J Gynecol Oncol.  2021 Mar;32(2):e26. 10.3802/jgo.2021.32.e26.

Implementation and evaluation of a novel subspecialty society fellows robotic surgical course: the SGO minimally invasive academy surgical curriculum

• Boitano TK
• Smith HJ
• Cohen JG
• Rossi EC
• Kim KH

• KMID: 2526373
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3802/jgo.2021.32.e26

Abstract

Objective
To evaluate the utility of a society-based robotic surgery training program for fellows in gynecologic oncology.
Methods
All participants underwent a 2-day robotic surgery training course between 2015–2017. The course included interactive didactic sessions with video, dry labs, and robotic cadaver labs. The labs encompassed a wide range of subject matter including troubleshooting, instrument variation, radical hysterectomies, and lymph node dissections. Participants completed a pre- and post-course survey using a 5-point Likert scale ranging from “not confident” to “extremely confident” on various measures. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Statistics v. 24.
Results
The response rate was high with 86% of the 70 participants completing the survey. Sixteen (26.7%) of these individuals were attending physicians and 44 (73.3%) were fellows. In general, there was a significant increase in confidence in more complex procedures and concepts such as radical hysterectomy (p=0.01), lymph node dissection (p=0.01), troubleshooting (p=0.001), and managing complications (p=0.004). Faculty comfort and practice patterns were cited as the primary reason (58.9%) for limitations during robotic procedures followed secondarily by surgical resources (34.0%).
Conclusion
In both gynecologic oncology fellows and attendings, this educational theorybased curriculum significantly improved confidence in the majority of procedures and concepts taught, emphasizing the value of hands-on skill labs.

Keyword

Robotics; Surgical Training; Surgical Education; Gynecologic Oncology