Journal List > J Korean Surg Soc > v.76(1) > 1010944

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Seo, Choi, Choi, and Yoon: Laparoscopic Appendectomy is Feasible for Inexperienced Surgeons in the Early Days of Individual Laparoscopic Training Courses
Original Article
Journal of the Korean Surgical Society

Journal of the Korean Surgical Society 2009; 76(1): 23-27.

Published online: 31 January 2009

DOI: https://doi.org/10.4174/jkss.2009.76.1.23

Laparoscopic Appendectomy is Feasible for Inexperienced Surgeons in the Early Days of Individual Laparoscopic Training Courses

Kyungwon Seo, M.D., Youngil Choi, M.D., Jaeyoung Choi, M.D., Kiyoung Yoon, M.D.

Department of Surgery, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea.

yoonky@ns.kosinmed.or.kr

Received 13 June 2008       Accepted 21 August 2008

Copyright © 2009 The Korean Surgical Society

Abstract

Purpose

Recently, laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) has been widely performed in developed countries. In addition, minimally invasive surgery such as LA is a challenge to surgical residents. The aim of this study is to evaluate learning curve of residents in comparison to that of experienced surgeons.

Methods

Fifty cases of LA that were performed by experienced surgeons (group A) and forty-seven cases of LA that were performed by 8 residents (group B) were reviewed retrospectively.

Results

Operative time was longer in group B (50.8±12 vs. 82.8±40 min. P<0.001). Hospital days of group B was shorter (4.8±2.4 vs. 3.7±2.1 days P=0.021). No other parameters were statistically significant. In group A, wound infection developed in 1 case. In group B, wound infection developed in 4 cases, intraabdominal abscess in 1, subcutaneous emphysema in 1.

Conclusion

Inexperienced surgeons can perform laparoscopic appendectomy easily in the early days of individual laparoscopic training course.

Keywords: Laparoscopic appendectomy, Learning curve, Unexperienced surgeon

Figures and Tables

Table 1
Demographics of the two groups
jkss-76-23-i001

*NS = not significant; †Data are given as median±SD.

Table 2
Patient distribution according to appendiceal pathology
jkss-76-23-i002
Table 3
The operative results of the two groups
jkss-76-23-i003

*NS = not significant; †Data are given as mean±SD.

Table 4
Postoperative complications
jkss-76-23-i004

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