Trainee as trainer in paediatric laparoscopic appendicectomy

Area of Science:

• Surgical Education
• Paediatric Surgery
• Laparoscopic Procedures

Background:

• Intraoperative teaching is crucial in surgery.
• Limited literature exists on trainees functioning as trainers.
• This study focuses on paediatric laparoscopic appendicectomy cases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize cases where surgical trainees act as trainers.
• To evaluate the safety and outcomes of this training model.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 256 laparoscopic appendicectomies (2015-2017).
• Categorization of trainees: Core Trainees (CT), Junior Registrars (JR), Senior Registrars (SR).
• Analysis of trainee-as-trainer (TT) cases, including complexity, timing, and duration.

Main Results:

• 53 (20.7%) cases were trainee-as-trainer (TT).
• No statistically significant difference in complications (negative appendicectomies, conversions, readmissions, reoperations) between TT and non-TT cases.
• TT cases predominantly occurred during working hours (88.7%) and weekdays (94.3%).

Conclusions:

• Laparoscopic appendicectomy serves as a suitable model for trainee-led surgical training.
• Careful case selection (simple cases during daylight hours) is key.
• This training method demonstrates patient safety comparable to published literature.