Sanket Srinivasa

1 Introduction Biliary strictures present both a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. The traditional approach to try and establish a histological diagnosis for an extrahepatic biliary stricture involves endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), brush biopsy, and stenting. Intrahepatic or hilar strictures are usually approached from a percutaneous transhepatic approach, through percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopes (PTCS) [1, 2].

In this issue of ANZ Journal of Surgery, the PROMETHEUS research collaborative from Australia have presented the results of a randomised trial evaluating the clinical impact of using a sealant on the staple line following distal pancreatectomy [1]. The study presents intriguing data on the utility of this sealant and some compelling insights on pancreatic surgery in Australia.

There is concern around projected unmet need in the surgical workforce internationally. Current barriers to medical students pursuing surgical careers include lack of early exposure, low confidence in surgical skills, and perceived lifestyle barriers. This review aimed to examine both the purpose of student surgical interest groups (SIGs) globally, and their effect on metrics representing student surgical career interest. barriers.