Laparoscopic appendectomy by residents: evaluating outcomes and learning curve

Area of Science:

• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Surgical Education

Background:

• Laparoscopic appendectomy is a common procedure for surgical residents.
• Resident experience is crucial for safe and proficient surgical outcomes.
• The learning curve for laparoscopic appendectomy in residents requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the outcomes of laparoscopic appendectomies performed by surgical residents.
• To evaluate the impact of the learning curve on patient outcomes during resident training.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 306 laparoscopic appendectomies performed by six residents.
• Analysis of patient demographics, diagnoses, operative duration, conversion rates, complications, and length of stay.
• Comparison of outcomes between the initial 20 and subsequent 20 cases per resident to assess the learning curve.

Main Results:

• Mean operative time was 83.8 minutes, with a reduction in operative duration and complication rates as resident experience increased.
• Complication rates significantly decreased with increasing resident experience.
• Length of hospital stay and conversion to open surgery rates remained consistent across experience levels.

Conclusions:

• Increasing resident experience in laparoscopic appendectomy leads to reduced operative times and fewer complications.
• Surgical residents can achieve proficiency in laparoscopic appendectomy, improving patient outcomes.