2023 Volume 39 Issue 1 Pages 14-20
Objective: Young gynecologists aim to acquire a certificate in laparoscopic surgery from the Japan Society of Gynecologic and Obstetric Endoscopy and Minimally Invasive Therapy (JSGOE). However, there are no adequate training programs to support the certificate acquisition in the Department of Gynecology at Chiba University and 11 associated facilities (abbreviated as our facilities). This study aimed to investigate the experience of young physicians with performing laparoscopic surgeries, including total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH), in our facilities and self-training methods.
Methods: Using a web-based questionnaire, we surveyed 33 young physicians who are 3-10 years postgraduate in February 2022. Statistical analysis was performed using JMP Pro15 (SAS Institute, Cary, NC).
Results: Of 33 physicians, 27 were interested in acquiring the certificate. Although 14 physicians already had adequate experience in total abdominal hysterectomies (TAH), 24 physicians had no experience in TLH, and 9 physicians worked at facilities where TLH is not performed. Confidence levels in TAH were significantly higher than those in TLH (p<0.0001, Chi-square test). Further, 28 physicians recognized the importance of suturing practice, but 13 said they practice less than once a month. Ten physicians did not understand how to maintain their skills, while 16 wanted to train at other facilities.
Conclusion: Many young physicians in our facilities wished to get the JSGOE certificate but had few opportunities to perform TLH. It is necessary to increase opportunities for young physicians to experience TLH and establish a support system to help them acquire certification.
