Changes in Chief Resident Surgical Volume and Case Type across 70 Years: Lessons Learned from a Urology Training...

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Surgical Education
• Medical History

Background:

• Urology resident training has evolved significantly since the mid-20th century.
• Understanding historical trends in surgical case volume and approach is crucial for modern training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare urology resident case logs from the mid-20th century to the modern period.
• To analyze changes in case volume, procedure categories, and the contribution of open cases in urology training.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review and comparison of operative case logs from 1946-1953 and 2009-2015.
• Analysis of chief resident case volume, top procedures, surgical approach, and procedure category.

Main Results:

• Mean annual case volume increased from 105.8 to 315.7.
• Open procedures remained a substantial part of training (125.9/year early vs. 199.8/year modern).
• Proportions of oncology and reconstruction cases increased, while general urology and endourology remained stable.

Conclusions:

• Modern urology residents handle higher case volumes and continue to perform many open procedures.
• Urology training demonstrates adaptability, integrating new techniques while maintaining foundational surgical skills.