Canadian laparoscopic surgery survey

Area of Science:

• Surgical Innovation
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Medical Education

Background:

• Laparoscopic general surgery, particularly laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), has seen rapid adoption.
• Understanding the training and practice patterns of Canadian surgeons is crucial for assessing its integration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the current status of laparoscopic general surgery in Canada.
• To assess the training experiences and educational needs of Canadian surgeons regarding LC.

Main Methods:

• A nationwide mail survey was conducted among practicing general surgeons in Canada.
• 736 completed questionnaires were analyzed, providing a representative sample across various practice settings.

Main Results:

• 84% of surgeons learned LC, with 51% performing over 25 cases; volume correlated with prior cholecystectomy rates.
• Formal training was common (91%), with complications reported by 44%, increasing with case volume.
• Bile leak, hemorrhage, and bile-duct injury were most frequent complications; age, sex, and location were not significant factors.

Conclusions:

• Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) has been integrated rapidly and broadly across Canada.
• Surgeons of all ages and practice types have adopted LC effectively.
• Complication rates increase with experience, suggesting ongoing vigilance is necessary rather than a strict learning curve.