Structured training curricula for robotic colorectal surgery in China: does laparoscopic experience affect training...

Area of Science:

• Surgical Oncology
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Medical Education

Background:

• Robotic surgery adoption for colorectal cancer (CRC) is increasing globally.
• Structured training programs are being implemented for surgeons in China.
• Surgeons' prior laparoscopic experience may influence robotic surgery outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of structured training curricula on surgeons implementing robotic colorectal surgery in China.
• To compare outcomes between surgeons with extensive versus limited laparoscopic experience during initial robotic CRC surgery implementation.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 10 surgeons from 5 high-volume centers.
• Comparison of the first 15 robotic colorectal surgeries per surgeon.
• Grouping based on prior laparoscopic experience: extensive (Group A) vs. limited (Group B).

Main Results:

• Group A (extensive laparoscopic experience) demonstrated significantly shorter operation times, less blood loss, and fewer intraoperative complications compared to Group B.
• Group A also had significantly lower reoperation and postoperative complication rates than Group B.
• No significant differences in baseline characteristics or pathological outcomes were observed between groups; all patients achieved radical resection (R0).

Conclusions:

• Structured training curricula facilitate a smoother transition to robotic colorectal surgery for surgeons with extensive laparoscopic backgrounds.
• Further refinement of structured training curricula is necessary to improve outcomes for surgeons with limited laparoscopic experience in robotic colorectal surgery.