Perceived proficiency in minimally invasive surgery among senior OB/GYN residents.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To assess self-perceived proficiency in minimally invasive surgical procedures among fourth-year Ob/Gyn residents in the United States and to evaluate trends in self-perceived proficiencies by comparing the current survey to a similar survey distributed in 2001.

METHODS: A Web-based survey was sent out to all fourth-year residents in accredited obstetrics and gynecology programs in the United States. The residents completed the online survey regarding their perceived proficiency in performing minimally invasive procedures. These results were compared with the results from a similar survey performed in 2001. The residents were also asked about teaching methods and the importance of minimally invasive surgery training during residency.

RESULTS: We received responses from 248 senior residents. Of these, 65.1% thought emphasis on laparoscopic surgery training should be increased or greatly increased, and 97.1% thought laparoscopic skills were important for building a successful practice. Perceived proficiencies in advanced laparoscopic procedures, such as total laparoscopic hysterectomy and supracervical hysterectomy, were significantly higher compared with our results in 2001. Residents also seemed to feel more comfortable performing basic and advanced hysteroscopic procedures. Of respondents, 56.8% felt that a fellowship in minimally invasive surgery would be beneficial to them following graduation.

CONCLUSION: Senior Ob/Gyn residents seem to feel more comfortable performing advanced laparoscopic procedures at graduation than they did 7 years ago. The majority feels that the emphasis on training in minimally invasive surgery should be increased.