Learning curves for strabismus surgery in two ophthalmologists

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Education
• Medical Learning Curves

Background:

• Strabismus surgery requires a significant learning period for surgeons.
• Quantifying surgical proficiency is crucial for effective training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the average number of cases needed for surgeons to achieve a proficiency turning point in strabismus surgery.
• To compare learning curves between two surgeons based on operative time and success rates.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 70 strabismus surgery cases per surgeon (A and B).
• Learning curves were plotted using operative time and success rates.
• Success was defined as achieving a specific angle of deviation 3 months post-operation.

Main Results:

• A learning curve turning point was identified at 40 cases for Surgeon A and 50 cases for Surgeon B, based on operative time.
• No significant turning point was observed for the operation success rate learning curve.
• Surgeon B exhibited a significantly longer mean operative time than Surgeon A.

Conclusions:

• Approximately 50 cases are estimated to be required for an ophthalmologist to reach a turning point in strabismus surgery.
• These findings can serve as a benchmark for strabismus surgical training programs.