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Stockheim J, Andriof S, Andric M, Al-Madhi S, Acciuffi S, Franz M, Lorenz E, Peglow S, Benedix F, Perrakis A, Croner RS. The training pathway for residents: 'Robotic Curriculum for young Surgeons' (RoCS) does not impair patient outcome during implementation into clinical routine. J Robot Surg 2024; 18:307. [PMID: 39105995 PMCID: PMC11303422 DOI: 10.1007/s11701-024-02056-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
The "Robotic Curriculum for young Surgeons" (RoCS) was launched 03/2020 to address the increasing importance of robotics in surgical training. It aims to provide residents with foundational robotic skills by involving them early in their training. This study evaluated the impact of RoCS' integration into clinical routine on patient outcomes. Two cohorts were compared regarding the implementation of RoCS: Cohort 1 (before RoCS) included all robot-assisted procedures between 2017 and 03/2020 (n = 174 adults) retrospectively; Cohort 2 (after RoCS) included all adults (n = 177) who underwent robotic procedures between 03/2020 and 2021 prospectively. Statistical analysis covered demographics, perioperative parameters, and follow-up data, including mortality and morbidity. Subgroup analysis for both cohorts was organ-related (upper gastrointestinal tract (UGI), colorectal (CR), hepatopancreaticobiliary system (HPB)). Sixteen procedures were excluded due to heterogeneity. In-hospital, 30-, 90-day morbidity and mortality showed no significant differences between both cohorts, including organ-related subgroups. For UGI, no significant intraoperative parameter changes were observed. Surgery duration decreased significantly in CR and HPB procedures (p = 0.018 and p < 0.001). Estimated blood loss significantly decreased for CR operations (p = 0.001). The conversion rate decreased for HPB operations (p = 0.005). Length of hospitalization decreased for CR (p = 0.015) and HPB (p = 0.006) procedures. Oncologic quality, measured by histopathologic R0-resections, showed no significant changes. RoCS can be safely integrated into clinical practice without compromising patient safety or oncologic quality. It serves as an effective training pathway to guide robotic novices through their first steps in robotic surgery, offering promising potential for skill acquisition and career advancement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Stockheim
- Department of General, Visceral, Vascular, and Transplant Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - S Andriof
- Medical Faculty, University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - M Andric
- Department of General, Visceral, Vascular, and Transplant Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - S Al-Madhi
- Department of General, Visceral, Vascular, and Transplant Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - S Acciuffi
- Department of General, Visceral, Vascular, and Transplant Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - M Franz
- Department of General, Visceral, Vascular, and Transplant Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - E Lorenz
- Department of General, Visceral, Vascular, and Transplant Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - S Peglow
- Department of General, Visceral, Vascular, and Transplant Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - F Benedix
- Department of General, Visceral, Vascular, and Transplant Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - A Perrakis
- Department of General, Visceral, Vascular, and Transplant Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - R S Croner
- Department of General, Visceral, Vascular, and Transplant Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
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Bertolaccini L, Prisciandaro E, Uslenghi C, Chiari M, Cara A, Mazzella A, Casiraghi M, Spaggiari L. The role of the surgical volume for clinical outcomes in VATS lobectomy for lung cancer: a national large database multicenter analysis. Updates Surg 2024; 76:1475-1482. [PMID: 38103167 DOI: 10.1007/s13304-023-01723-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Improving the quality of lung cancer care at a cost that can be sustained is a hotly debated issue. High-risk, low-volume procedures (such as lung resections) are believed to improve significantly when centralised in high-volume centres. However, limited evidence exists to support volume requirements in lung cancer surgery. On the other hand, there was no evidence that the number of lung resections affected either the short-term perioperative results or the long-term cost. Using data from an extensive nationwide registry, this study investigated the correlations between surgical volumes and selected perioperative outcomes. A retrospective analysis of a prospectively filled national registry that follows stringent quality assurance and security procedures was conducted to ensure data accuracy and security. Patients who underwent VATS lobectomy from 2014 to 2019 at the participating centres were included. Selected perioperative outcomes were reported. Total direct hospital cost is measured at discharge for hospitalisations with a primary diagnosis of lung cancer, hospital stay costs, and postoperative length of hospital stay after lobectomy. After the propensity score matched, centres were divided into three groups according to the surgical volume of the unit where VATS lobectomies were performed (high-volume centre: > 500 lobectomies; medium-volume centre: 200-500 lobectomies; low-volume centre: < 200 lobectomies). 11,347 patients were included and matched (low-volume center = 2890; medium-volume center = 3147; high-volume center = 2907). The mean operative time density plot (Fig. 1A) showed no statistically significant difference (p = 0.67). In contrast, the density plot of the harvested lymph nodes (Fig. 1B) showed significantly higher values in the high-volume centres (p = 0.045), albeit without being clinically significant. The adjusted rates of any and significant complications were higher in the low-volume centre (p = 0.034) without significantly affecting the length of hospital stay (p = 0.57). VATS lobectomies for lung cancer in higher-volume centres seem associated with a statistically significantly higher number of harvested lymph nodes and lower perioperative complications, yet without any significant impact in terms of costs and resource consumption. These findings may advise the investigation of the learning curve effect in a complete economic evaluation of VATS lobectomy in lung cancer. Fig. 1 The mean operative time density plot showed no statistically significant difference (p = 0.67).
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Bertolaccini
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Division of Thoracic Surgery, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141, Milan, Italy.
| | - Elena Prisciandaro
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Division of Thoracic Surgery, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141, Milan, Italy
| | - Clarissa Uslenghi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Division of Thoracic Surgery, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Chiari
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Division of Thoracic Surgery, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Cara
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Division of Thoracic Surgery, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Mazzella
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Division of Thoracic Surgery, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141, Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Casiraghi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Division of Thoracic Surgery, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Spaggiari
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Division of Thoracic Surgery, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Lazar DJ, Ferzli GS. Is the robotic revolution stunting surgical skills? Surg Open Sci 2024; 19:63-65. [PMID: 38595831 PMCID: PMC11002294 DOI: 10.1016/j.sopen.2024.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
This perspective piece aims to examine the impact of the growing utilization of robotic platforms in general and minimally invasive surgery on surgical trainee experience, skill level, and comfort in performing general surgical and minimally invasive procedures following completion of training. We review current literature and explore the application of robotic surgery to surgical training, where minimum case thresholds and breadth distribution are well defined, and where development of surgical technique is historically gained through delicate tissue handling with haptic feedback rather than relying on visual feedback alone. We call for careful consideration as to how best to incorporate robotics in surgical training in order to embrace technological advances without endangering the surgical proficiency of the surgeons of tomorrow. Key message The large-scale incorporation of robotics into general and minimally invasive surgical training is something that most, if not all, trainees must grapple with in today's world, and the proportion of robotics is increasing. This shift may significantly negatively affect trainees in terms of surgical skill upon completion of training and must be approached with an appropriate degree of concern and thoughtfulness so as to protect the surgeons of tomorrow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien J. Lazar
- New York University Langone Health, Department of General Surgery, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - George S. Ferzli
- New York University Langone Health, Department of General Surgery, New York, NY, United States of America
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Brian R, Rodriguez N, Rapp J, Chern H, O'Sullivan P, Gomez-Sanchez C. Vascular Anastomoses and Dissection: A Six-Part Simulation Curriculum for Surgical Residents. MEDEDPORTAL : THE JOURNAL OF TEACHING AND LEARNING RESOURCES 2024; 20:11406. [PMID: 38957530 PMCID: PMC11219091 DOI: 10.15766/mep_2374-8265.11406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Introduction As surgical technologies grow, so too do demands on surgical trainees to master increasing numbers of skill sets. With the rise of endovascular surgery, trainees have fewer opportunities to practice open vascular techniques in the operating room. Simulation can bridge this gap. However, existing published open vascular simulation curricula are basic or based on expensive models. Methods We iteratively developed an open vascular skills curriculum for second-year surgery residents comprising six 2-hour sessions. We refined the curriculum based on feedback from learners and faculty. The curriculum required skilled facilitators, vascular instruments, and tissue models. We evaluated the latest iteration with a survey and by assessing participants' technical skills using the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) form. Results Over the past 10 years, 101 residents have participated in the curriculum. Nine of 13 residents who participated in the latest curricular iteration completed the survey. All respondents rated the sessions as excellent and strongly agreed that they had improved their abilities to perform anastomoses with tissue and prosthetic. Facilitators completed 18 OSATS forms for residents in the fifth and sixth sessions of the latest iteration. Residents scored well overall, with a median 26.5 (interquartile range: 24-29) out of a possible score of 35, with highest scores on knowledge of instruments. Discussion This simulation-based curriculum facilitates open vascular surgical skill acquisition among surgery residents. The curriculum allows residents to acquire critical vascular skills that are challenging to learn in an increasingly demanding operative setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riley Brian
- Research Resident, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Natalie Rodriguez
- Third-Year Resident, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Joseph Rapp
- Professor Emeritus of Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Hueylan Chern
- Professor of Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Patricia O'Sullivan
- Professor of Medicine and Surgery, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Clara Gomez-Sanchez
- Assistant Professor of Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco
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Toale C, Morris M, Konge L, Nayahangan LJ, Roche A, Heskin L, Kavanagh DO. Generating a Prioritized List of Operative Procedures for Simulation-based Assessment of General Surgery Trainees Through Consensus. Ann Surg 2024; 279:900-905. [PMID: 37811854 DOI: 10.1097/sla.0000000000006118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop appropriate content for high-stakes simulation-based assessments of operative competence in general surgery training through consensus. BACKGROUND Valid methods of summative operative competence assessment are required by competency-based training programs in surgery. METHOD An online Delphi consensus study was conducted. Procedures were derived from the competency expectations outlined by the Joint Committee on Surgical Training Curriculum 2021, and subsequent brainstorming. Procedures were rated according to their perceived importance, perceived procedural risk, how frequently they are performed, and simualtion feasibility by a purposive sample of 30 surgical trainers and a 5-person steering group. A modified Copenhagen Academy for Medical Education and Simulation Needs Assessment Formula was applied to the generated data to produce ranked procedural lists, which were returned to participants for re-prioritization. RESULTS Prioritized lists were generated for simulation-based operative competence assessments at 2 key stages of training; the end of 'phase 2' prior to the development of a sub-specialty interest, and the end of 'phase 3', that is, end-of-training certification. A total of 21 and 16 procedures were deemed suitable for assessments at each of these stages, respectively. CONCLUSIONS This study describes a national needs assessment approach to content generation for simulation-based assessments of operative competence in general surgery using Delphi consensus methodology. The prioritized procedural lists generated by this study can be used to further develop operative skill assessments for use in high-stakes scenarios, such as trainee progression, entrustment, and end-of-training certification, before subsequent validity testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conor Toale
- Department of Surgical Affairs, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Marie Morris
- Department of Surgical Affairs, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Lars Konge
- Copenhagen Academy for Medical Education and Simulation, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Leizl Joy Nayahangan
- Copenhagen Academy for Medical Education and Simulation, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Adam Roche
- Department of Simulation, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Leonie Heskin
- Department of Surgical Affairs, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Simulation, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Dara O Kavanagh
- Department of Surgical Affairs, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
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Choksi S, Bitner DP, Carsky K, Addison P, Webman R, Andrews R, Kowalski R, Dawson M, Dronsky V, Yee A, Jarc A, Filicori F. Kinematic data profile and clinical outcomes in robotic inguinal hernia repairs: a pilot study. Surg Endosc 2023; 37:8035-8042. [PMID: 37474824 DOI: 10.1007/s00464-023-10285-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Surgical training requires clinical knowledge and technical skills to operate safely and optimize clinical outcomes. Technical skills are hard to measure. The Intuitive Data Recorder (IDR), (Sunnyvale, CA) allows for the measurement of technical skills using objective performance indicators (OPIs) from kinematic event data. Our goal was to determine whether OPIs improve with surgeon experience and whether they are correlated with clinical outcomes for robotic inguinal hernia repair (RIHR). METHODS The IDR was used to record RIHRs from six surgeons. Data were obtained from 98 inguinal hernia repairs from February 2022 to February 2023. Patients were called on postoperative days 5-10 and asked to take the Carolina Comfort Scale (CCS) survey to evaluate acute clinical outcomes. A Pearson test was run to determine correlations between OPIs from the IDR with a surgeon's yearly RIHR experience and with CCS scores. Linear regression was then run for correlated OPIs. RESULTS Multiple OPIs were correlated with surgeon experience. Specifically, for the task of peritoneal flap exploration, we found that 23 OPIs were significantly correlated with surgeons' 1-year RIHR case number. Total angular motion distance of the left arm instrument had a correlation of - 0.238 (95% CI - 0.417, - 0.042) for RIHR yearly case number. Total angular motion distance of right arm instrument was also negatively correlated with RIHR in 1 year with a correlation of - 0.242 (95% CI - 0.420, - 0.046). For clinical outcomes, wrist articulation of the surgeon's console positively correlated with acute sensation scores from the CCS with a correlation of 0.453 (95% CI 0.013, 0.746). CONCLUSIONS This study defines multiple OPIs that correlate with surgeon experience and with outcomes. Using this knowledge, surgical simulation platforms can be designed to teach patterns to surgical trainees that are associated with increased surgical experience and with improved postoperative outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Choksi
- Intraoperative Performance Analytics Laboratory (IPAL), Department of Surgery, Lenox Hill Hospital, Northwell Health, 186 E 76th Street, 1st Fl, New York, NY, 10021, USA.
| | - Daniel P Bitner
- Intraoperative Performance Analytics Laboratory (IPAL), Department of Surgery, Lenox Hill Hospital, Northwell Health, 186 E 76th Street, 1st Fl, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Katherine Carsky
- Intraoperative Performance Analytics Laboratory (IPAL), Department of Surgery, Lenox Hill Hospital, Northwell Health, 186 E 76th Street, 1st Fl, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Poppy Addison
- Intraoperative Performance Analytics Laboratory (IPAL), Department of Surgery, Lenox Hill Hospital, Northwell Health, 186 E 76th Street, 1st Fl, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Rachel Webman
- Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell Health, 5000 Hofstra Blvd, Hempstead, NY, 11549, USA
| | - Robert Andrews
- Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell Health, 5000 Hofstra Blvd, Hempstead, NY, 11549, USA
| | - Rebecca Kowalski
- Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell Health, 5000 Hofstra Blvd, Hempstead, NY, 11549, USA
| | - Matthew Dawson
- Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell Health, 5000 Hofstra Blvd, Hempstead, NY, 11549, USA
| | - Valery Dronsky
- Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell Health, 5000 Hofstra Blvd, Hempstead, NY, 11549, USA
| | | | | | - Filippo Filicori
- Intraoperative Performance Analytics Laboratory (IPAL), Department of Surgery, Lenox Hill Hospital, Northwell Health, 186 E 76th Street, 1st Fl, New York, NY, 10021, USA
- Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell Health, 5000 Hofstra Blvd, Hempstead, NY, 11549, USA
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Bertolaccini L, Fornaro G, Ciani O, Prisciandaro E, Crisci R, Tarricone R, Spaggiari L. The Impact of Surgical Experience in VATS Lobectomy on Conversion and Patient Quality of Life: Results from a Comprehensive National Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgical Database. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15020410. [PMID: 36672359 PMCID: PMC9857299 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15020410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Although unexpected conversion during Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS) lobectomy is up to 23%, the effects on postoperative outcomes remain debatable. This retrospective study aimed: (i) to identify potential preoperative risk factors of VATS conversion to standard thoracotomy; (ii) to assess the impact of surgical experience in VATS lobectomy on conversion rate and patient health-related quality of life. METHODS We extracted detailed information on VATS lobectomy procedures performed consecutively (2014-2019). Predictors of conversion were assessed with univariable and multivariable logistic regressions. To assess the impact of VATS lobectomy experience, observations were divided according to surgeons' experiences with VATS lobectomy. The impact of VATS lobectomy experience on conversion and occurrence of postoperative complications was evaluated using logistic regressions. The impact of VATS lobectomy experience on EuroQoL-5D (EQ-5D) scores at discharge was assessed using Tobit regressions. RESULTS A total of 11,772 patients underwent planned VATS for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with 1074 (9.1%) requiring conversion to thoracotomy. The independent predictors at multivariable analysis were: FEV1% (OR = 0.99; 95% CI: 0.98-0.99, p = 0.007), clinical nodal involvement (OR = 1.43; 95% CI: 1.08-1.90, p = 0.014). Experienced surgeons performed 4079 (34.7%) interventions. Experience in VATS lobectomy did not show a relevant impact on the risk of open surgery conversion (p = 0.13) and postoperative complications (p = 0.10), whereas it showed a significant positive impact (p = 0.012) on EQ-5D scores at discharge. CONCLUSIONS Clinical nodal involvement was confirmed as the most critical predictor of conversion. Greater experience in VATS lobectomy did not decrease conversion rate and postoperative complications but was positively associated with postoperative patient quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Bertolaccini
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: + 39-02-57489665; Fax: +39-02-56562994
| | - Giulia Fornaro
- Centre for Research on Health and Social Care Management (CERGAS), SDA Bocconi School of Management, 20136 Milan, Italy
| | - Oriana Ciani
- Centre for Research on Health and Social Care Management (CERGAS), SDA Bocconi School of Management, 20136 Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Prisciandaro
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Crisci
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, Thoracic Surgery Unit, University of L’Aquila, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Rosanna Tarricone
- Centre for Research on Health and Social Care Management (CERGAS), SDA Bocconi School of Management, 20136 Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Spaggiari
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
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