Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England
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Ann R Coll Surg Engl · Mar 2018
Clinical TrialLaparoscopic cholecystectomy: a prospective cohort study assessing the impact of grade of operating surgeon on operative time and 30-day morbidity.
Introduction There is an increasing trend towards day case surgery for uncomplicated gallstone disease. The challenges of maximising training opportunities are well recognised by surgical trainees and the need to demonstrate timely progression of competencies is essential. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy provides the potential for excellent trainee learning opportunities. ⋯ Median duration of hospital stay was equivalent in both groups and there was no statistical difference in re-attendance (12.9% vs. 15.3% P = 0.59) or re-admission rates (3.2% vs. 8.1% P = 0.10) at 30 days. Conclusions Our study provides evidence that laparoscopic cholecystectomy provides a good training opportunity for surgical trainees without being detrimental to patient outcome. We recommend that, in selected patients, under consultant supervision, laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be performed primarily by the surgical trainee without impacting on patient outcome or theatre scheduling.