Surgical resident's training in colonoscopy: numbers, competency, and perceptions

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Training

Background:

• Discrepancies exist in recommended colonoscopy training thresholds among medical societies.
• Assessing technical competence in colonoscopy requires standardized training metrics.
• Current training paradigms may not adequately prepare residents for independent practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• Evaluate colonoscopy volume and cecal intubation rates among surgical residents.
• Assess resident perceptions of colonoscopy training effectiveness.
• Determine if current training meets benchmarks for technical proficiency.

Main Methods:

• A 12-item electronic survey was administered to 21 surgical residents.
• The survey collected data on colonoscopies performed and cecal intubation success.
• Cecal intubation rate served as a surrogate marker for technical competence.

Main Results:

• Residents performed a mean of 80 colonoscopies during a 2-month rotation.
• The average cecal intubation rate was 47%, with significant variability.
• Residents reported moderate comfort (3.6/5) performing colonoscopies independently.

Conclusions:

• Surgical residents can achieve the recommended colonoscopy volume (N=50) within a standard rotation.
• No resident achieved the benchmark 90% cecal intubation rate, indicating a gap in technical skill.
• Current general surgery residency training for colonoscopy may require significant revision.