J Korean Surg Soc.  2009 Jan;76(1):23-27. 10.4174/jkss.2009.76.1.23.

Laparoscopic Appendectomy is Feasible for Inexperienced Surgeons in the Early Days of Individual Laparoscopic Training Courses

• Seo K
• Choi Y
• Choi J
• Yoon K

• KMID: 2040600
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4174/jkss.2009.76.1.23

Abstract

PURPOSE
Recently, laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) has been widely performed in developed countries. In addition, minimally invasive surgery such as LA is a challenge to surgical residents. The aim of this study is to evaluate learning curve of residents in comparison to that of experienced surgeons.
METHODS
Fifty cases of LA that were performed by experienced surgeons (group A) and forty-seven cases of LA that were performed by 8 residents (group B) were reviewed retrospectively.
RESULTS
Operative time was longer in group B (50.8+/-12 vs. 82.8+/-40 min. P<0.001). Hospital days of group B was shorter (4.8+/-2.4 vs. 3.7+/-2.1 days P=0.021). No other parameters were statistically significant. In group A, wound infection developed in 1 case. In group B, wound infection developed in 4 cases, intraabdominal abscess in 1, subcutaneous emphysema in 1.
CONCLUSION
Inexperienced surgeons can perform laparoscopic appendectomy easily in the early days of individual laparoscopic training course.

Keyword

Laparoscopic appendectomy; Learning curve; Unexperienced surgeon

MeSH Terms

Abscess
Appendectomy
Developed Countries
Learning Curve
Operative Time
Retrospective Studies
Subcutaneous Emphysema
Wound Infection

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