Trends in the Canadian Surgery Forum (CSF): analysis of the CSF program over the past decade

Numerous clinical and basic science-related innovations have been presented at the Canadian Surgery Forum (CSF). We sought to define changes in both the content and methodology of the CSF scientific program over the past decade. While the total volume of CSF abstract presentations has increased dramatically, the methodological quality has remained static, with few randomized trials and minimal prospective work. Although the majority of the scientific content is associated with urban university centres, the program also encourages content from community practices. Surgical education, hepatopancreatobiliary and bariatric content have increased substantially, but remain secondary to colorectal diseases.