Stulberg JJ, Huang R, Kreutzer L, et al. - Researchers aimed at determining variation in technical skill scores of practicing surgeons as well as ascertained correlation between technical skills and patient outcomes. They conducted a quality improvement study including 17 practicing surgeons and outcome data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program as a reference group. The 17 included surgeons provided a video of a laparoscopic right hemicolectomy that was then rated by at least 10 blinded peer surgeons and 2 expert raters. Observations revealed statistically significant correlation of better technical skill scores, assessed via intraoperative video, with lower rates of any complication, unplanned reoperation, and death or serious morbidity. Overall, there was an association of technical skill scores with nearly 26% of the variation in risk-adjusted complication rates. Based on findings, they emphasize including a focus on improving surgeon-level technical skill in quality improvement efforts aimed at improving patient outcomes.