J Minim Invasive Surg.  2019 Jun;22(2):55-60. 10.7602/jmis.2019.22.2.55.

Feasibility and Safety of Single-Incision Laparoscopic Appendectomy by a Surgical Resident under Supervision of a Staff Surgeon

• Joo JI
• Park JH
• Kim DH
• Lim SW

• KMID: 2450258
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7602/jmis.2019.22.2.55

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study was aimed at reporting our experience with single-incision laparoscopic appendectomies (SILA) performed by a surgical resident, and to evaluate the safety and feasibility of the procedure, together with a comparison of the outcomes of the same procedure performed by a staff surgeon.
METHODS
We conducted a retrospective case series analysis of 60 consecutive patients who underwent SILA. Two surgeons, an attending staff surgeon and a second-year surgical resident, performed the SILA procedures. SILA procedures performed by the resident were intraoperatively guided and supervised by the staff surgeon.
RESULTS
A total of 60 case-matched patients with acute appendicitis underwent a SILA performed by either the resident or attending staff. There was no difference in patient demographics between the two groups of patients. The mean operation time was longer in the resident group than in the staff group (43.2±6.0 minutes vs. 32.9±10.5 minutes, p<0.001). There was no significant difference in the operative data between the two groups. No conversion to an open procedure occurred in either group. Postoperative pain, time to onset of oral intake, and number of days of postoperative hospital stay were similar in both groups.
CONCLUSION
SILA procedures performed by a resident are safe and feasible despite longer operation times. Perioperative supervision and guidance by an attending staff surgeon may facilitate surgical outcomes.

Keyword

Laparoscopy; Appendectomy; Resident; Education; Training

MeSH Terms

Appendectomy*
Appendicitis
Conversion to Open Surgery
Demography
Education
Humans
Laparoscopy
Length of Stay
Organization and Administration*
Pain, Postoperative
Retrospective Studies
Surgeons