Clinicians evaluated factors influencing performance scores of surgical trainees in laparoscopic appendectomies. Analysis of 142 procedures revealed that perforated appendicitis was strongly associated with procedure difficulty (OR 21.2). Experienced trainees were more proficient (OR 34.5), while difficult procedures negatively affected proficiency (OR 0.1). Challenging cases, particularly identifying the appendix, had lower proficiency (OR 0.4). Difficult procedures had significantly longer operating times. Both internal (experience) and external (disease severity) factors significantly impacted performance scores.
• Why it matters: Understanding factors affecting trainees’ proficiency in laparoscopic appendectomy helps improve surgical training and patient outcomes.
Journal Article by Skjold-Ødegaard B, Ersdal HL, Assmus J and Søreide K in Surg Endosc
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