciality position in the UK, and tips for making the resident to attending/junior faculty transition smoothly. Dr. Jeremy Lipman represents the US while Dr. Phil Pearce represents the UK in this thought-provoking conversation.
Dr. Lipman is a colorectal surgeon at the Cleveland Clinic and the director of graduate medical education for all training programs at the Cleveland Clinic. Additionally, he is an Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Education and Professor of Surgery at Case Western Reserve University. He is passionate about surgical training and holds the James E. Sampliner Endowed Chair in Surgical Education.
Dr. Phil Pearce is a consultant in emergency general surgery in Oxford with interests in trauma, complex biliary disease, and most importantly a passion for training.
Take a listen and let us know what you think- who does surgical education and training better?
References:
Speciality training position in the NHS
https://www.ft.com/content/e4b364c3-6a20-42ee-a9a5-ab9eea441c87?utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/jul/02/nhs-in-england-told-to-slash-recruitment-of-overseas-trained-medics?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Surgery job market in the US
https://surgpli.com/the-state-of-surgery-as-a-career-in-2025/

EPA curriculum
https://www.aamc.org/about-us/mission-areas/medical-education/cbme/core-epas
Please visit https://behindtheknife.org to access other high-yield surgical education podcasts, videos and more.
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