

Behind The Knife: The Surgery Podcast
Behind The Knife: The Surgery Podcast
Behind the Knife is the world’s #1 surgery podcast. From high-yield educational topics to interviews with leaders in the field, Behind the Knife delivers the information you need to know. Tune in for timely, relevant, and engaging content designed to help you DOMINATE THE DAY!
Behind the Knife is more than a podcast. Visit www.behindtheknife.org to learn more.
Behind the Knife is more than a podcast. Visit www.behindtheknife.org to learn more.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 24, 2022 • 30min
Innovations in Surgery: Artificial Intelligence
Join our surgical education fellow, Dr. Dan Scheese as he kicks off a brand new BTK series titled “Innovations in Surgery.” This series will take a deeper look into past, present, and future innovations that have, or will, revolutionize the field of surgery. In this inaugural episode, Dr. Scheese and Dr. Patrick Georgoff sit down with a leader in the surgical artificial intelligence field, Dr. Daniel Hashimoto. They cover what surgical artificial intelligence is, go over some common terminology used in AI, talk about current applications of AI in the OR, and finally discuss the future of AI in surgery.
“Artificial Intelligence in Surgery: Promises and Perils” - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5995666/
Video – Application of AI in the OR – https://youtu.be/kabcjtdI308
Daniel Hashimoto is assistant professor of surgery at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and director of the Penn Computer Assisted Surgery and Outcomes (PCASO) Laboratory. He received his MD and MS in translational research from the University of Pennsylvania and completed his general surgery training at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, where he was also associate director of research of the Surgical AI & Innovation Laboratory. He is vice-chair and co-founder of the Global Surgical AI Collaborative, a nonprofit that oversees and manages a global data-sharing and analytics platform for surgical data. His work focuses on the use of computer vision for the delivery of intraoperative decision support and assessment of surgical performance. He is editor of the textbook Artificial Intelligence in Surgery: Understanding the Role of AI in Surgical Practice, which provides a nontechnical foundation on key concepts in artificial intelligence as it applies to surgical care.
Please visit https://behindtheknife.org/ to access other high-yield surgical education podcasts, videos, and more.
If you liked this episode, check out our latest episodes here: https://behindtheknife.org/listen/

Oct 20, 2022 • 37min
Clinical Challenges in Vascular Surgery: Acute Mesenteric Ischemia
You get called to the ED to evaluate a patient with abdominal pain who is in extreme pain but without any helpful physical exam findings. Time is gut in mesenteric ischemia, so how do you prioritize your workup, initial treatment, and what do you do once you’ve made the diagnosis? In this episode of Behind the Knife, the vascular surgery team discusses all this and more by walking through a real case and talking through the principles of management as well as some helpful tips on how to actually get through these tough clinical scenarios.
Dr. Bobby Beaulieu is an Assistant Professor of Vascular Surgery at the University of Michigan and the Program Director of the Integrated Vascular Surgery Residency Program as well as the Vascular Surgery Fellowship Program at the University of Michigan.
Dr. Frank Davis is an Assistant Professor of Vascular Surgery at the University of Michigan.
Dr. Craig Brown is a PGY-7 in the General Surgery program and recently matched 2023 vascular fellow at the University of Michigan.
Please visit https://behindtheknife.org to access other high-yield surgical education podcasts, videos and more.
Check out our Vascular Surgery Oral Board Review Book here: https://www.amazon.com/Vascular-Surgery-Oral-Board-Review/dp/0578382296/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1IF8LX547EOEA&keywords=behind+the+knife&qid=1666184084&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIxLjM3IiwicXNhIjoiMC43MCIsInFzcCI6IjAuNTgifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=behind+the+knife%2Caps%2C57&sr=8-3&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.f5122f16-c3e8-4386-bf32-63e904010ad0

Oct 17, 2022 • 44min
Clinical Challenges in Hepatobiliary Surgery: Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm (IPMN)
What’s the one clinical scenario where you can really save a patient’s life with a pancreatectomy? An IPMN with high-grade dysplasia! Join the Behind the Knife HPB Team for a deep dive into the complex decision-making surgical management of IPMNs.
Learning Objectives
In this episode, we review the basics of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms, how to evaluate patients with a cystic mass of the pancreas, guidelines for surveillance, and indications for resection. We discuss key concepts such as Worrisome Features and High-Risk Stigmata and how those influence surgical decision-making, and tackle a few of the most challenging scenarios surgeons may face when treating patients with IPMNs.
Hosts:
Timothy Vreelant, 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 (@DWNelsonHPB) is an Associate Professor of Surgery at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences and Surgical Oncologist at William Beaumont Army Medical Center
Connor Chick, MD (@connor_chick) is a PGY-6 General Surgery resident at Brooke Army Medical Center
Lexy (Alexandra) Adams, MD, MPH (@lexyadams16) is a PGY-5 General Surgery resident at Brooke Army Medical Center
Beth Carpenter, MD (@elizcarpenter16) is a PGY-4 General Surgery resident at Brooke Army Medical Center
Links to Papers Referenced in this Episode
Revisions of international consensus Fukuoka guidelines for the management of IPMN of the pancreas
Pancreatology. 2017 Sep-Oct;17(5):738-753.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28735806/
Number of Worrisome Features and Risk of Malignancy in Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm.
J Am Coll Surg. 2022 Jun 1;234(6):1021-1030.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35703792/
Extent of Surgery and Implications of Transection Margin Status after Resection of IPMNs.
Gastroenterology Research and Practice 2014, 1–10.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25276122/
Please visit https://behindtheknife.org to access other high-yield surgical education podcasts, videos and more.
If you liked this episode, check out other Hepatobiliary Surgery episodes here: https://behindtheknife.org/podcast-category/hepatobiliary/

Oct 13, 2022 • 35min
Difficult Gallbladders
Gallbladders – bread and butter cases or underestimated challenges? Join Dr. Patrick Georgoff and Dr. Shanaz Hossain as they sit down with Dr. Eric Knauer to discuss difficult gallbladders. In this episode, we discuss the SAGES Safe Cholecystectomy program that were created in an effort to decrease the incidence of bile duct injuries. The six strategies outlined in the program include:
1. Use the Critical View of Safety (CVS) method of identification of the cystic duct and cystic artery during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
2. Understand the potential for aberrant anatomy in all cases.
3. Make liberal use of cholangiography or other methods to image the biliary tree intraoperatively.
4. Consider an Intra-operative Momentary Pause during laparoscopic cholecystectomy prior to clipping, cutting or transecting any ductal structures.
5. Recognize when the dissection is approaching a zone of significant risk and halt the dissection before entering the zone. Finish the operation by a safe method other than cholecystectomy if conditions around the gallbladder are too dangerous.
a. Subtotal Cholecystectomies – Learn more with this landmark paper: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2015.09.019
6. Get help from another surgeon when the dissection or conditions are difficult.
Take a look at all their great explanations and catch all the important points by completing the online program: https://www.sages.org/safe-cholecystectomy-program/
Dr. Eric Knauer is an assistant professor surgery at Emory University. He has recently published regarding the management of laparoscopic common bile duct stones in General Surgery News and, more importantly, was awarded the junior residents’ teaching award. Check out his great educational videos to learn more:
· Cholecystectomy: https://youtu.be/_oMNRINPY5I
Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration: https://youtu.be/mXl11I7mya0
Please visit https://behindtheknife.org to access other high-yield surgical education podcasts, videos and more.
If you liked this episode, check out other hepatobiliary episodes here: https://behindtheknife.org/podcast-category/hepatobiliary/

Oct 10, 2022 • 33min
Journal Review in Surgical Education: LGBTQ+ Experience in Surgery
Does surgery have a leaky pipeline problem? What is it like for LGBTQ+ students, trainees, and faculty to be in the field of surgery? In this Journal Club episode, we review recent research and calls to action that illuminate these and other questions in the field. We’re joined by a panel of guests from all levels of training, including Eric Pillado MD MS, Christopher Digesu MD, Jessica Halem MBA, and Michaela West MD PhD.
Learning Objectives:
· Identify hazards for LGBTQ+ trainees in surgery
· Describe potential actions to improve LGBTQ+ inclusivity in surgery
· Correlate the provision of LGBTQ+ health care and the wellbeing of LGBTQ+ staff
References:
Experiences of LGBTQ+ Residents in US General Surgery Training Programs - https://doi.org/10.1001/jamasurg.2021.5246
Invited Commentary - Discrimination, Harassment, and Bullying Is Reported to Be High by LGBTQ+ Surgical Residents – https://doi.org/10.1001/jamasurg.2021.5272
LGBTQ+ Inclusivity in Surgery—A Call to Action – https://doi.org/10.1001/jamasurg.2021.6777
Being queer without proximal or distal control - https://vascularspecialistonline.com/being-queer-without-proximal-or-distal-control/
Please visit https://behindtheknife.org to access other high-yield surgical education podcasts, videos and more.
If you liked this episode, check out other Surgical Education episodes here: https://behindtheknife.org/podcast-category/surgical-education/

Oct 6, 2022 • 22min
Clinical Challenges in Trauma Surgery: Traumatic Rib Fractures
In this episode, our team discusses the management of traumatic rib fractures including pearls and pitfalls. Join as we discuss the current standards of treatment as well as controversies in how to manage these patients!
Hosts:
Elliott R. Haut, MD, PhD, a senior, nationally recognized name in trauma and acute care surgery at Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Haut is a past president of The Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma (EAST) and incoming editor-in-chief of Trauma Surgery and Acute Care Open.
Marcie Feinman, MD, MEHP, the current program director of General Surgery Residency at Sinai Hospital of Baltimore and editorial board member of SCORE. She received her Masters in Education in the Health Professions from Johns Hopkins.
David Sigmon, MD, MMEd, a PGY-7 resident at the University of Illinois at Chicago who will be a fellow at Lincoln Medical Center in the Bronx next year. He did two years of research in surgical education at the University of Pennsylvania where he also received his Master’s in Medical Education.
LITERATURE
Terry SM, Shoff KA, Sharrah ML. Improving blunt chest wall injury outcomes: introducing the pic score. J Trauma Nurs. 2021;28(6):386-394.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34766933/
Witt CE, Bulger EM. Comprehensive approach to the management of the patient with multiple rib fractures: a review and introduction of a bundled rib fracture management protocol. Trauma Surg Acute Care Open. 2017;2(1):e000064.
https://tsaco.bmj.com/content/2/1/e000064
Utter GH, McFadden NR. Rib fractures, the evidence supporting their management, and adherence to that evidence base. JAMA Netw Open. 2020;3(3):e201591-e201591.
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2763488
Dehghan N, Nauth A, Schemitsch E, et al. Operative vs nonoperative treatment of acute unstable chest wall injuries: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA Surgery. Published online September 21, 2022.
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamasurgery/article-abstract/2796556
Kasotakis G, Hasenboehler EA, Streib EW, et al. Operative fixation of rib fractures after blunt trauma: A practice management guideline from the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma. J Trauma Acute Care Surg. 2017;82(3):618-626.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28030502/
Please visit https://behindtheknife.org to access other high-yield surgical education podcasts, videos and more.
If you liked this episode, check out other trauma episodes here: https://behindtheknife.org/podcast-category/trauma/

Oct 3, 2022 • 22min
Journal Review in Minimally Invasive Surgery: The Cost of Robotic Surgery
On the University of Washington Minimally Invasive Surgery team’s search for value no piggy bank is safe and no couch cushion will be left unturned. Tune in to hear Drs. Mike Weykamp, Nicole White, Nick Cetrulo, and Andrew Wright discuss the state of the literature regarding the cost-effectiveness of robot assisted surgery.
Referenced Articles:
1. Ye L, Childers CP, de Vigilio M, Shenoy R, Mederos MA, Mak SS, Begashaw MM, Booth MS, Shekelle PG, Wilson M, Gunnar W, Girgis MD, Maggard-Gibbons M. Clinical Outcomes and Cost of Robotic Ventral Hernia Repair: Systematic Review. BJS Open. 2021.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34791049/
2. Finlayson SRG and Birkmeyer JD. Cost-effectiveness Analysis in Surgery. Surgery. 1998
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9481400/
3. Husereau D, Drummond M, Augustovski F, de Bekker-Grob E, Briggs AH, Carswell C, Caulley L, Chaiyakunapruk N, Greenberg D, Loder E, Mauskopf J, Mullins CD, Petrou S, Pwu R, Staniszewska S. Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS) 2022 Explanation and Elaboration: A Report of the ISPOR CHEERS II Good Practices Task Force. Value Heatlh. 2022.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35031088/
Ad referenced in episode: A team at the Brooke Army Medical Center is working to better define proficiency-based metrics for competency in commonly performed general surgery procedures. If you are a PGY4/5 general surgery resident or practicing surgeon who performs robotic assisted cholecystectomies or inguinal hernia repairs, reach out to the PI, Robert Laverty, MD, at rblaverty@gmail.com, for more information on how you could be compensated up to $400 for recording and submitting those videos.
Please visit https://behindtheknife.org to access other high-yield surgical education podcasts, videos and more.
If you liked this episode, check out other minimally invasive episodes here: https://behindtheknife.org/podcast-category/minimally-invasive/

Sep 26, 2022 • 37min
Dominate the Match - Episode 3: “The Interview”
You’ve finally submitted your ERAS application! As residency programs start to review your application, it’s time to start preparing for the next step- the interview. Join our education fellow, Dr. Jessica Millar, and Dr. Jeremy Lipman as they go over all the ways to start preparing to dominate your interviews.
Guests:
Jeremy Lipman, MD, MHPE- Professor of Colorectal Surgery, Designated Institutional Official, Director of Graduate Medical Education, and previous General Surgery Residency Program Director- Cleveland Clinic, OH
Most Commonly Asked Interview Questions:
· “Tell me about yourself”- have a 2-3 minute “elevator talk” rehearsed
· “Where do you see yourself in 5/10-years”
· “Why surgery?”
· “Tell me about a challenge you’ve had to overcome”
· “Tell me about a difficulty patient/team situation you’ve witnessed”- key here is to not throw anyone under the bus
· “Why are you interested in our program”
AAMC List of Common Interview Questions:
https://students-residents.aamc.org/interviewing-residency-positions/questions-frequently-asked-applicants-during-interviews
Please visit https://behindtheknife.org to access other high-yield surgical education podcasts, videos and more.
If you liked this episode, check out the rest of our "Dominate the Match Series" here: https://behindtheknife.org/podcast-series/medical-student-and-intern-survival-guide/

Sep 22, 2022 • 33min
Clinical Challenges in Bariatric Surgery: Revisional Bariatric Surgery
The number of patients seeking evaluation for revisional bariatric surgery is increasing. Wondering how to approach the work-up for these patients and what surgical options may be best for them? An introduction to the work-up and potential revisional bariatric surgery options are included in this episode from your bariatric surgery team at UNMC!
Hosts:
Ivy Haskins, MD
Corrigan McBride, MD
Tiffany Tanner, MD
Journal Articles discussed:
1. Berger ER, Clements RH, Morton JH, Huffman KM, Wolfe BM, Nguyen NT, Ko CY, Hutter MM. The Impact of Different Surgical Techniques on Outcomes in Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomies: The First Report from the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program. Ann Surg. 2016; 264.3: 464-473.
2. Haskins IN, Jackson HT, Graham AE, Chen S, Sparks AD, Lin PP, Vaziri K. The Effect of Bougie Size and Distance from the Pylorus on Dehydration after Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: An Analysis of the ACS-MBSAQIP Database. Surg Obes Relat Dis. 2019; 15.10: 1656-1661.
3. Toro JP, Lin E, Patel AD, Davis SS, Sanni A, Urrego HD, Sweeney JF, Srinivasan JK, Small W, Mittal P, Sekhar A, Moreno CC. Association of Radiographic Morphology with Early Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Satiety Control after Sleeve Gastrectomy. J Am Coll Surg. 2014; 219.3: 430-438.
4. Maselli DB, Alqahtani AR, Dayyeh BKA, Elahmedi M, Storm AC, Matar R, Nieto J, Teixeira A, Al Khatry M, Neto MG, Kumbhari V, Vargas EJ, Jaruvongvanich V, Mundi MS, Deshumkh A, Itani MI, Farha J, Chapman CG, Sharaiha R. Revisional Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: An International, Multicenter Study.
5. Campos GM, Mazzini GS, Altieri MS, Docimo S, DeMaria EJ, Rogers AM. ASMBS Position Statement on the Rationale for Performance of Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Before and After Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Surg Obes Relat Dis. 2021; 17.5: 837-847.
Please visit https://behindtheknife.org to access other high-yield surgical education podcasts, videos and more.
If you liked this episode, check out other bariatric surgery episodes here: https://behindtheknife.org/podcast-category/bariatric/

Sep 19, 2022 • 22min
Clinical Challenges in Transplant Surgery: Heart & Liver Transplant
In this episode we discuss two interesting cases in transplant surgery. In the first, we review a case in which a renal cell carcinoma was discovered during the backbench portion of a deceased donor kidney transplant procedure. In the second, we examine the unique challenges that are presented by simultaneous heart-liver transplantation.
Learning Objectives:
- Discuss renal cell carcinoma in the immunosuppressed patient
- Review some of the logistical components that accompany dual organ transplants
- Examine the clinical challenge of a heart-liver transplant
Hosts:
- Megan Lombardi, MD
- Sasha McEwan, MD
- Guilherme de Oliveira, MD
- Alexander Toledo, MD
- David Gerber, MD
Please visit https://behindtheknife.org to access other high-yield surgical education podcasts, videos and more.
If you liked this episode, check out other transplant surgery episodes here: https://behindtheknife.org/podcast-category/transplant/