Survey shows all surgical residents have exposure to robotic surgery yet no formalized curricula exist amongst programs: A Southwest Surgical Congress Survey

Abstract

BackgroundIncreased robotic surgery exposure during general surgery training occurs at many institutions without a formal education curriculum. Our study evaluates the current state of general surgery robotic training within programs represented by the Southwestern Surgical Congress (SWSC). MethodsA web-based survey regarding robot-assisted surgery (RAS) and general surgery training was developed and sent to member institutions of the SWSC. General surgery program directors were asked to voluntarily complete the survey. Results were evaluated in aggregate. Descriptive analysis was used. ResultsIn total, 28 programs responded. All reported resident exposure to RAS during training. Case mix was diverse with exposure to multiple general surgical subspecialties. 89% of programs reported the presence of a formal RAS curriculum, however, only 53% reported recognition of training completion. Case volumes also varied amongst programs with 46% of programs reporting residents logging 21–40 cases and 35% logging more than 40 cases in total. ConclusionExposure to RAS among SWSC residency programs is ubiquitous, however, there is significant variation between programs in case volumes, case types, and elements of RAS curricula.