Impact of the English National Training Programme for laparoscopic colorectal surgery on training opportunities for...

There is growing concern that the recently introduced National Training Programme for consultants in laparoscopic colorectal surgery will have a negative impact on the training of senior colorectal trainees by minimizing the opportunities available. This study aimed to determine the impact that local implementation of the National Training Programme has had on the operating experience of senior colorectal trainees.

A prospective study was conducted at a designated national training center for laparoscopic colorectal surgery based in a large district general hospital in England, United Kingdom. All patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery in our unit between October 2006-September 2008 and October 2008-September 2010 were included in the study. The study variables included number and type of procedure, patient demographics, American Society of Anesthesiology grade, body mass index, conversion rates, previous abdominal surgery, and median operating time. The main outcome measure was the number of procedures performed by senior colorectal trainees before and after commencement of National Training Programme training in October 2008.

A total of 746 laparoscopic colorectal resections were performed. Senior colorectal trainees performed 175 cases before commencement of the National Training Programme and 184 cases afterward. The difference was not significant. National Training Programme consultants performed 126 cases. Data were analyzed using Fisher's exact test and the Mann-Whitney U test. The study groups were found to be well matched. The median operating time was significantly longer after commencement of the National Training Programme. The study was limited in terms of ability to extrapolate results to smaller units wishing to participate in training programs.

Implementation of the National Training Programme in our hospital has not had a negative impact on the training opportunities for senior colorectal trainees. However, any unit wishing to participate in the National Training Programme must ensure that an adequate operative caseload and extra resources for operative lists are available for training.