The Very Experienced Time-honoUred Surgeons (VETUS) project

Area of Science:

• Thoracic Surgery
• Surgical Education

Background:

• Senior surgeons trained before the video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy era possess extensive thoracotomy experience.
• Their training background differs from younger surgeons, yet performance in VATS lobectomy is not negatively impacted.
• Limited data exist on the learning curve and performance improvement of senior surgeons in VATS lobectomy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the learning curve and performance trends of senior surgeons undertaking VATS lobectomy.
• To introduce a structured self-assessment training approach for senior surgeons in VATS lobectomy.
• To support the quality and standardization of VATS lobectomy procedures nationally.

Main Methods:

• The Very Experienced Time-honoUred Surgeons (VETUS) project utilizes a 1-year self-assessment training program for senior surgeons.
• Surgeons anonymously evaluate their performance at set intervals.
• Key performance indicators include VATS lobectomy indication selection, port number, utility incision length, hilar dissection time, and VATS vs. open procedure ratio.

Main Results:

• The VETUS project provides a unique self-assessment framework for experienced surgeons.
• Data from this self-assessment will define a systematic training pathway for VATS lobectomy.
• The study aims to establish a method for evaluating and improving senior surgeon performance in VATS lobectomy.

Conclusions:

• A structured, anonymous self-assessment program can facilitate senior surgeons' adoption of VATS lobectomy.
• This approach offers a novel training modality outside traditional methods.
• The VETUS project has the potential to enhance the quality and standardization of VATS lobectomy across the country.