Which Cholecystectomy do Medical Students Prefer?

Area of Science:

• Surgical Innovation
• Medical Education
• Patient Preference

Background:

• Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is increasingly preferred over open procedures.
• Understanding future surgeons' preferences for MIS techniques is crucial for training and adoption.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine Brazilian medical students' preferred minimally invasive technique for cholecystectomy.
• To identify factors influencing their choice of surgical approach.

Main Methods:

• 111 medical students viewed a video on six cholecystectomy approaches: open, conventional laparoscopy, mini-laparoscopy (MINI), single-incision laparoscopic surgery, natural-orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery, and robotic surgery.
• Students responded to hypothetical scenarios regarding elective cholecystectomy.

Main Results:

• 9% of students would consider open cholecystectomy if MIS options were available.
• 85% of women and 63% of men preferred MINI for cholecystectomy.
• 84% of students rejected single-incision laparoscopic surgery and natural-orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery.
• Safety (58%) and surgeon experience (30%) were the top-ranked factors in choosing a surgical technique.

Conclusions:

• Mini-laparoscopy (MINI) is the preferred cholecystectomy technique among Brazilian medical students.
• Female students showed a stronger preference for MINI.
• Safety is the paramount consideration for both male and female students when selecting a surgical approach.