The feasibility of laparoscopic-assisted colectomy performed by residents

Abstract

Purpose : In our hospital, laparoscopic-assisted colectomy (LAC) is performed by both skillful staffs and residents. We discussed the feasibility of LAC performed by residents. Materials & Methods : A retrospective analysis was made on 92 colon cancers (45 in the right side and 47 in the sigmoid colon), which were subjected to LAC in our hospital from April 2004 to October 2009. These LACS were performed by residents (including junior and senior residents) (Group-R, n=46) or skillful staffs (Group-S, n=46). Background factors of the patients, duration of surgery, operative blood loss, duration of postoperative hospitalization, complications, overall survival and disease-free survival were compared between the Group-R and the Group-S retrospectively. The same factors were assessed in the Group-J (LAC performed by junior residents, n=22) and the Group-S. Results : The blood loss volume in the Group-R was significantly greater than the Group-S. (Group-R, 69.5±104.1g ; Group-S, 31.8±39.1g : p=0.023). However, this greater amount of blood loss in the Group-R did not cause any troubles during LAC. These were no significant differences in other factors between the Group-R and the Group-S. Similarly, the blood loss volume in the Group-J was significantly greater than the Group-S (Group-J, 74.9±121.4g ; Group-S, 31.8±39.1g : P=0.032). Conclusions : These results indicate that the LAC can safely be performed by residents without causing major complications under the guidance of skillful staffs.