Extremes in otolaryngology resident surgical case numbers

Understand (1) significance between minimum, mean, and maximum case numbers for otolaryngology resident surgical procedures; (2) weaknesses of Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) resident case log system contributing to inaccurate data/case inflation; and (3) when excessive case load may transform education into service.

Cross-sectional survey using a national database.

Academic otolaryngology residency programs.

Review of otolaryngology resident national data reports from ACGME resident case log system performed from 2004 to 2010. Minimum, mean, standard deviation, and maximum values for total number of resident surgeon cases and for specific surgical procedures were compared. Case unbundling, resident data entry habits, and tracked vs untracked Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes were reviewed.

Mean total number of resident surgeon cases remained constant (1699.5 ± 424.2 to 1772.2 ± 517). Minimum total number of cases ranged from 730 to 811 (approaching 2 standard deviations below the mean). Zero was reported as the minimum case number for some procedures. Maximum for total number of cases increased (3559 to 4857) and surpassed the mean by 4 to 5 standard deviations. Some procedures have maximums greater than 11 standard deviations above the mean. The authors identified untracked CPT codes and variations in resident case log documentation habits.

Large differences between the minimum, mean, and maximum resident surgeon case numbers exist. Establishing minimum case number requirements for otolaryngology residents should be considered. Educational benefit derived from excessive case load is unclear. Critical examination of the ACGME resident case log system and resident documentation habits is needed to improve accuracy of reporting.