J Korean Med Sci.  2022 Oct;37(40):e295. 10.3346/jkms.2022.37.e295.

The First Systematic Gastroscopy Training Program for Surgeons in Korea

• Seo HS
• Kim SJ
• Jeon CH
• Song KY
• Lee HH

• KMID: 2534334
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2022.37.e295

Abstract

Background
Endoscopic evaluation of the stomach is essential for preoperative planning and post-surgical surveillance for various diseases of the stomach, including malignancy. The gastroscopy education program for surgeons is currently in its infancy and is not systematically organized in Korea. This study aimed to introduce the first systematic gastroscopy education program for surgeons in Korea.
Methods
The gastroscopy education program entitled “Gastroscopy School for Surgeons (GSS)” comprised of theoretical education, dry lab hands-on training, and clinical practice. All participants were beginners without any gastroscopy experience. Clinical practice started after the completion of the theoretical and dry lab training. The gastroscopy practices utilized simple luminal observation, biopsy, localization using clips or dye injection, and limited therapeutic gastroscopy. The educational performances and surveys from 33 participants were analyzed.
Results
The participants consisted of surgical residents, general surgeons, gastrointestinalspecialized surgeons, and physicians. Participants performed a total of 2,272 gastroscopies, 2,008 of which were post-gastrectomy cases. Currently, of the 33 participants, 7 (21.2%) of the participants performed gastroscopy regularly, and 7 (21.2%) occasionally. According to the self-reported survey, one participant assessed their current gastroscopic technique to be at the expert level, and 25 (75.8%) at a proficient level. All participants considered gastroscopy education for surgeons to be necessary, and 28 (84.8%) stated that systematic education is not currently provided in Korea.
Conclusion
We introduced the first systematic gastroscopy education program for surgeons in Korea, namely the GSS, which is practical and meets clinical needs. More training centers are needed to expand gastroscopy training among Korean surgeons.

Keyword

Gastroscopy; Education; Surgery; Gastrectomy

Figure

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  Fig. 1 The condition and the reconstruction status of the cases. (A) Condition of the stomach. (B) Reconstruction status.TG = total gastrectomy, DG = distal gastrectomy, PG = proximal gastrectomy, WR = wedge resection, R-Y = Roux-en-Y.

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  Fig. 2 Participant characteristics. (A) The number of gastroscopy cases. (B) Self-assessed skill level in gastroscopy. (C) Possible procedures. Basic procedures: luminal observation and biopsy. Minor procedures: clipping, dye injection, and balloon dilatation. Major procedures: stent insertion, polypectomy, and endoscopic submucosal dissection. Advanced procedures: endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and enteroscopy.

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  Fig. 3 Current status of gastroscopy by surgeons in each participant’s institution. (A) Role of the surgeon’s gastroscopy. (B) Education program for surgeons. (C) The operator of intraoperative gastroscopy.

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  Fig. 4 Current status of the surgeon’s gastroscopy in Korea. (A) Importance of the surgeon’s gastroscopy. (B) Barriers to gastroscopy by surgeons. (C) The gastroscopy education system for surgeons in Korea.

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