Bristol Centre for Surgical Research

The future of surgery: safe and transparent innovation | The Bulletin of the Royal College of Surgeons of England When innovation skips safeguards, the fallout is significant. Here’s how to protect patients, surgeons and the system.

The future of surgery: safe & transparent innovation – read more to see what is needed

publishing.rcseng.ac.uk/doi/full/10....

We’re at Westminster next week for #EvidenceWeek with @senseaboutsci.bsky.social, presenting our research evidence on the best surgery for #weightloss to MPs, peers and parliamentary staff, to help them scrutinise policies in this area. senseaboutscience.org/evidence-wee... #obesity #surgery #NHS

Next week we’re at #EvidenceWeek in Parliament with @senseaboutsci.bsky.social to present the results of the world’s largest surgical obesity trial. MPs, peers and parliamentary staff can book their quickfire policy briefing and find more information about the whole week with us here:

CSR members attended the @nihr.bsky.social
Team Science Camp last month to learn about and develop an interdisciplinary team to tackle challenges around decarbonising healthcare, social care + research.

Evidence is vital in effective decision-making. We’re presenting study findings on #surgery for weight loss in Parliament at #EvidenceWeek

We hope to see you there!
@kirithentwistle.bsky.social @liztwistmp.bsky.social @joshfg.bsky.social

Booking + info
senseaboutscience.org/evidence-wee...

Evidence is vital in effective decision-making. We’re presenting our latest findings on the worlds largest surgical weight loss trial in Parliament as part of #EvidenceWeek on the 4th November with
@senseaboutsci.bsky.social

senseaboutscience.org/evidence-wee...

Patient + Public Involvement + Engagement (PPI)E is key to ensuring our projects are patient-focused. Our new NIHR SPOC-TRC brings together Biomedical Research Centres focusing on surgery and peri-operative care. We are working to improve PPIE in early phase research

Looking to combine cutting-edge research with high-quality clinical training?

The NIHR Academic Clinical Fellowship in General Surgery at Bristol offers 25% protected research time, expert mentorship, and a route to doctoral funding.
💡 Apply now: www.oriel.nhs.uk/Web/Vacancy/...

Continuity of outcome assessment throughout the lifecycle of surgical research: mapping core outcome domains measured in early phase and late phase studies - BMC Surgery Background Consistent outcome assessment in surgical research, from early phase studies (during introduction and refinement of new procedures) to late phase studies (to establish comparative effectiveness) needs improvement to ensure efficient and safe surgical care. This study explored the potential continuity of outcome domain assessment throughout the evaluation lifecycle of surgical interventions. Methods Core outcome sets (COS) for late phase studies of surgical interventions were identified through COMET database searches. Core outcomes/outcome domains were extracted and mapped to core domains of a COS developed specifically for evaluating surgical innovation (COHESIVE COS). Outcomes/domains were categorised as “definite match” (clear similarity), “possible match” (potential similarity) and “no match” (no similarity) COHESIVE domain based on similarity in wording or meaning. Results A total of 54 COS studies were included, yielding 573 core outcomes/domains. Most late phase core outcomes/domains (N = 519, 91%) showed clear or possible similarity. All late phase COS studies recommended measurement of COHESIVE domains ‘Intended benefits’ and ‘Expected and unexpected disadvantages’. Some late phase outcomes/domains also showed similarity with early phase COHESIVE domains, including ‘Problems with the device working’, ‘Patients’ experience’ and ‘Operators’/surgeons’ experience’. A minority of late phase outcomes/domains showed no similarity with COHESIVE domains (n = 54, 9%). Conclusion High similarity between outcome domains recommended in early and late phase evaluations of surgical interventions demonstrates continuity of outcome domain assessment throughout the surgical innovation lifecycle is possible. Harmonising outcome measurement throughout the research pathway can streamline evaluation, enhancing access to beneficial treatment and improving early detection of harms.

Important work from our centre on continuity of outcome assessment throughout the lifecycle of surgical research: mapping core outcome domains measured in early phase and late phase studies.

link.springer.com/article/10.1...

🚀 Launch your academic career in surgery with the NIHR Academic Clinical Fellowship at the University of Bristol!
Join world-leading researchers at the Centre for Surgical Research and gain hands-on experience developing studies that change practice.
🔗 www.oriel.nhs.uk/Web/Vacancy/...

Many congrats to all the delegates for impressing the Dragon's and designing some inspiring RCTs at BOASTiC - and especially to the C-Scar team - Cameron Clarke, Shikha Kodliwadmath, Samar Mohamed Mousa and Riadh Salem - for winning first prize! #BOASTiC #research #surgicaltrials

Graphic with NIHR Applied Research Collaboration South London logo. Heading: “An Introduction to Implementation Science: Online module.” Text: “Implementation science is the study of methods to support the application of evidence and research findings in health and social care policy and practice. This six-week, CPD-accredited module has been created by a team of implementation science experts working at NIHR ARC South London and the University of East Anglia. It is suitable for anyone interested in improving health and social care services.” At the bottom: “Booking now open for course commencing Oct 2026.” On the right side is an illustration of a person with a backpack sitting at a desk, watching an online lecture on a computer screen with charts and a speaker.

Register now to join our Introduction to Implementation Science Online Module this October

arc-sl.nihr.ac.uk/imp-sci-module

@nihrarcs.bsky.social

Excellent three days in Bristol as part of the #BOASTiC (Bristol Oxford Aberdeen Surgical Trials Course). We've enjoyed the in-depth look at surgical trials with delegates designing their own studies by the end of the 3rd day! @marionkcampbell.bsky.social @situ-oxford.bsky.social

A graphic for NIHR Applied Research Collaboration South London. The background shows a blurred audience at an event, with a woman in the foreground facing the stage. Text on the image reads: "NIHR Applied Research Collaboration South London" "Active Involvement in Research 2025" "The Foundry: Tue 28 Oct, 9.30am–1.30pm" "Online: Tue 11 Nov, 5.30–6.30pm"

Join us - either in person or online - at our free events to help shape the future of applied health and care research in London 👇

arc-sl.nihr.ac.uk/events-train...

We are excited that our BOASTiC course is full and taking place later this month. A new course about early phase surgical studies is now in development.
www.bristol.ac.uk/population-h...

Research from the centre makes this months front cover of @bjsopen.bsky.social

academic.oup.com/bjsopen/issu...

#AI #surgery #research

Graphic from King's Improvement Science, featuring a quote and two headshots. The quote reads: “For healthcare professionals, being on a waiting list for elective surgeries and procedures may seem routine – but it has significant impact on the patient. This study was however able to identify possible ways of mitigating this distress, which formed the basis of the study key guidance and recommendations. In particular, it identified the importance of regular communication with patients – including ongoing engagement even if there was nothing new to report.” The quote is attributed to: Rashmi Kumar and Jo Burridge Patient and public involvement members, King’s Improvement Science

Waiting for heart surgery can be challenging, so King’s Improvement Science have been exploring how to improve this experience for patients.

Hear #PPI members Jo Burridge and Rashmi Kumar share their contributions and key findings from the work.👇

kingsimprovementscience.org/news/blog-co...

🚨Opportunity to take part in research! 🚨

The SURGE team are looking for individuals to help shape the research priorities in same day and urgent care⭐

Take part via WhatsApp, Survey or Focus Group!

🔗Visit the website to sign up: surgeworkforce.uk/priority-set...

2025: NIHR Undergraduate Internship | Bristol Medical School: Population Health Sciences | University of Bristol

Maria Eze, a Biological Sciences #student at the #University of Edinburgh, completed a 6-week internship at the NIHR Bristol Biomedical Research Centre and the Centre for #Surgical #Research. Here she shares her thoughts.
www.bristol.ac.uk/population-h...

a congratulations card with snoopy in front of fireworks ALT: a congratulations card with snoopy in front of fireworks

Congratulations to James Olivier, who has submitted his MD thesis, "Promoting safety and efficiency of surgical innovation: development of a method to improve the reporting of modifications". #surgical #research

Important work happening in the centre to understand how equality, diversity and inclusion are considered in early phase surgical studies.

Members of the team developed a core information set to support consultations with patients who are being offered new surgical procedures or devices. It is free to use for not-for-profit organisations, research organisations, or NHS Trusts.
express-licences.bristol.ac.uk/product/core....

We have been working with #patients and stakeholders to ensure information standards for what patients need to know before #innovative #surgery takes place.
academic.oup.com/bjs/article/...

Logo of the Future of Surgery Festival featuring a crowned eagle holding a staff, with the text 'Submit your abstract by 27 October'.

Want to present your ideas to some of the brightest minds in surgery?

We're inviting the surgical community to share ideas on surgical innovation, workforce and training, wellbeing, global surgery and other topics by submitting an abstract for the Future of Surgery Festival: ow.ly/Qzsm50WEwxq

Research conversations: How ethnicity and culture shape physical activity in adolescents with type 1 diabetes - ARC West About the event We’re looking into why some young people from ethnic minority backgrounds with type 1 diabetes may find it harder to be physically active. In our earlier research with white adolescent...

⏰This Friday: Research conversations - How ethnicity and culture shape physical activity in adolescents with type 1 diabetes

Why do some young people from ethnic minorities, with type 1 diabetes, find it harder to be active?🏃

Join the conversation: bit.ly/4fs8PxM

Apply now for the post of Academic Clinical Lecturer in General or #Cardiothoracic #Surgery The successful applicant will develop collaborations to write grants, write papers & work towards an advanced fellowship application.
www.bristol.ac.uk/jobs/find/de...

Do you want to create high quality evidence to improve NHS #surgical practice? We have an exciting new #academic surgical post for a #clinical #researcher and #educator

Apply now for the post of Academic Clinical Lecturer in General or #Cardiothoracic #Surgery

www.bristol.ac.uk/jobs/find/de...

Are you interested in an academic surgical career in #Bristol?
Have you completed a PhD or equivalent?
Apply now to be an #Academic #Clinical #Lecturer in General or #Cardiothoracic #Surgery

www.bristol.ac.uk/jobs/find/de...

Information standards for innovative surgery: what patients need to know International public inquiries into patient safety with regard to surgical innovation identified deficiencies in information provision and informed consent

Members of our team have been working together with #patients and other key stakeholders to ensure it is clear what patients need to know before #innovative #surgery takes place.

academic.oup.com/bjs/article/...

Exploring needs, prevalence and experience with robotic-assisted surgery training among residents: a mixed method study - Journal of Robotic Surgery Robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) is increasingly used in clinical practice, but training opportunities for residents vary widely. This multicenter, mixed-methods study assessed Dutch residents’ exposure to RAS, identified their training needs, and explored their perspectives on the future of RAS through a survey (n = 148) and groups interviews (n = 20). Informed consent was obtained. While 69.6% of the residents had RAS experience, only 14.2% had operated as console surgeon. Despite robots being available in 75.7% of hospitals, hands-on training remained limited. Most residents (77.7%) expressed interest in a national RAS curriculum. Qualitative data revealed four major themes: needs and experiences, training requirements, the role of the OR team and industry, and assessment and feedback, with residents advocating for early exposure and holistic feedback. There is a clear need for a formalized RAS training program. Future research should focus on structured curricula, tailored to resident needs, including possible barriers and facilitators.

Limited training opportunities hinder robotic-assisted surgery skills among residents

by Zwakman MM, Trippenzee MM (...) Consten ECJE et 2 al. in J Robot Surg #Surgery #SurgSky #GeneralSurgery #MedSky

🪡 read our summary here
📖 read the article: