A systematic training module improves the know-how and confidence of trainees new to laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Abstract

Introduction: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has become the gold standard surgery for symptomatic cholelithiasis and its practice has increased rapidly in the past decade due to advancement of associated medical technology, surgical experience and its proven benefits for patients. Surgical trainees would require adequate supervision and prior training before performing this operation. We developed a training module for laparoscopic cholecystectomy that we believe will complement their skill acquisition process. This study aims to assess its effectiveness in terms of improvement of knowledge and confidence to perform a safe laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Method: A questionnaire-based assessment was utilised to assess the knowledge and confidence of surgical trainees to perform a safe laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The questionnaire was created based on the 2015 SAGES expert Delphi consensus and the safe cholecystectomy program and was validated by the trainers involved in the training module. Participants would complete the questionnaire at the start of the module and would then undergo a 2-day course consisting didactic lectures and video demonstrations followed by one to one hands-on mentoring of laparoscopic cholecystectomy with accredited hepatobiliary surgeons. Participants are then asked to answer a post module questionnaire and comparisons were then made between pre and post module perception scores. Result: 30 surgical trainees participated in this study. The self-reported perceived pre and post-module mean scores for knowledge (25.7 ± 4.2 vs 33.4 ± 3.5; p < 0.001) and confidence (72.4 ± 13.9 vs 100.3 ± 9.7; p < 0.001) to conduct a safe laparoscopic cholecystectomy significantly improved after completing the laparoscopic cholecystectomy training module. No adverse outcomes or post-operative complications were reported. Conclusion: A systematic training module not only helps improve the skills of a trainee surgeon when performing an operation they are newly exposed to, but also help boost their confidence to do so in the future.