Our Current State of the First Exposure to Laparoscopic Appendectomy “LA” for Trainee Doctors—Devices to Promote LA—

Abstract

Background : We introduced laparoscopic appendectomy as the first experience of laparoscopic surgery for trainee doctors, and evaluated the current state in the light of surgical outcomes and educational effects.
Methods : From April 2011 to August 2012, consecutive 55 cases were conducted appendectomy by trainee doctors in our hospital, including 31 cases of open appendectomy (OS group) and 24 cases of laparoscopic appendectomy (LA group). Although trainee doctors had their first experience of laparoscopic surgery through LA, all of them had kept in practice using the dry box in advance. We made a comparative review of background factors and surgical outcomes between the two groups. A survey on attitudes toward LA was also carried out.
Results : Between OA and LA groups, there were no significant differences in patient backgrounds. No significant differences were noted in the operating time, postoperative hospitay stay, and the incidence of surgical site infection. A questionnaire survey showed that LA had the advantage of securing the operative field and anatomical understanding compared to OA.
Conclusions : When trainee doctors undertake LA as the first experience of laparoscopic surgery, the training with the dry box in advance allows for performing LA safely without prolonging operative time compared to OA. In addition, LA is thought to be beneficial in learning surgical anatomy.