Quality Metrics in Surgery Resident Performance of Screening Colonoscopy

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Training
• Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Background:

• The American Board of Surgery mandates flexible endoscopy certification for surgical residents.
• Standardizing surgical training requires evidence of competency in endoscopic procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate if junior surgical residents can perform safe and competent screening colonoscopies (SC) after a structured curriculum.
• To assess the efficacy of simulation-based training in preparing residents for colonoscopy.

Main Methods:

• Prospective analysis of SC performed by PGY-2 residents under supervision.
• Residents completed a structured endoscopy simulation curriculum prior to procedures.
• Key performance metrics including bowel prep, cecal intubation, withdrawal time, ADR, and complications were recorded.

Main Results:

• 149 SC met inclusion criteria; 90% had excellent/good bowel prep.
• Cecal intubation rate was 96% with a mean withdrawal time of 12 minutes.
• Overall adenoma detection rate (ADR) was 22.8%, exceeding benchmarks; no major complications occurred.

Conclusions:

• A structured learning environment and simulation training enable junior surgical residents to perform safe and competent screening colonoscopies.
• This training model supports the standardization of surgical education in flexible endoscopy.