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Published in: World Journal of Surgery 11/2017

01-11-2017 | Original Scientific Report

Impact of Residency Training Level on the Surgical Quality Following General Surgery Procedures

Authors: Dominik Loiero, Maja Slankamenac, Pierre-Alain Clavien, Ksenija Slankamenac

Published in: World Journal of Surgery | Issue 11/2017

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Abstract

Objective

To investigate the safety of surgical performance by residents of different training level performing common general surgical procedures.

Methods

Data were consecutively collected from all patients undergoing general surgical procedures such as laparoscopic cholecystectomy, laparoscopic appendectomy, inguinal, femoral and umbilical hernia repair from 2005 to 2011 at the Department of Surgery of the University Hospital of Zurich, Switzerland. The operating surgeons were grouped into junior residents, senior residents and consultants. The comprehensive complication index (CCI) representing the overall number and severity of all postoperative complications served as primary safety endpoint. A multivariable linear regression analysis was used to analyze differences between groups. Additionally, we focused on the impact of senior residents assisting junior residents on postoperative outcome comparing to consultants.

Results

During the observed time, 2715 patients underwent a general surgical procedure. In 1114 times, a senior resident operated and in 669 procedures junior residents performed the surgery. The overall postoperative morbidity quantified by the CCI was for consultants 5.0 (SD 10.7), for senior residents 3.5 (8.2) and for junior residents 3.6 (8.3). After adjusting for possible confounders, no difference between groups concerning the postoperative complications was detected. There is also no difference in postoperative complications detectable if junior residents were assisted by consultants then if assisted by senior residents.

Discussion

Patient safety is ensured in general surgery when performed by surgical junior residents. Senior residents are able to adopt the role of the teaching surgeon in charge without compromising patients’ safety.
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Metadata
Title
Impact of Residency Training Level on the Surgical Quality Following General Surgery Procedures
Authors
Dominik Loiero
Maja Slankamenac
Pierre-Alain Clavien
Ksenija Slankamenac
Publication date
01-11-2017
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Published in
World Journal of Surgery / Issue 11/2017
Print ISSN: 0364-2313
Electronic ISSN: 1432-2323
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00268-017-4092-6

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