Endoscopic Surgical Skill Qualification System Research Articles

Practice guidelines on endoscopic surgery for qualified surgeons by the endoscopic surgical skill qualification system: Esophagus.

Practice guidelines on endoscopic surgery for qualified surgeons by the endoscopic surgical skill qualification system: Esophagus.

Practice guidelines on endoscopic surgery for qualified surgeons by the endoscopic surgical skill qualification system: Hernia.

Practice guidelines on endoscopic surgery for qualified surgeons by the endoscopic surgical skill qualification system: Hernia.

Practice guidelines on endoscopic surgery for qualified surgeons by the endoscopic surgical skill qualification system: Stomach.

Practice guidelines on endoscopic surgery for qualified surgeons by the endoscopic surgical skill qualification system: Stomach.

Automated surgical skill assessment in colorectal surgery using a deep learning-based surgical phase recognition model.

There is an increasing demand for automated surgical skill assessment to solve issues such as subjectivity and bias that accompany manual assessments. This study aimed to verify the feasibility of assessing surgical skills using a surgical phase recognition model. A deep learning-based model that recognizes five surgical phases of laparoscopic sigmoidectomy was constructed, and its ability to distinguish between three skill-level groups-the expert group, with a high Endoscopic Surgical Skill Qualification System (ESSQS) score (26 videos); the intermediate group, with a low ESSQS score (32 videos); and the novice group, with an experience of < 5 colorectal surgeries (27 videos)-was assessed. Furthermore, 1 272 videos were divided into three groups according to the ESSQS score: ESSQS-high, ESSQS-middle, and ESSQS-low groups, and whether they could be distinguished by the score calculated by multiple regression analysis of the parameters from the model was also evaluated. The time for mobilization of the colon, time for dissection of the mesorectum plus transection of the rectum plus anastomosis, and phase transition counts were significantly shorter or less in the expert group than in the intermediate (p = 0.0094, 0.0028, and < 0.001, respectively) and novice groups (all p < 0.001). Mesorectal excision time was significantly shorter in the expert group than in the novice group (p = 0.0037). The group with higher ESSQS scores also had higher AI scores. This model has the potential to be applied to automated skill assessments.

Practice guidelines on endoscopic surgery for qualified surgeons by the Endoscopic Surgical Skill Qualification System: Pancreas.

Practice guidelines on endoscopic surgery for qualified surgeons by the Endoscopic Surgical Skill Qualification System: Pancreas.

Practice guidelines on endoscopic surgery for qualified surgeons by the endoscopic surgical skill qualification system: Large intestine.

Practice guidelines on endoscopic surgery for qualified surgeons by the endoscopic surgical skill qualification system: Large intestine.

Impact of Endoscopic Surgical Skill Qualification System-certified surgeons as operators in laparoscopic rectalcancer surgery in Japan: A propensity score-matched analysis (subanalysis of the EnSSURE study).

In Japan, the Endoscopic Surgical Skill Qualification System (ESSQS) is used to evaluate surgical skills essential for laparoscopic surgery, but whether surgeons with this certification as operators improve the short-term outcomes and prognosis after rectal cancer surgery is unclear. This cohort study was designed to compare the short-term and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic surgery for advanced rectal cancer performed by an ESSQS-certified surgeon versus a surgeon without ESSQS certification. The outcomes of cStage II and III rectal cancer surgery cases performed at 56 Japanese hospitals between 2014 and 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. To examine the impact of ESSQS-certified surgeons as surgeons, the outcomes of cases with only ESSQS-certified surgeons as operators were compared with those without involvement of ESSQS-certified surgeons. A total of 3197 cases were enrolled, with 1015 in which surgery was performed by ESSQS-certified surgeons, and 544 in which there was no involvement of ESSQS-certified surgeons. After propensity score matching, the ESSQS group had significantly shorter operative time (p < 0.001), a lower conversion rate to open surgery (p < 0.001), and more dissected lymph nodes (p = 0.002). Laparoscopic rectal surgery performed by ESSQS-certified surgeons was significantly associated with improved short-term outcomes. This demonstrates the utility of the ESSQS certification system.

Practice guidelines on endoscopic surgery for qualified surgeons by the endoscopic surgical skill qualification system: Introduction.

Practice guidelines on endoscopic surgery for qualified surgeons by the endoscopic surgical skill qualification system: Introduction.

Impact of the endoscopic surgical skill qualification system on conversion to laparotomy after low anterior resection for rectal cancer in Japan (a secondary analysis of the EnSSURE study)

Background and aimsConversion to laparotomy is among the serious intraoperative complications and carries an increased risk of postoperative complications. In this cohort study, we investigated whether or not the Endoscopic Surgical Skill Qualification System (ESSQS) affects the conversion rate among patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer.MethodsWe performed a retrospective secondary analysis of data collected from patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for cStage II and III rectal cancer from 2014 to 2016 across 56 institutions affiliated with the Japan Society of Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery. Data from the original EnSSURE study were analyzed to investigate risk factors for conversion to laparotomy by performing univariate and multivariate analyses based on the reason for conversion.ResultsData were collected for 3,168 cases, including 65 (2.1%) involving conversion to laparotomy. Indicated conversion accounted for 27 cases (0.9%), while technical conversion accounted for 35 cases (1.1%). The multivariate analysis identified the following independent risk factors for indicated conversion to laparotomy: tumor diameter [mm] (odds ratio [OR] 1.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01–1.05, p = 0.0002), combined resection of adjacent organs [+/−] (OR 7.92, 95% CI 3.14–19.97, p < 0.0001), and surgical participation of an ESSQS-certified physician [−/+] (OR 4.46, 95% CI 2.01–9.90, p = 0.0002). The multivariate analysis identified the following risk factors for technical conversion to laparotomy: registered case number of institution (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.99–1.00, p = 0.0029), institution type [non-university/university hospital] (OR 3.52, 95% CI 1.54–8.04, p = 0.0028), combined resection of adjacent organs [+/−] (OR 5.96, 95% CI 2.15–16.53, p = 0.0006), and surgical participation of an ESSQS-certified physician [−/+] (OR 6.26, 95% CI 3.01–13.05, p < 0.0001).ConclusionsParticipation of ESSQS-certified physicians may reduce the risk of both indicated and technical conversion. Referral to specialized institutions, such as high-volume centers and university hospitals, especially for patients exhibiting relevant background risk factors, may reduce the risk of conversion to laparotomy and lead to better outcomes for patients.Trial RegistrationThis study was registered with the Japanese Clinical Trials Registry as UMIN000040645.

Evaluation of the advantage of surgeons certified by the endoscopic surgical skill qualification system participating in laparoscopic low anterior rectal resection.

A technical qualification system was developed in 2004 by the Japan Society for Endoscopic Surgery. An analysis of the EnSSURE study on 3188 stage II-III rectal cancer patients, which was performed by including the participation of qualified surgeons as assistants and advisers without restricting their participation as operators, revealed that the participation of technically qualified surgeons in surgery improved the technical and oncological safety of laparoscopic rectal resection. This secondary retrospective analysis of the EnSSURE study examined the advantage of qualified surgeons participating in laparoscopic low anterior resection (LAR). The outcomes of low anterior resection were compared between groups with and without the participation of surgeons qualified by the Endoscopic Surgical Skill Qualification System (Q and non-Q groups, respectively). We used propensity score matching to generate paired cohorts at a one-to-one ratio. The postoperative complication rate, short-term results (hemorrhage volume, operative time, number of dissected lymph nodes, open conversion rate, intraoperative complication rate, and R0 resection rate), and long-term results (disease-free survival rate, local recurrence rate, and overall survival rate) were evaluated. The frequencies of postoperative complications, anastomotic bleeding, and intraperitoneal abscess were significantly lower, the operative time was significantly shorter, the postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter, and the number of dissected lymph nodes was higher in the Q group. No significant differences were observed in disease-free survival, local recurrence, or overall survival rate rates between the groups. The participation of qualified surgeons in LAR is technically advantageous.

Endoscopic Surgical Skill Qualification System: propensity-score matched cohort analysis of accredited supervisors in laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery.

The Endoscopic Surgical Skill Qualification System (ESSQS) in Japan evaluates the surgical skills required for laparoscopic surgery as an operator as well as a supervisor. This study aimed to demonstrate the benefits of an ESSQS-certified surgeon's participation in laparoscopic rectal resections as a supervisor (assistant or advisor). We retrospectively reviewed laparoscopic resection results for cStage II and III rectal cancer performed at 56 Japanese hospitals between 2014 and 2016. We used propensity score matching to generate paired cohorts with or without an ESSQS-certified supervisor at a one-to-one ratio. The impact of ESSQS-certified supervisors' participation on short-term outcomes was assessed. In the matched cohort, multivariable logistic regression analysis and multivariable regression analysis of postoperative complication rate and intraoperative blood loss were performed to further mitigate the impact of pathological factors. Two groups (n = 399 each) with or without an ESSQS-certified supervisor were well matched by clinical factors. The group with an ESSQS-certified supervisor had lower blood loss (68 mL vs. 98 mL, P = 0.036) and a lower incidence of severe morbidities of Clavien-Dindo grade ≥IIIa (8.0% vs. 13.3%, P = 0.016). Multivariable logistic regression analysis and multivariable regression analysis confirmed that the attendance of ESSQS-certified supervisors reduced postoperative complication occurrence (adjusted odds ratio: 2.28, 95% confidence interval: 1.38 - 3.80, P = 0.001) and intraoperative blood loss (estimated difference: -15.7 mL, P = 0.016). This study demonstrated the educational benefits of ESSQS-certified supervisors, including assistants and advisors, evidenced by their superior short-term outcomes.

A surgical training system designed to help trainees acquire laparoscopic surgical skills at a rural Japanese institute.

The Endoscopic Surgical Skill Qualification System was established in Japan to evaluate safe endoscopic surgical techniques and teaching skills. Trainee surgeons obtaining this certification in rural hospitals are disadvantaged by the limited number of surgical opportunities. To address this problem, we established a surgical training system to educate trainee surgeons. Eighteen certified expert surgeons affiliated with our department were classified into an experienced training system group (E group, n = 9) and a non-experienced group (NE group, n = 9). Results of the training system were then compared between the groups. The number of years required to become board certified was shorter in the E group (14years) than that in the NE group (18years). Likewise, the number of surgical procedures performed before certification was lower in the E group (n = 30) than that in the NE group (n = 50). An expert surgeon was involved in the creation of the certification video of all the E group participants. A questionnaire to board-certified surgeons revealed that guidance by a board-certified surgeon and trainee education (surgical training system) was useful for obtaining certification. Continuous surgical training, starting with trainee surgeons, appears useful for expediting their acquisition of technical certification in rural areas.

Automatic Surgical Skill Assessment System Based on Concordance of Standardized Surgical Field Development Using Artificial Intelligence

Automatic surgical skill assessment with artificial intelligence (AI) is more objective than manual video review-based skill assessment and can reduce human burden. Standardization of surgical field development is an important aspect of this skill assessment. To develop a deep learning model that can recognize the standardized surgical fields in laparoscopic sigmoid colon resection and to evaluate the feasibility of automatic surgical skill assessment based on the concordance of the standardized surgical field development using the proposed deep learning model. This retrospective diagnostic study used intraoperative videos of laparoscopic colorectal surgery submitted to the Japan Society for Endoscopic Surgery between August 2016 and November 2017. Data were analyzed from April 2020 to September 2022. Videos of surgery performed by expert surgeons with Endoscopic Surgical Skill Qualification System (ESSQS) scores higher than 75 were used to construct a deep learning model able to recognize a standardized surgical field and output its similarity to standardized surgical field development as an AI confidence score (AICS). Other videos were extracted as the validation set. Videos with scores less than or greater than 2 SDs from the mean were defined as the low- and high-score groups, respectively. The correlation between AICS and ESSQS score and the screening performance using AICS for low- and high-score groups were analyzed. The sample included 650 intraoperative videos, 60 of which were used for model construction and 60 for validation. The Spearman rank correlation coefficient between the AICS and ESSQS score was 0.81. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for the screening of the low- and high-score groups were plotted, and the areas under the ROC curve for the low- and high-score group screening were 0.93 and 0.94, respectively. The AICS from the developed model strongly correlated with the ESSQS score, demonstrating the model's feasibility for use as a method of automatic surgical skill assessment. The findings also suggest the feasibility of the proposed model for creating an automated screening system for surgical skills and its potential application to other types of endoscopic procedures.

Skill-qualified surgeons positively affect short-term outcomes after laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer: a survey of the National Clinical Database of Japan.

Proficiency of the operating surgeon is one of the most critical factors potentially associated with reductions in complications and surgery-related mortality. With video-rating systems having shown potential for assessing laparoscopic surgeons' proficiency, the Endoscopic Surgical Skill Qualification System (ESSQS) was developed by the Japan Society for Endoscopic Surgery to subjectively assess the proficiency of laparoscopic surgeons by rating applicants' non-edited case videos. We conducted a study to evaluate how ESSQS skill-qualified (SQ) surgeon involvement influences short-term outcomes of laparoscopic gastrectomy performed for gastric cancer. Data from the National Clinical Database regarding laparoscopic distal and total gastrectomy performed for gastric cancer between January 2016 and December 2018 were analyzed. Operative mortality, defined as 30-day mortality or 90-day in-hospital mortality, and anastomotic leakage rates were compared per involvement vs. non-involvement of an SQ surgeon. Outcomes were also compared per involvement of a gastrectomy-, colectomy-, or cholecystectomy-qualified surgeon. The association between the area of qualification and operative mortality/anastomotic leakage was also analyzed with a generalized estimating equation logistic regression model used to account for patient-level risk factors and institutional differences. Of 104,093 laparoscopic distal gastrectomies, 52,143 were suitable for inclusion in the study; 30,366 (58.2%) were performed by an SQ surgeon. Of 43,978 laparoscopic total gastrectomies, 10,326 were suitable for inclusion; 6501 (63.0%) were performed by an SQ surgeon. Gastrectomy-qualified surgeons outperformed non-SQ surgeons in terms of both operative mortality and anastomotic leakage. They also outperformed cholecystectomy- and colectomy-qualified surgeons in terms of operative mortality or anastomotic leakage in distal and total gastrectomy, respectively. The ESSQS appears to discriminate laparoscopic surgeons who can be expected to achieve significantly improved gastrectomy outcomes.

The usefulness of the endoscopic surgical skill qualification system in laparoscopic right hemicolectomy: a single-center, retrospective analysis with propensity score matching.

Recently, a new certification system called the Endoscopic Surgical Skill Qualification System (ESSQS) has been launched in Japan to improve surgical safety. This study aimed to determine whether ESSQS-qualified surgeons affect the short- and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic right hemicolectomy. A total of 187 colon cancer patients who underwent laparoscopic right hemicolectomy at Kindai University Hospital between January 2016 and December 2020 were enrolled. These patients were divided into two groups based on surgeries performed by ESSQS-qualified surgeons (QS group) and non-ESSQS-qualified surgeons (NQS group). The short- and long-term outcomes were compared between the two groups before and after propensity score matching (PSM). After PSM, 43 patients from each group were included in the matched cohort. In the short-term outcomes, the total operative time was significantly longer in the NQS group than in the QS group (229 vs. 174min, p < 0.0001). However, there were no significant differences in the two groups regarding blood loss (0 vs. 0ml, p = 0.7126), conversion (0.0% vs. 7.0%, p = 0.0779), Clavien-Dindo ≥ 2 complications (9.3% vs. 7.0%, p = 0.6933), mortality (2.3% vs. 0.0%, p = 0.3145), and postoperative hospital stay (9 vs. 9days, p = 0.5357). In the long-term outcomes, there were no significant differences between the two groups in the 3-year overall survival (86.6% vs. 83.0%, p = 0.8361) and recurrence-free survival (61.7% vs. 72.0%, p = 0.3394). Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy performed by ESSQS-qualified surgeons contributed to shorter operative time. Under the supervision of ESSQS-qualified surgeons, almost equivalent safety and oncological outcomes are expected even in surgeries performed by non-ESSQS-qualified surgeons.

Safe implementation of robotic distal gastrectomy performed by non-endoscopic surgical skill qualification system-qualified surgeons.

Robotic gastrectomy (RG) for gastric cancer (GC) was approved for national medical insurance coverage in April, 2018, since when its use has increased dramatically throughout Japan. However, the safety of RG performed by surgeons who are not Endoscopic Surgical Skill Qualification System (ESSQS)-qualified has yet to be established. We conducted this study to verify the short-term outcomes of the initial series of RG procedures performed by non-ESSQS-qualified surgeons. Between January, 2020 and December, 2021, 30 patients with clinical Stage I and II GC underwent RG performed by four non-ESSQS-qualified surgeons according to the Japan Society for Endoscopic Surgery guideline. We evaluated, retrospectively, the morbidity rates according to Clavien-Dindo (CD) classification grade II or higher. Each operating surgeon completed all procedures without any serious intraoperative adverse events. The median operative time, console time, and estimated blood loss were 413 (308-547) min, 361 (264-482) min, and 25.5 (4-167) mL, respectively. No patient required conversion to laparoscopic or open surgery. Three (10%) patients suffered CD grade II complications postoperatively. The median postoperative hospitalization was 11 (8-51) days. Non-ESSQS-qualified surgeons trained by expert RG surgeons could perform robotic distal gastrectomy safely for initial cases.

Impact of Endoscopic Surgical Skill Qualification on Laparoscopic Resections for Rectal Cancer in Japan: The EnSSURE Study.

This cohort study investigated short- and long-term postoperative outcomes of laparoscopic procedures for rectal cancer performed with versus without certified surgeons. In Japan, the Endoscopic Surgical Skill Qualification System (ESSQS) evaluates surgical skills deemed essential for laparoscopic surgery; however, it is unknown whether this certification contributes to procedural safety. Outcomes of laparoscopic rectal resections for cStage II and III rectal cancer performed from 2014 to 2016 at 56 Japanese hospitals were retrospectively reviewed. The impact of having versus not having certified surgeons on postoperative complications and other short- and long-term outcomes were assessed. In cases with ESSQS-certified surgeons, surgeons attended surgery in the capacity of an operator, assistant, scope operator, or advisor. Overall, 3188 procedures were analyzed, with 2644 procedures performed with and 544 without ESSQS-certified surgeons. A multivariate logistic regression model showed that the adjusted odds ratio of postoperative complications after procedures performed with ESSQS-certified surgeons was 0.68 (95% confidence interval, 0.51-0.91; P = 0.009). The adjusted odds ratios for conversion and pathological R0 resection rates with ESSQS-certified surgeons were 0.20 (P < 0.001) and 2.10 (P = 0.04), respectively. Multiple linear regression analyses showed significantly shorter surgical duration and more harvested lymph nodes for operations performed with ESSQS-certified surgeons. Multivariate Cox regression showed that the adjusted hazard ratios for poor overall and recurrence-free survival after operations performed with ESSQS-certified surgeons were 0.88 (P = 0.35) and 1.04 (P = 0.71), respectively. This study showed the superiority of the short-term postoperative results for laparoscopic rectal procedures performed with ESSQS-certified surgeons.

Involvement of a skill-qualified surgeon favorably influences outcomes of laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed for acute cholecystitis.

The Endoscopic Surgical Skill Qualification System (ESSQS) was developed by the Japan Society for Endoscopic Surgery as a means of subjectively assessing the proficiency of laparoscopic surgeons. We conducted a study to evaluate how involvement of an ESSQS skill-qualified (SQ) surgeon influences short-term outcomes of laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed for acute cholecystitis. Previous reports suggest that assessment of the video-rating system is a potential tool to discriminate laparoscopic surgeons' proficiency and top-rated surgeons face less surgical mortality and morbidity in bariatric surgery. Data from the National Clinical Database regarding laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed for acute cholecystitis between January 2016 and December 2018 were analyzed. Outcomes were compared between patients grouped according to involvement vs. non-involvement of an SQ surgeon. Outcomes were also compared between patients grouped according to whether their operation was performed by biliary tract-, stomach-, or colon-qualified surgeon. Of the 309,998 laparoscopic cholecystectomies during the study period, 65,295 were suitable for inclusion in the study and 13,670 (20.9%) were performed by an SQ surgeon. Patients' clinical characteristics did not differ between groups. Thirty-day mortality was significantly lower in the SQ group (0.1%) 16/13,670 than in the non-SQ group (0.2%) 140/51,625 (P = 0.001). Thirty-day mortality was [0.1% (9/7173)] in the biliary tract-qualified group, [0.2% (5/3527)] in the stomach-qualified group, and [0.1% (2/3240)] in the colon-qualified group. Surgeons with ESSQS certification outperform the non-skilled surgeons in terms of surgical mortality in 30 and 90days. Further verification of the value of the ESSQS is warranted and similar systems may be needed in countries across the world to ensure patient safety and control the quality of surgical treatments.

Propensity Score-Matched Analysis of the Short- and Long-Term Outcomes of Robotic Versus Laparoscopic Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer.

Robotic gastrectomy (RG) has been rapidly adopted for gastric cancer (GC) treatment. However, the benefits of RG over laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) for GC remain unclear. A total of 451 patients who underwent either RG (n = 83) or LG (n = 368) for GC were enrolled in this study. A 1:1 matched, propensity score-matched analysis was performed using the following factors: age, sex, body mass index, pT, pN, pStage, tumor location, vessel invasion, tumor markers, surgical procedure, reconstruction method, extent of lymphadenectomy, and Endoscopic Surgical Skill Qualification System qualified surgeon as an operator. The surgical outcomes of the two groups were compared. A well-balanced cohort of 158 patients was analyzed (n = 79 in the RG group, n = 79 in the LG group). Regarding the short-term outcomes, the respective blood loss volume, drain amylase content, and number of retrieved lymph nodes in the RG and LG groups were 38.62 ± 73.06 ml and 67.53 ± 108.20 ml (p < 0.05), 450 ± 371 IU/l and 1590 ± 6392 IU/l (p < 0.01), and 35.02 ± 15.51 and 25.28 ± 11.70 (p < 0.01). The morbidity rate was similar between the RG and LG groups (not significant [NS]). Regarding the long-term survival outcomes, there were no intergroup differences in 3-year overall survival (91.72% in the RG group vs. 83.39% in the LG group: NS) and 3-year, disease-free survival (93.31% in the vs. 90.44%: NS). RG was safe and contributed to better short-term outcomes and similar long-term survival outcomes compared with LG.

Equalization of the surgical technique in endoscopic thyroid surgery - Efforts toward the endoscopic surgical skill qualification system -

Equalization of the surgical technique in endoscopic thyroid surgery - Efforts toward the endoscopic surgical skill qualification system -