SP3.11 Laparoscopic Donor Nephrectomy (LDN) Training in the UK. A National Re-Audit of the Trainee Experience

Abstract

Abstract Purpose An Independent National-Trainee-Survey reported poor LDN training opportunities in the UK in 2014. It recommended LDN fellowships and LDN training as a part of the Transplant Curriculum. A Re-audit of the initial study was done to gauge improvement. Methods A short electronic survey was disseminated to surgical trainees via a web-based link (Survey-monkey) placed on the Herrick-Society forum and email/paper invitations to renal transplant units across the UK. Results 57 (53 in 2013) responses were received from the UK in 2022. Women in transplant training are still scarce OR 0.91 (0.40-2.06, p=0.49). 03% of units in the UK offer robotic-assisted LDN at present. In comparison to 2013, in 2022, 16%vs 20% of trainees were PGY1-3; 25% vs. 14% PGY 4-6; 17% vs. 18% post-residency training; 32 % vs. 31% IMG-non-training> 2 yr. transplant experience; 10%vs 09% IMG-non training < 2 yr. transplant experience (p=0.67). 92% vs. 91% of trainees reported that they had performed <01 LDN as primary-surgeon OR 0.87 (0.32-2.37, p=0.50). Only 33 % of trainees had been on a course for LDN. There was no correlation to seniority in training grade performing donor nephrectomies as a primary surgeon (p=0.76). There was no significant advantage to trainees on rotation (p=0.71) to service trainees (p=0.69) to perform LDN as primary surgeons. The likelihood of a trainee performing >01 LDN as a primary surgeon is <1 in 30 compared to < 1 in 25 (2013). Conclusions This study reports no improvement in training opportunities in LDN. The Trainers have yet to utilize the previous 2014 report to augment training opportunities in the UK.