Laparoscopic and Minimally Invasive Surgical Outcomes Research Group

Laparoscopic and Minimally Invasive Surgical Outcomes Research Group

This group focuses on advancing surgical practice, patient safety, and perioperative outcomes in resource-limited settings. It integrates general surgery, laparoscopic and minimally invasive techniques, urology, anesthesia, and pharmacology. The unifying thread is improving surgical care quality, reducing complications, and enhancing patient recovery, while also addressing education, workforce wellbeing, and systemic barriers in surgical services.

  • 5 members
  • 50 publications
Laparoscopic and Minimally Invasive Surgical Outcomes Research Group

Group Members

5
Dr. Iyad Maqboul
Group Leader

Dr. Iyad Maqboul

General and Laparoscopic Surgery Specialist

Dr. Alaa Rostom

Dr. Alaa Rostom

General and Laparoscopic Surgery Specialist

Dr. Hatim Hijaz

Dr. Hatim Hijaz

Specialist of Urology and Endourology

Dr. Mohammed Jaber

Dr. Mohammed Jaber

Anesthesiology and Resuscitation Specialist

Prof. Dr. Ramzi Shawahna

Prof. Dr. Ramzi Shawahna

Pharmacology

Research Interests

Patient safety in surgery

  • Prevention of perioperative complications
  • Strategies to reduce surgical site infections
  • Safety in laparoscopic and minimally invasive procedures

Surgical outcomes

  • Trauma surgery (e.g., abdominal gunshot wounds, firearm injuries)
  • Pediatric surgical outcomes (tonsillectomy, foreign body aspiration)
  • Liver biopsy, laparotomy, and endoscopy outcomes

Education & workforce wellbeing

  • Training medical students in surgical procedures
  • Burnout among surgical trainees and residents
  • Preparedness of students for surgical specialties

Pharmacology & perioperative care

  • Drug dosing optimization in surgical patients
  • Pain management strategies (opioid vs nonopioid approaches)
  • Perioperative fluid and vasopressor use

Ongoing Research

  • Comparing perioperative outcomes between laparoscopic and open surgery.
  • Evaluating safety standards in trauma surgery across Palestinian hospitals.
  • Investigating predictors of difficult gallbladder surgery.
  • Assessing prevalence and management of pain in surgical oncology patients.
  • Measuring postoperative recovery quality in surgical patients.
  • Exploring medical students’ perspectives on surgical training and career choice.
  • Analyzing outcomes of firearmrelated trauma and abdominal injuries.
  • Comparing outcomes of urinary drainage techniques in surgical patients.

Publications

50
# Year Publication Link
1 2026 Abdallah N, Almahdi A, Shella D, Al‑Masri R, Maqboul I, Jaber M, Shawahna R. Complications and mortality following percutaneous and laparoscopic liver biopsy: A multicenter study in a resource‑limited healthcare system. Article. Plos One. 2026;21(4 April)e0347300. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0347300
2 2024 Abdoh Q, Samara E, Zayed A, Khader M, Maqboul I, Rashed MAM. Dieulafoy lesion with rare vascular complications: diagnostic and therapeutic approach. Article. Journal of Surgical Case Reports. 2024;2024(12)rjae750. doi:10.1093/jscr/rjae750
3 2024 AboAlheija M, Masarweh E, Qasem Y, Hijaz H, Amer R, Shawahna R. Prevalence of stress urinary incontinence symptoms and their impact on the quality of life of Palestinian women: the first large cross-sectional study among the general population. Article. BMC Women's Health. 2024;24(1)510. doi:10.1186/s12905-024-03360-0
4 2026 Abu Eid I, Odeh M, Doaar M, Jaber M, Maqboul I, Shawahna R. Dexmedetomidine in Palestinian intensive care units: The first multicenter cross-sector survey of sedation practices, protocol gaps, and withdrawal challenges. Article. SAGE Open Med. 2026;14doi:10.1177/20503121261470962
5 2026 Abu Halima S, Salhab K, Al-Thuluth B, Nassar A, Maqboul I, Jaber M, Shawahna R. Clinical indications and outcomes of pediatric gastrointestinal endoscopy in a resource-limited healthcare system: Findings from the first multicenter study. Article. SAGE Open Med. 2026;14doi:10.1177/20503121261469061
6 2026 Abuali A, Ghanim M, Qubbaj R, Jayousi S, Hijaz H, Shawahna R. Determinants of hypoglycemia and hospitalization among hemodialysis patients with type 2 diabetes: insights from a multicenter study in a resource-limited healthcare system. Article. Renal Fail. 2026;48(1)2646415. doi:10.1080/0886022X.2026.2646415
7 2025 Al-Shelleh S, Al-Ahmad M, Maqboul I, Shawahna R. Retrospective cohort study of perioperative factors and outcomes in emergency laparotomy in Palestine. Article. BMC Surg. 2025;25(1)345. doi:10.1186/s12893-025-03125-y
8 2026 Alqurnah A, Alsharouf M, Salah F, Salhab T, Hijaz H, Shawahna R. Prevalence, severity and multidimensional factors associated with pain among hemodialysis patients: A cross-sectional study in a resource-limited healthcare system. Article. SAGE Open Med. 2026;14doi:10.1177/20503121261448294
9 2024 Amous Y, Isefan S, Hamarsheh K, Hijaz H, Amer R, Shawahna R. Lower urinary tract symptoms among normal-weight, overweight, and obese palestinians: a study of prevalence and impact on the quality of life. Article. BMC Urol. 2024;24(1)199. doi:10.1186/s12894-024-01587-5
10 2024 Damiri B, Zidan T, Maqboul I. Linking metabolic syndrome and coffee drinking. Coffee in Health and Disease Prevention. 2024:321-334.
11 2022 Demyati K, Sadaqa W, Maqboul I, Rustom A. The Utility of Covered Self Expanding Metal Stents in the Management of Complex Small Bowel Fistula. Article. Palestinian Medical and Pharmaceutical Journal. 2022;7(1)
12 2024 Hasan F, Daraghmeh T, Jaber M, Shawahna R. Prevalence of burnout syndrome among anesthesiologists, anesthesia technicians, and intensive care unit nurses in Palestinian hospitals: a cross-sectional study. Article. BMC Psychiatry. 2024;24(1)740. doi:10.1186/s12888-024-06196-y
13 2026 Hassan A, Titi A, Altouri D, Yasin D, Alsadder T, Jaber M, Shawahna R. Maternal Practices and Knowledge on Mixing Pediatric Medications with Food: Evidence of Counseling Gaps and Educational Needs in Primary Care. Article. Inquiry. 2026;63doi:10.1177/00469580261436352
14 2022 Hijaz H, Shawahna R, Al-Naser E, Younis A, Obaid A. Management of ureteric stone in the main referral hospital in Palestine: a retrospective de-scriptive study. Article. Palestinian Medical and Pharmaceutical Journal. 2022;7(2):159-166. 7. doi:10.59049/2790-0231.1087
15 2026 Jaber M, Halim SA, Jamaleddin U, Mohammad Y, Maqboul I, Jaber M, Shawahna R. Exploratory laparotomy for abdominal gunshot trauma in Palestine: Outcomes, predictors, and complications across a multicenter cohort. Article. Trauma. 2026;doi:10.1177/14604086261451030
16 2021 Jaber M, Shawahna R, Abu-Issa M, Radwan F, Dweik M. Anesthesia considerations for patients with epilepsy: Findings of a qualitative study in the Palestinian practice. Article. Epilepsy and Behavior. 2021;123108278. doi:10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108278
17 2016 Jabloun A, Bouthour H, Bustame S, Trabelsi F, Ben Abdallah R, Kaabar N. Amyand's hernia with appendicitis in the children: A delayed diagnosis. Article. Journal of Pediatric Surgery Case Reports. 2016;13:6-7. doi:10.1016/j.epsc.2016.07.003
18 2026 Jaradat O, Awad A, Abu Samaan H, Al-Toom S, Alsadder T, Jaber M, Shawahna R. Impact of Antihistamines on Sleep, Cognition, and Daily Functioning: Evidence From Primary and Community Care. Article. J Prim Care Community Health. 2026;17doi:10.1177/21501319261442260
19 2026 Kamarajah SK, Kouli O, Ng WH, et al. Safety and equity in scaling minimally invasive surgery worldwide in 109 countries using cholecystectomy as a tracer procedure: a prospective cohort study. Article. The Lancet Global Health. 2026;14(2):e199-e212. doi:10.1016/S2214-109X(25)00476-0
20 2025 Lafi S, Mhajne N, Hijaz H, Shawahna R. Symptoms and discomforts associated with double J ureteral stents: a prospective observational study in the Palestinian healthcare practice. Article. BMC Urol. 2025;25(1)68. doi:10.1186/s12894-025-01747-1
21 2024 Maqboul I, Daraghmeh L, Eleiwi MR, Qasrawi H, Akkawi M, AwadGhanem A. Atraumatic splenic rupture after administering aspirin, clopidogrel, and heparin to a patient with unstable angina: A case report. Article. SAGE Open Medical Case Reports. 2024;12doi:10.1177/2050313X241259379
22 2023 Maqboul I, Demyati K, Abdoh Q, Suleiman Q, Daraghmeh L. An arteriovenous malformation associated ischemic colitis in the setting of acute gastrointestinal clostridium difficile colitis and intestinal amebiasis: A case report. Article. International Journal of Surgery Case Reports. 2023;105108063. doi:10.1016/j.ijscr.2023.108063
23 2025 Mhamid A, Taha R, Ibrahem R, Hijaz H, Bustame S, Shawahna R. Postoperative urinary tract infections following flexible ureteroscopy: a prospective cohort study in the West bank of Palestine. Article. BMC Urol. 2025;25(1)187. doi:10.1186/s12894-025-01888-3
24 2024 Mustafa M, Hijaz H, Aghbar A, Barqawi A, Alami I, Khalil N. Is the presence of upper tract transitional cell carcinoma in a calyceal diverticulum a risk factor for early metastasis? A case report and review of the literature. Article. SAGE Open Medical Case Reports. 2024;12doi:10.1177/2050313X241288341
25 2025 Neiroukh H, Shami S, Juabeh MI, Darbadwan L, Taha S, Maqboul I, Damiri B. Occupational hazards and health risks among sanitation workers in Palestine: a cross-sectional study on injuries and skin conditions. Article. Sci Rep. 2025;15(1)43635. doi:10.1038/s41598-025-27489-6
26 2026 Nujedat H, Mustafa I, Igbariah A, Abuhassan A, Alsadder T, Jaber M, Shawahna R. Knowledge, readiness to help, and attitudes toward epilepsy: A comparative study among Palestinian university students in health and non-health majors. Article. Epi Beh Rep. 2026;34100867. doi:10.1016/j.ebr.2026.100867
27 2024 Omar SA, Nairat R, Khzimia S, Maqboul I, Jaber M, Shawahna R. Assessing solubility of meloxicam in age-specific gastric and intestinal media relevant to adults and pediatric populations: implications for optimizing dosing in patients for postoperative pain. Article. BMC Pharmacology and Toxicology. 2024;25(1)75. doi:10.1186/s40360-024-00799-7
28 2026 Shabana H, Harthieh AA, Gharbyeh SA, Alsadder T, Jaber M, Shawahna R. Symptom Severity and Quality of Life Impact in Hyperemesis Gravidarum and Nausea of Pregnancy: Evidence From a Large Cross-Sectional Study. Article. Inquiry. 2026;6300469580261468785. doi:10.1177/00469580261468785
29 2024 Shawahna R, Abdi A, Bani-Odeh D, et al. Breastmilk calcium concentrations in Palestinian lactating women. Article. Acta Paediatrica, International Journal of Paediatrics. 2024;113(6):1315-1321. doi:10.1111/apa.17204
30 2025 Shawahna R, Hafaitha A, Saadi L, Haj-Yahia S, Adawi T, Saada S, Hijaz H. Arteriovenous shunt cannulation in hemodialysis patients: A prospective cohort study of outcomes and complications in a resource-limited healthcare system. Article. SAGE Open Med. 2025;13doi:10.1177/20503121251407165
31 2025 Shawahna R, Hamad SA, Egbaria M, Hijaz H, Maqboul I, Jaber M. Inconvenience, lifestyle flexibility, glycemic control, and satisfaction with insulin treatment among patients with diabetes mellitus in palestine: a cross-sectional study. Article. Sci Rep. 2025;15(1)30744. doi:10.1038/s41598-025-15564-x
32 2021 Shawahna R, Hijaz H, Jallad K, Abushamma M, Sawafta M. Prevalence of overactive bladder symptoms and their impact on health-related quality of life of medical and dentistry students: a multicenter cross-sectional study. Article. BMC Urol. 2021;21(1)142. doi:10.1186/s12894-021-00909-1
33 2020 Shawahna R, Jaber M. Assessing knowledge and attitudes of Palestinian undergraduate nursing students toward epilepsy and patients with epilepsy: A cross-sectional study. Article. Epilepsy and Behavior. 2020;102106811. doi:10.1016/j.yebeh.2019.106811
34 2020 Shawahna R, Jaber M. Crossword puzzles improve learning of Palestinian nursing students about pharmacology of epilepsy: Results of a randomized controlled study. Article. Epilepsy and Behavior. 2020;106107024. doi:10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.107024
35 2022 Shawahna R, Jaber M. Development of Consensus-Based Recommendations to Prevent/Minimize Medication Errors in the Perioperative Care of Patients with Epilepsy: A Mixed-Method. Article. World Neurosurgery. 2022;166:e632-e644. doi:10.1016/j.wneu.2022.07.069
36 2022 Shawahna R, Jaber M, Jumaa E, Antari B. Preventing Medication Errors in Pediatric Anesthesia: A Systematic Scoping Review. Review. Journal of Patient Safety. 2022;18(7):E1047-E1060. doi:10.1097/PTS.0000000000001019
37 2021 Shawahna R, Jaber M, Maqboul I, Hijaz H, Abu-Issa M, Radwan F, Dweik M. Are medical students adequately prepared to provide quality care for patients with epilepsy? A cross-sectional study of their knowledge and attitude. Article. Epilepsy and Behavior. 2021;120107976. doi:10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.107976
38 2024 Shawahna R, Jaber M, Maqboul I, Hijaz H, Alawneh A, Imwas H. Aluminum Concentrations in Breast Milk Samples Obtained from Breastfeeding Women from a Resource-Limited Country: A Study of the Predicting Factors. Article. Biological Trace Element Research. 2024;202(1):1-8. doi:10.1007/s12011-023-03714-z
39 2025 Shawahna R, Jaber M, Maqboul I, Hijaz H, Azar M, Zedan M, Obaedi A. A multicenter survey of pediatric caudal epidural anesthesia practices in resource-limited settings. Article. Sci Rep. 2025;15(1)16166. doi:10.1038/s41598-025-00275-0
40 2023 Shawahna R, Jaber M, Maqboul I, et al. Teaching approaches and satisfaction of medical students during anesthesia rotations: a multicenter cross-sectional study. Article. BMC Medical Education. 2023;23(1)641. doi:10.1186/s12909-023-04603-8
41 2022 Shawahna R, Jaber M, Said R, Mohammad K, Aker Y. Medication errors in neonatal intensive care units: a multicenter qualitative study in the Palestinian practice. Article. BMC Pediatr. 2022;22(1)317. doi:10.1186/s12887-022-03379-y
42 2021 Shawahna R, Jaber M, Yahya N, Jawadeh F, Rawajbeh S. Are medical students in Palestine adequately trained to care for individuals with autism spectrum disorders? A multicenter cross-sectional study of their familiarity, knowledge, confidence, and willingness to learn. Article. BMC Medical Education. 2021;21(1)424. doi:10.1186/s12909-021-02865-8
43 2024 Shawahna R, Jaber M, Zmiro A, Kashkoush S. Factors associated with physical inactivity among Palestinians with type 2 diabetes mellitus treated in resource-limited settings. Article. Sci Rep. 2024;14(1)11256. doi:10.1038/s41598-024-60876-z
44 2024 Shawahna R, Jaber MA, Hijaz H, Haj-Yehia L, Nserat N, Bana N, Maqboul I. Factors associated with knowledge, attitude, and practice of exclusively breastfeeding Palestinian women: A cross-sectional study. Article. Palestinian Medical and Pharmaceutical Journal. 2024;9(1):59-72. 7. doi:10.59049/2790-0231.1121
45 2024 Shawahna R, Khaskia D, Ali D, Hodroj H, Jaber M, Maqboul I, Hijaz H. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of pregnant women regarding epidural analgesia: a multicentre study from a developing country. Article. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 2024;44(1)2354575. doi:10.1080/01443615.2024.2354575
46 2022 Shawahna R, Maqboul I, Ahmad O, Al-Issawy A, Abed B. Prevalence of burnout syndrome among unmatched trainees and residents in surgical and nonsurgical specialties: a cross-sectional study from different training centers in Palestine. Article. BMC Medical Education. 2022;22(1)322. doi:10.1186/s12909-022-03386-8
47 2024 Shawahna R, Mukhaimer Y, Hawwari H, Barham M, Jaber M, Maqboul I, Hijaz H. Availability of Pediatric Services and Equipment in Emergency Departments: A Multicenter Study in Resource-Limited Settings. Article. Pediatric Emergency Care. 2024;40(8):e126-e132. doi:10.1097/PEC.0000000000003215
48 2023 Shawahna R, Saleh R, Owiwi L, et al. Breastmilk cadmium levels and estimated infant exposure: a multicenter study of associated factors in a resource-limited country. Article. International Breastfeeding Journal. 2023;18(1)36. doi:10.1186/s13006-023-00574-0
49 2024 Zahran A, Besharieh F, Hamdan Y, Alsadder T, Jaber M, Shawahna R. Knowledge and perceptions of the roles of anesthesiologists as providers of healthcare services: toward better-educated patients. Article. BMC Health Services Research. 2024;24(1)1568. doi:10.1186/s12913-024-12048-y
50 2026 Zohud A, Khuffash H, Hamarsheh Q, et al. Tracheobronchial foreign body aspiration in Palestinian children in the West Bank: a 10-year retrospective analysis. Article. BMC Pediatr. 2026;26(1)347. doi:10.1186/s12887-026-06686-w

Contact Us

Dr. Iyad Maqboul
General and Laparoscopic Surgery Specialist
Email: [email protected]