Behind The Knife: The Surgery Podcast

• Journal Review in Minimally Invasive Surgery: Common Bile Duct Exploration

  In this episode of Behind the Knife, the minimally invasive surgery (MIS) team dives deep into the evolving field of common bile duct exploration (CBDE). From the historical context of laparoscopic approaches to the latest advances including robotic-assisted techniques, Drs. Shaina Eckhouse, James Jung, Zachary Weitzner, and Joey Lew discuss key evidence shaping modern practice. Listeners will learn about indications and anatomy guiding trans-cystic versus trans-choledochal approaches, practical tips for safe stone clearance, and critical considerations around learning curves and team coordination for robotic procedures. The episode also highlights important studies comparing single-stage laparoscopic CBDE with staged ERCP and cholecystectomy, emphasizing outcomes such as stone clearance, pancreatitis rates, and hospital length of stay. This comprehensive overview is a must-listen for MIS and acute care surgeons interested in optimizing the management of choledocholithiasis and streamlining patient care with minimally invasive techniques. Hosts:  - Shaina Eckhouse, MD, Bariatric Surgery Medical Director and Vice Chair of Clinical Operations, Department of Surgery, Duke University - James Jung, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Surgery, Duke University - Zachary Weitzner, MD, Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery Fellow, Duke University, @ZachWeitznerMD - Joey Lew, MD, MFA, Surgical resident PGY-3, Duke University, @lew__actually Learning Goals:  By the end of this episode, listeners will be able to: -  Describe the historical approaches to managing choledocholithiasis, including staged interventions and the evolution toward single-stage laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (CBDE). -  Summarize key clinical evidence comparing CBDE and ERCP, including landmark studies and meta-analyses evaluating outcomes, complications, and trends over time.​ - Distinguish between transcystic and transcholedochal approaches to CBDE, explaining indications, contraindications, and technical nuances for each technique.​ -  Identify appropriate candidates for transcystic exploration based on cystic duct anatomy and stone characteristics.​ - Recognize the impact of newer surgical technologies—such as digital choledochoscopy, Spyglass, and robotic platforms—on CBDE practice, efficiency, and safety.​ - Discuss the importance of multidisciplinary teamwork, preparation, and perioperative planning for successful CBDE, particularly in complex or altered anatomy cases.​​ - Appraise the learning curve and quality of evidence for new CBDE procedures, outlining the need for mentorship, ongoing training, and knowing when to collaborate with GI or hepatopancreaticobiliary (HPB) surgery.​ - Outline approaches and bailout strategies for challenging cases, including patients with surgically altered anatomy and use of adjuncts such as intraoperative cholangiography (IOC), feeding tube placement, and Fanelli stents.​​ - Evaluate safety outcomes and limitations associated with robotic-assisted CBDE and single-stage management, incorporating recent data from population-based studies.​ -  Reflect on strategies for tailoring CBDE techniques to individual patient anatomy, surgeon experience, and available resources, advocating for evidence-based practice and continuous learning. References: -  Giurgiu DI, Margulies DR, Carroll BJ, et al. Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration: Long-term Outcome. Arch Surg. 1999;134(8):839-844. doi:10.1001/archsurg.134.8.839 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10443806/ -  Lyu Y, Cheng Y, Li T, Cheng B, Jin X. Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration plus cholecystectomy versus endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography plus laparoscopic cholecystectomy for cholecystocholedocholithiasis: a meta-analysis. Surg Endosc. 2019;33(10):3275-3286. doi:10.1007/s00464-018-06613-w https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30511313/ - Bekheit M, Smith R, Ramsay G, Soggiu F, Ghazanfar M, Ahmed I. Meta‐analysis of laparoscopic transcystic versus transcholedochal common bile duct exploration for choledocholithiasis. BJS Open. 2019;3(3):242-251. doi:10.1002/bjs5.50132 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31183439/ - Cironi K, Martin MJ. Reclaim the duct! Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration for the acute care surgeon. Trauma Surg Acute Care Open. 2025;10(Suppl 1). doi:10.1136/tsaco-2025-001821 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40255986/ - Zhang C, Cheung DC, Johnson E, et al. Robotic Common Bile Duct Exploration for Choledocholithiasis. JSLS J Soc Laparosc Robot Surg. 2025;29(1):e2024.00075. doi:10.4293/JSLS.2024.00075 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40144383/ - Kalata S, Thumma JR, Norton EC, Dimick JB, Sheetz KH. Comparative Safety of Robotic-Assisted vs Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy. JAMA Surg. 2023;158(12):1303-1310. doi:10.1001/jamasurg.2023.4389 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37728932/ Ad Disclosure: Visit goremedical.com/btkpod to learn more about GORE® SYNECOR Biomaterial, including supporting references and disclaimers for the presented content. Refer to Instructions for Use at eifu.goremedical.com for a complete description of all applicable indications, warnings, precautions and contraindications for the markets where this product is available. Rx only  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://behindtheknife.org/listen Behind the Knife Premium: General Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/general-surgery-oral-board-review Trauma Surgery Video Atlas: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/trauma-surgery-video-atlas Dominate Surgery: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Clerkship: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-clerkship Dominate Surgery for APPs: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Rotation: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-for-apps-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-rotation Vascular Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/vascular-surgery-oral-board-audio-review Colorectal Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/colorectal-surgery-oral-board-audio-review Surgical Oncology Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/surgical-oncology-oral-board-audio-review Cardiothoracic Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/cardiothoracic-surgery-oral-board-audio-review Download our App: Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/behind-the-knife/id1672420049 Android/Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.btk.app&hl=en_US

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• Behind the Knife ABSITE 2026 - Parathyroid

  Behind the Knife ABSITE 2026 – Up-to-date and high yield learning to help you DOMINATE the exam. Don’t forget to check out our ABSITE Podcast Companion Book available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Behind-Knife-ABSITE-Podcast-Companion/dp/B0CLDQWZG3/ref=monarch_sidesheet Be sure to check out our free study aid, which includes all 32 review episodes, brief written summaries, high yield images, and flash cards. Simply create an account on our iOS or Android app or on our website and you will find the entire course in your Library.  Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/behind-the-knife/id1672420049 Google Play App Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.btk.app Behind the Knife would like to sincerely thank Medtronic for sponsoring the entire 2026 ABSITE podcast series.  Medtronic has a rich history of supporting surgical education, and we couldn’t be happier that they chose to partner with Behind the Knife.  Learn more at https://www.medtronic.com/en-us/index.html If you like the work that Behind the Knife is doing, please leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts.   Please visit https://behindtheknife.org to access other high-yield surgical education podcasts, videos and more.   Check out our recent episodes here: https://behindtheknife.org/listen Behind the Knife Premium: General Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/general-surgery-oral-board-review Trauma Surgery Video Atlas: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/trauma-surgery-video-atlas Dominate Surgery: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Clerkship: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-clerkship Dominate Surgery for APPs: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Rotation: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-for-apps-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-rotation Vascular Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/vascular-surgery-oral-board-audio-review Colorectal Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/colorectal-surgery-oral-board-audio-review Surgical Oncology Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/surgical-oncology-oral-board-audio-review Cardiothoracic Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/cardiothoracic-surgery-oral-board-audio-review

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• Clinical Challenges in Thoracic Surgery: Robotic Segmentectomy - Lessons From 30 Years in the OR with Hopkins’ Dr. Stephen Yang

  In this Thoracic Surgery episode of Behind the Knife we enjoy a conversation with world-renowned thoracic surgeon and educator, Dr. Stephen Yang, as he takes us through 30 years of experience divulging his personal tips, tricks, and pitfalls to avoid when tackling the technical nuances of mastering robotic segmentectomies. Hosts:  Dr. Stephen C. Yang, MD -  professor of surgery and medical oncology The Johns Hopkins Hospital Dr. Kyla D. Rakoczy, MD - PGY3 General Surgery Resident at The Johns Hopkins Hospital Learning Objectives: Understand the utility of segmentectomies for peripheral T1N0 non-small-cell-lung cancer  How to prepare for robotic segmentectomy using CT scans and 3D reconstructions  Learn where to place your ports and how to optimize intra-operative techniques to minimize complications after robotic segmentectomy  References: Kang MW. Evolution of Lung Cancer Surgery: Historical Milestones, Current Strategy, and Future Innovations. J Chest Surg. 2025 May 5;58(3):79-84. doi: 10.5090/jcs.25.025. Epub 2025 Apr 15. PMID: 40230346; PMCID: PMC12066400. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40230346/ Ginsberg RJ, Rubinstein LV. Randomized trial of lobectomy versus limited resection for T1 N0 non-small cell lung cancer. Lung Cancer Study Group. Ann Thorac Surg. 1995 Sep;60(3):615-22; discussion 622-3. doi: 10.1016/0003-4975(95)00537-u. PMID: 7677489. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7677489/ Pastorino U, Valente M, Bedini V, Infante M, Tavecchio L, Ravasi G. Limited resection for Stage I lung cancer. Eur J Surg Oncol. 1991 Feb;17(1):42-6. PMID: 1995356. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1995356/ Liu L, Aokage K, Chen C, Chen C, Chen L, Kim YH, Lee CY, Liu C, Liu CC, Nishio W, Suzuki K, Tan L, Tseng YL, Yotsukura M, Watanabe SI. Asia expert consensus on segmentectomy in non-small cell lung cancer: A modified Delphi study. JTCVS Open. 2023 Apr 7;14:483-501. doi: 10.1016/j.xjon.2023.03.013. PMID: 37425437; PMCID: PMC10328970. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37425437/ Galvez C, Bolufer S, Lirio F, Recuero JL, Córcoles JM, Socci L, Cabañero A, López I, Sánchez D, Figueroa S, Salcedo JG, Campo-Cañaveral JL, Genovés M, Hernando F, Moldes M, Blanco A, Azcarate L, Rivo E, Viti A, Mongil R. "Complex segmentectomies: Comparison with simple and effect of experience on postoperative outcomes". Eur J Surg Oncol. 2025 Jul;51(7):109748. doi: 10.1016/j.ejso.2025.109748. Epub 2025 Mar 5. PMID: 40064065. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40064065/ Perroni G, Veronesi G. Robotic segmentectomy: indication and technique. J Thorac Dis. 2020 Jun;12(6):3404-3410. doi: 10.21037/jtd.2020.02.53. PMID: 32642266; PMCID: PMC7330783. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32642266/ Montagne, F., Dhainaut, C., & Benhamed, L. M. (n.d.). Pre-operative 3D reconstruction—let’s first anticipate the surgical procedure. Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery. Retrieved November 13, 2025, from https://vats.amegroups.org/article/view/7889/html Shimizu K, Nakazawa S, Nagashima T, Kuwano H, Mogi A. 3D-CT anatomy for VATS segmentectomy. J Vis Surg. 2017 Jul 1;3:88. doi: 10.21037/jovs.2017.05.10. PMID: 29078650; PMCID: PMC5637987. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29078650/ Zhang O, Alzul R, Carelli M, Melfi F, Tian D, Cao C. Complications of Robotic Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery Compared to Open Thoracotomy for Resectable Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. J Pers Med. 2022 Aug 12;12(8):1311. doi: 10.3390/jpm12081311. PMID: 36013260; PMCID: PMC9410342. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36013260/ Lee BE, Altorki N. Sub-Lobar Resection: The New Standard of Care for Early-Stage Lung Cancer. Cancers (Basel). 2023 May 25;15(11):2914. doi: 10.3390/cancers15112914. PMID: 37296877; PMCID: PMC10251869. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37296877/ Zhang Y, Liu S, Han Y, Xiang J, Cerfolio RJ, Li H. Robotic Anatomical Segmentectomy: An Analysis of the Learning Curve. Ann Thorac Surg. 2019 May;107(5):1515-1522. doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2018.11.041. Epub 2018 Dec 19. PMID: 30578780. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30578780/ Peeters M, Jansen Y, Daemen JHT, van Roozendaal LM, De Leyn P, Hulsewé KWE, Vissers YLJ, de Loos ER. The use of intravenous indocyanine green in minimally invasive segmental lung resections: a systematic review. Transl Lung Cancer Res. 2024 Mar 29;13(3):612-622. doi: 10.21037/tlcr-23-807. Epub 2024 Mar 27. PMID: 38601441; PMCID: PMC11002498. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38601441/ Altorki N, Wang X, Damman B, Mentlick J, Landreneau R, Wigle D, Jones DR, Conti M, Ashrafi AS, Liberman M, de Perrot M, Mitchell JD, Keenan R, Bauer T, Miller D, Stinchcombe TE. Lobectomy, segmentectomy, or wedge resection for peripheral clinical T1aN0 non-small cell lung cancer: A post hoc analysis of CALGB 140503 (Alliance). J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2024 Jan;167(1):338-347.e1. doi: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2023.07.008. Epub 2023 Jul 18. Erratum in: J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2025 Apr;169(4):1181. doi: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2024.12.011. PMID: 37473998; PMCID: PMC10794519. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37473998/ 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://behindtheknife.org/listen Behind the Knife Premium: General Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/general-surgery-oral-board-review Trauma Surgery Video Atlas: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/trauma-surgery-video-atlas Dominate Surgery: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Clerkship: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-clerkship Dominate Surgery for APPs: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Rotation: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-for-apps-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-rotation Vascular Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/vascular-surgery-oral-board-audio-review Colorectal Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/colorectal-surgery-oral-board-audio-review Surgical Oncology Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/surgical-oncology-oral-board-audio-review Cardiothoracic Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/cardiothoracic-surgery-oral-board-audio-review Download our App: Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/behind-the-knife/id1672420049 Android/Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.btk.app&hl=en_US

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• Behind the Knife ABSITE 2026 - Thyroid

  Behind the Knife ABSITE 2026 – Up-to-date and high yield learning to help you DOMINATE the exam. Don’t forget to check out our ABSITE Podcast Companion Book available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Behind-Knife-ABSITE-Podcast-Companion/dp/B0CLDQWZG3/ref=monarch_sidesheet Be sure to check out our free study aid, which includes all 32 review episodes, brief written summaries, high yield images, and flash cards. Simply create an account on our iOS or Android app or on our website and you will find the entire course in your Library.  Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/behind-the-knife/id1672420049 Google Play App Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.btk.app Behind the Knife would like to sincerely thank Medtronic for sponsoring the entire 2026 ABSITE podcast series.  Medtronic has a rich history of supporting surgical education, and we couldn’t be happier that they chose to partner with Behind the Knife.  Learn more at https://www.medtronic.com/en-us/index.html If you like the work that Behind the Knife is doing, please leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts.   Please visit https://behindtheknife.org to access other high-yield surgical education podcasts, videos and more.   Check out our recent episodes here: https://behindtheknife.org/listen Behind the Knife Premium: General Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/general-surgery-oral-board-review Trauma Surgery Video Atlas: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/trauma-surgery-video-atlas Dominate Surgery: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Clerkship: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-clerkship Dominate Surgery for APPs: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Rotation: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-for-apps-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-rotation Vascular Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/vascular-surgery-oral-board-audio-review Colorectal Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/colorectal-surgery-oral-board-audio-review Surgical Oncology Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/surgical-oncology-oral-board-audio-review Cardiothoracic Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/cardiothoracic-surgery-oral-board-audio-review

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• Behind the Knife ABSITE 2026 - Head and Neck

  Behind the Knife ABSITE 2026 – Up-to-date and high yield learning to help you DOMINATE the exam. Don’t forget to check out our ABSITE Podcast Companion Book available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Behind-Knife-ABSITE-Podcast-Companion/dp/B0CLDQWZG3/ref=monarch_sidesheet Be sure to check out our free study aid, which includes all 32 review episodes, brief written summaries, high yield images, and flash cards. Simply create an account on our iOS or Android app or on our website and you will find the entire course in your Library.  Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/behind-the-knife/id1672420049 Google Play App Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.btk.app Behind the Knife would like to sincerely thank Medtronic for sponsoring the entire 2026 ABSITE podcast series.  Medtronic has a rich history of supporting surgical education, and we couldn’t be happier that they chose to partner with Behind the Knife.  Learn more at https://www.medtronic.com/en-us/index.html If you like the work that Behind the Knife is doing, please leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts.   Please visit https://behindtheknife.org to access other high-yield surgical education podcasts, videos and more.   Check out our recent episodes here: https://behindtheknife.org/listen Behind the Knife Premium: General Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/general-surgery-oral-board-review Trauma Surgery Video Atlas: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/trauma-surgery-video-atlas Dominate Surgery: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Clerkship: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-clerkship Dominate Surgery for APPs: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Rotation: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-for-apps-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-rotation Vascular Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/vascular-surgery-oral-board-audio-review Colorectal Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/colorectal-surgery-oral-board-audio-review Surgical Oncology Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/surgical-oncology-oral-board-audio-review Cardiothoracic Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/cardiothoracic-surgery-oral-board-audio-review

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