Laparoscopic Appendectomy Performed by Surgical Interns: Is it Too Early?

Area of Science:

• Surgical training and education
• Minimally invasive surgery outcomes
• Appendicitis management

Background:

• Laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) is a frequent procedure for surgical trainees.
• Limited data exists on first-year residents' early involvement in LA.
• This study investigates the safety and outcomes of LA performed by interns early in their first year.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic appendectomy performed by surgical interns at the beginning of their training.
• To compare outcomes between interns performing LA in the early versus late stages of their first year.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 2009 laparoscopic appendectomies for acute appendicitis (2006-2019).
• Patients operated by surgical interns were divided into two groups: early (first 3 months) and late (last 3 months) in their first year.
• Demographics, operative variables, and postoperative outcomes were compared.

Main Results:

• Surgical interns performed 82% of the 2009 LAs.
• Early-year interns (G1) had longer operative times (61 min) than late-year interns (G2: 52 min, P<0.0001).
• Major morbidity, abscess rates, hospital stay, and readmissions were similar between groups, with no mortality.

Conclusions:

• Supervised surgical interns can safely perform laparoscopic appendectomy early in their training.
• Despite longer operative times, early-year intern performance yields favorable and comparable postoperative outcomes to late-year interns.
• This supports early intern involvement in laparoscopic appendectomy under supervision.