Exposure to various complex Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) cases during fellowship in Severance Hospital in Korea improved my skills and knowledge in liver and pancreatic surgeries. As such, it may be interesting to note that a trend towards improvement in surgical technique and outcomes were seen before and after my homecoming
Compared to 2018-2019 (before my homecoming), a trend towards increasing number of complex cases, such as major hepatectomies were observed and performed in our institution after my fellowship.
Moreover, a trend towards centralization of referral of HPB cases was also noted as seen through increasing number of HPB cases that were performed. Despite this, however, surgical outcomes (surgical complications, blood loss, operative time, and length of hospital stays) were continually improved. In all my cases, the Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols was applied
As such, it is noteworthy that a trend towards improvement in surgical technique from a simple to a more complex procedure was observed in our institution after my fellowship.