A Global Survey on General Surgery Resident Involvement in Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery

There is limited global information on the involvement and autonomy of general surgery residents in metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS).

We conducted an international online survey from July 15 to September 15, 2024, assessing residents' participation in MBS procedures, outpatient clinics, simulation courses, mentorship, and research. The 40-question survey was distributed via social media, email lists, and the Global Obesity Collaborative Group.

A total of 198 general surgery residents from all continents participated, primarily from Europe (51%), Asia-Pacific (22%), and Latin America (13%). The mean age was 34.0 ± 6.7 years, and 31% were women. The average postgraduate year was 4.11 ± 3.22 years. Most respondents (68%) intended to pursue an MBS fellowship. One-third lacked MBS services at their institution. However, 83% reported acting as primary surgeons, primarily in sleeve gastrectomy (47%), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) (25%), and one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) (22%). Additionally, 71% participated in outpatient MBS-related clinics. Mentorship was common (81%), with 49% mentored by an MBS surgeon. Research engagement was high, with 85% publishing at least one article, 45% in MBS, and 30% presenting at international conferences. MBS-dedicated services and high-volume centers were more frequent in North and Latin America and less common in other regions.

This is the largest international survey on general surgery residents' involvement in MBS. These findings provide insight into global training practices and highlight the need for improved exposure to MBS worldwide.