Five-Year Experience Training Surgeons with a Laparoscopic Simulation Training Program for Bariatric Surgery: a Quasi-experimental Design.

Abstract

Nearly 200,000 laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) are performed yearly. Reported learning curves range between 50 and 150, even 500 cases to decrease the operative risk. Simulation programs could accelerate this learning curve safely; however, trainings for LRYGB are scarce. This study aims to describe and share our 5-year experience of a simulated program designed to achieve proficiency in LRYGB technical skills. A quasi-experimental design was used. All recruited participants were previously trained with basic and advanced laparoscopic simulation curriculum completing over 50h of practical training. Ex vivo animal models were used to practice manual and stapled gastrojejunostomy (GJ) and stapled jejunojejunostomy (JJO) in 10, 3, and 4 sessions, respectively. The main outcome was to assess the manual GJ skill acquisition. Pre- and post-training assessments using a Global Rating Scale (GRS; max 25 pts), Specific Rating Scale (SRS; max 20 pts), performance time, permeability, and leakage rates were analyzed. For the stapled GJ and JJO, execution time was registered. Data analysis was performed using parametric tests. In 5years, 68 trainees completed the program. For the manual GJ's pre- vs post-training assessment, GRS and SRS scores increased significantly (from 17 to 24 and from 13 to 19 points respectively, p-value < 0.001). Permeability rate increased while leakage rate and procedural time decreased significantly. This simulated training program showed effectiveness in improving laparoscopic skills for manual GJ and JJO in a simulated scenario. This new training program could optimize the clinical learning curve. Further studies are needed to assess the transfer of skills to the operating room.