Are bariatric operations performed by residents safe and efficient?

Area of Science:

• Medical Sciences
• Surgical Training
• Obesity Surgery

Background:

• Increasing demand for bariatric surgeons necessitates robust training programs.
• Evaluating the safety and efficacy of resident-performed bariatric surgery is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) performed by general surgery residents.
• To compare outcomes between surgeries performed by trainees and experienced mentors.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 408 patients undergoing SG or LRYGB at a tertiary referral university hospital.
• Comparison of outcomes between a trainee group (at least third-year residents) and a mentor group (experienced surgeons).
• Primary endpoint: safety; Secondary endpoint: long-term weight reduction.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in demographic factors or comorbidities between trainee and mentor groups.
• Surgeries performed by trainees were longer but had similar complication rates and no increased risk of reoperation.
• Comparable weight loss (%WL, %EWL, %EBMIL) was observed for SG between trainee and mentor groups.

Conclusions:

• Resident-performed bariatric surgery (SG and LRYGB) does not compromise patient safety regarding reoperations or complications.
• While trainee surgeries take longer, they yield similar weight reduction outcomes as those performed by experienced surgeons.
• Training programs can effectively incorporate complex bariatric procedures with acceptable patient outcomes.