Mentored Trainees have Similar Short-Term Outcomes to a Consultant Trainer Following Laparoscopic Colorectal Resection

Have changes in colorectal surgery training impacted on mortality in cancer patients? A retrospective cohort study of 51,562 procedures

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to explore whether there were any differences in consultant colorectal surgeon training and adjusted 90-day postoperative colorectal cancer mortality rates (AMR).

METHODS

We undertook a retrospective analysis of outcomes data published on the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland (ACPGBI) website. A total of 51,562 procedures for patients in England diagnosed with large bowel cancer between 2010 and 2015, registered under 551 consultants were included. Consultants were split into two cohorts. The first group were the pre-Calman Trained Consultants (pre-CTr), who completed their training before 1998. The second group-the post-Calman Trained Consultants (post-CTr)-included those who received their Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) under the Calman Training Principles (CTC, 1998-2007) and the Modernising Medical Careers Curriculum (MMC, 2008 and onwards). The outcome measure was an AMR.

RESULTS

The pre-CTr cohort (n=84) consisted of 3.6% female colorectal consultants (n=3/84), whereas the post-CTr cohort (n=467) consisted of 14.3% female colorectal consultants (n=67/467) (p=0.006). In this cross-sectional analysis over 5 years, the average pre-CTr undertook a greater number of colorectal resections than their post-CTr peers: median procedures (interquartile range, IQR): 104 (59) vs 89 (57) respectively, p=0.008. The median AMR was significantly greater among pre-CTrs compared with post-CTrs, median AMR (IQR): 2.7% (2.0) vs 2.1% (2.9), p=0.022.

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicate that the implementation of the MMC and Calman training principles for colorectal training is associated with a statistically lower AMR compared with other historical training periods. This merits further exploration.

Domains of four-step technique training program for laparoscopic colorectal surgery

BACKGROUND

Many surgeons have begun learning about colorectal surgery using laparoscopy rather than laparotomy. The domains of four-step technique training program (DOF) for laparoscopic colorectal surgery have been designed and implemented by our institute since 2011, and they are expected to provide a safe and effective program for trainees with limited experience in laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

METHOD

The DOF were established with standard surgical procedures, a four-step technique, and learning passports using point credits after the procedure was completed. Patients who underwent minimally invasive colorectal resection at the Chang Gung Memorial Hospital between January 2013 and April 2019 were enrolled.

RESULTS

Overall, 2604 and 478 patients were enrolled in the non-training and training groups, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that the postoperative short-term outcomes were not significantly associated with the training or non-training groups. However, the training group had a significantly longer operative time than the non-training group in the linear regression model. Once the trainee passed the proficiency point (passed 100 points or 30 cases), no significant difference in postoperative short-term outcomes was found between the patients in the non-training and training groups that underwent the entire surgery performed by the trainee.

CONCLUSION

When patients' safety was evaluated in the training cases under the DOF, no higher rates of postoperative morbidity and mortality were found compared to those in cases performed by experienced surgeons. Additionally, trainees who passed the proficiency point during DOF could safely perform the entire laparoscopic colorectal surgery under supervision without further adverse effects on the patients.

Influence of the type of anatomic resection on anastomotic leak after surgery for colon cancer

INTRODUCTION

Anastomotic leak (AL) after colon cancer resection is feared by surgeons because of its associated morbidity and mortality. Considerable research has been directed at predictive factors for AL, but not the anatomic type of colonic resection. Anecdotally, certain types of resection are associated with higher leak rates although there remains a paucity of data on this. This study aimed to determine the AL rate for different types of colon cancer resection to inform decisions regarding the choice of operation.

METHODOLOGY

Retrospective analysis of Bowel Cancer Outcome Registry (BCOR) for all colonic cancer resections with anastomosis between January 2007 and December 2020. Demographic, patient, tumour and outcome data were analysed. AL rates were compared among the different colonic procedures with both univariate and multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

20 191 patients who underwent resection with anastomosis for cancer were included in this study. Of these 535 (2.6%) suffered ALs. While the univariate analysis found male sex, procedure type, symptomatic cancers, emergency surgery, unsupervised registrars, conversion to open surgery, medical complications and higher TNM staging were associated with AL, multivariate analysis, found only procedure type remained a significant predictor of AL (total colectomy (OR 4.049, P<0.001), subtotal colectomy (OR 2.477, P<0.001) and extended right hemicolectomy (OR 2.171, P < 0.001)).

CONCLUSION

AL is more common in extended colonic resections. With growing evidence of similar oncological outcomes between subtotal colectomy and left hemicolectomy for splenic flexure cancers, more limited resections should be considered. The type of colonic resection should be integrated into prediction tools for AL.

Supervised training of laparoscopic colorectal cancer resections does not adversely affect short- and long-term outcomes: a Propensity-score-matched cohort study

Background

Supervised training of laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery to fellows and consultants (trainees) may raise doubts regarding safety and oncological adequacy. This study investigated these concerns by comparing the short- and long-term outcomes of matched supervised training cases to cases performed by the trainer himself.

Methods

A prospective database was analysed retrospectively. All elective laparoscopic colorectal cancer resections in curative intent of adult patients (≥ 18 years) which were performed (non-training cases) or supervised to trainees (training cases) by a single laparoscopic expert surgeon (trainer) were identified. All trainees were specialist surgeons in training for laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Supervised training was standardised. Training cases were 1:1 propensity-score matched to non-training cases using age, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade, tumour site (rectum, left and right colon) and American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) tumour stage. The resulting groups were analysed for both short- (operative, oncological, complications) and long-term (time to recurrence, overall and disease-free survival) outcomes.

Results

From 10/2006 to 2/2016, a total of 675 resections met the inclusion criteria, of which 95 were training cases. These resections were matched to 95 non-training cases. None of the matched covariates exhibited an imbalance greater than 0.25 (│d│>0.25). There were no significant differences in short- (length of procedure, conversion rate, blood loss, postoperative complications, R0 resections, lymph node harvest) and long-term outcomes. When comparing training cases to non-training cases, 5-year overall and disease-free survival rates were 71.6% (62.4–82.2) versus 81.9% (74.2–90.4) and 70.0% (60.8–80.6) versus 73.6% (64.9–83.3), respectively (not significant). The corresponding hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals, p) were 0.57 (0.32–1.02, p = 0.057) and 0.87 (0.51–1.48, p = 0.61), respectively (univariate Cox proportional hazard model).

Conclusions

Standardised supervised training of laparoscopic colorectal cancer procedures to specialist surgeons may not adversely impact short- and long-term outcomes. This result may also apply to newer surgical techniques as long as standardised teaching methods are followed.

Real-time analysis of intraoperative delays and variations in intraoperative workflow with level of experience of the primary surgeon in small animal surgery

OBJECTIVE

To describe the causes of intraoperative delays and the changes in delays and surgical workflow with the level of training of the primary surgeon.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective observational study.

SAMPLE POPULATION

Seventy-three small animal surgical procedures performed at an academic teaching institution between January 17, 2018 and April 10, 2018.

METHODS

Procedures (trainee = 37, faculty = 36) totaling 103.2 h were observed and video recorded. Operative time was allocated to the surgical approach, exploration, exposure, intervention, and closure phases. Suballocations were made to specific tasks within these categories (such as cutting or hemostasis). Intraoperative delays and reasons were recorded. Differences in use of time between trainee and faculty surgeons were analyzed.

RESULTS

Delays constituted 9.2% (±4.4) of the operative time, of which 6.5%(±3.6) were surgeon controlled and 2.6% (±2.7) were non-surgeon controlled. Surgeons preparing instrumentation outside of the operative field and retrieval of equipment from supply areas were the greatest contributors to delays. Intraoperative delays did not increase when the trainee was placed in the primary surgeon role (P = .78). During the approach faculty surgeons spent proportionally less time on hemostasis (P = .02), and during closure they spent less time suturing (P = .03) than trainees.

CONCLUSION

Trainee surgeons did not have greater intraoperative delays. Delays were created when surgeons prepared their own instrumentation. Workflow differed between experts and trainees.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Advancing a trainee surgeon into the primary role is unlikely to increase intraoperative delays, which can be reduced by the inclusion of trained scrub technicians. A focus on efficient hemostasis and fluidity when suturing may improve operative efficiency for surgical trainees.

Supporting laparoscopic general surgery training with digital technology: The United Kingdom and Ireland paradigm

Surgical training in the UK and Ireland has faced challenges following the implementation of the European Working Time Directive and postgraduate training reform. The health services are undergoing a digital transformation; digital technology is remodelling the delivery of surgical care and surgical training. This review aims to critically evaluate key issues in laparoscopic general surgical training and the digital technology such as virtual and augmented reality, telementoring and automated workflow analysis and surgical skills assessment. We include pre-clinical, proof of concept research and commercial systems that are being developed to provide solutions. Digital surgical technology is evolving through interdisciplinary collaboration to provide widespread access to high-quality laparoscopic general surgery training and assessment. In the future this could lead to integrated, context-aware systems that support surgical teams in providing safer surgical care.

Does the Endoscopic Surgical Skill Qualification System improve patients' outcome following laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer? A multicentre, retrospective analysis with propensity score matching

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the short-term and oncological impact of the Endoscopic Surgical Skill Qualification System (ESSQS) by the Japan Society for Endoscopic Surgery on the operator performing laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study was based on medical records from a multicentre database. A total of 417 patients diagnosed with stage II/III colon and rectosigmoid cancer treated with curative resection were divided into two groups according to whether they were operated on by qualified surgeons (Q group, n=352) or not (NQ group, n=65). Through strict propensity score matching, 98 cases (49 in each group) were assessed.

RESULTS

Operative time was significantly longer in the NQ group than in the Q group (199 vs. 168 min, p=0.029). The amount of blood loss, post-operative complications, and duration of hospitalisation were similar between both groups. No mortality was observed. One conversion case was seen in the NQ group. The 3-year recurrence-free survival rate was 86.6% in the NQ group and 88.2% in the Q group, which was not statistically significant (log-rank p=0.966).

CONCLUSION

Direct operation by ESSQS-qualified surgeons contributed to a shortened operation time. Under an organised educational environment, almost equivalent safety and oncological outcomes are expected regardless of the surgeon's qualifications.

Short-term clinical outcomes of a European training programme for robotic colorectal surgery

BACKGROUND

Despite there being a considerable amount of published studies on robotic colorectal surgery (RCS) over the last few years, there is a lack of evidence regarding RCS training pathways. This study examines the short-term clinical outcomes of an international RCS training programme (the European Academy of Robotic Colorectal Surgery-EARCS).

METHODS

Consecutive cases from 26 European colorectal units who conducted RCS between 2014 and 2018 were included in this study. The baseline characteristics and short-term outcomes of cases performed by EARCS delegates during training were analysed and compared with cases performed by EARCS graduates and proctors.

RESULTS

Data from 1130 RCS procedures were collected and classified into three cohort groups (323 training, 626 graduates and 181 proctors). The training cases conversion rate was 2.2% and R1 resection rate was 1.5%. The three groups were similar in terms of baseline characteristics with the exception of malignant cases and rectal resections performed. With the exception of operative time, blood loss and hospital stay (training vs. graduate vs. proctor: operative time 302, 265, 255 min, p < 0.001; blood loss 50, 50, 30 ml, p < 0.001; hospital stay 7, 6, 6 days, p = 0.003), all remaining short-term outcomes (conversion, 30-day reoperation, 30-day readmission, 30-day mortality, clinical anastomotic leak, complications, R1 resection and lymph node yield) were comparable between the three groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Colorectal surgeons learning how to perform RCS under the EARCS-structured training pathway can safely achieve short-term clinical outcomes comparable to their trainers and overcome the learning process in a way that minimises patient harm.

Rate of anastomotic leak following right hemicolectomy by general surgical trainees

PURPOSE

Performing a right hemicolectomy (RH) is a core technical competency for general surgical trainees. There is a concern that anastomotic leaks occur more frequently when patients are operated on by trainees rather than by surgeons. This study aims to analyse the quality of care outcomes after RH, stratified by the experience level of the operator.

METHODS

Patients were retrospectively recruited from the Bi-National Colorectal Cancer Audit (BCCA) Registry, from 2007 to 2018. All patients who underwent a RH for colorectal cancer were eligible. The primary outcome measure was anastomotic leak rate.

RESULTS

A total of 6548 eligible right hemicolectomies were identified, with 74% being performed by consultants, 12% by fellows, and 14% by surgical trainees. The overall incidence of an anastomotic leak was 2.1%, with the highest rate of 3.7% noted among supervised registrars. Positive resection margin rate was the highest among unsupervised trainees at 10.5%, as compared with 4.3% among consultants. Anastomotic leak, anastomotic bleeding, prolonged ileus, and pneumonia occurred significantly less frequently with consultant surgeons, as compared with trainees. Independent risk factors for anastomotic leak were urgent surgery, extended right hemicolectomy, conversion to open surgery, and a lower level of operator seniority. Two independent risk factors were identified for inpatient mortality-a high ASA score (III and above) and urgent surgery.

CONCLUSION

RH is a common operative procedure in general surgical training. Data from this study may assist with the structuring of surgical training programmes, aimed at maximising both patient safety and trainee professional development and education.

Acquiring Advanced Laparoscopic Colectomy Skills - The Issues

Colorectal surgery has been revolutionised towards minimally invasive surgery with the emergence of enhanced recovery protocol after surgery initiatives. However, laparoscopic colectomy has yet to be widely adopted, due mainly to the steep learning curve. We aim to review and discuss the methods of overcoming these learning curves by accelerating the competency level of the trainees without compromising patient safety. To provide this mini review, we assessed 70 articles in PubMed that were found through a search comprised the keywords laparoscopic colectomy, minimal invasive colectomy, learning curve and surgical education. We found England's Laparoscopic Colorectal National Training Programme (LAPCO-NTP) England to be by far the most structured programme established for colorectal surgeons, which involves pre-clinical and clinical phases that end with an assessment. For budding colorectal trainees, learning may be accelerated by simulator-based training to achieve laparoscopic dexterity coupled with an in-theatre proctorship by field experts. Task-specific checklists and video recordings are essential adjuncts to gauge progress and performance. As competency is established, careful case selections with the proctor are essential to maintain motivation and ensure safe performances. A structured programme to establish competency is vital to help both the proctor and trainee gauge real-time progress and performance. However, training systems both inside and outside the operating theatre (OT) are equally useful to achieve the desired performance.

Consultant versus trainee led surgery and impact on outcome following an emergency colonic resection

PURPOSE

Emergency colonic surgery carries a high mortality rate. In the UK, strategies to improve outcomes in emergency general surgery recommend a consultant surgeon to be physically present during all operations involving a patient with a predicted mortality > 5%. To test the assertion of the consultant surgeon's presence in theatre as a determinate of improved outcome, we assessed patients following an emergency colonic resection and the effect of operator seniority.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was undertaken for all patients undergoing an emergency colonic resection during a 4-year period between 2013 and 2017. Patient's pre-operative risk was assessed using P-POSSUM score and ASA grade. Outcomes assessed were post-operative morbidity (recorded using Clavien-Dindo classification), 30 day/inpatient mortality and length of stay (LOS). Outcomes were then compared between consultant and trainee led cases using univariate logistic regression techniques with results presented in terms of odds ratios (95% confidence intervals). A p value of 0.05 is used to determine statistical significance.

RESULTS

A total of 130 patients were identified over the 4-year study period. 65% had their operation performed by a consultant and 35% by a trainee. Pre-operative P-POSSUM scores were the same between the groups (9.4% [5.0-25.2] vs 9.4% [4.9-28.6] p 0.75). There was no significant difference in post-operative complication rates between consultant and trainee led cases for minor (OR 1.58 [0.76-3.20] p 0.27) or major complications (OR 1.08 [0.50-2.31] p 0.84). Overall post-operative mortality was 14% with a trend for higher mortality rates in consultant led cases (15% vs 9%) albeit not statistically significant (p 0.57). Despite similar complication rates, trainee led operations were associated with slightly longer LOS at 19 (IQR 12-38) vs 15 (IQR 9-23) days (p 0.56).

CONCLUSION

Emergency colonic surgery remains associated with a high level of morbidity and mortality. However, consultant presence at the operating table does not appear to be the sole determinant of outcome following an emergency colonic resection.

Structured training pathway and proctoring; multicenter results of the implementation of transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) in the Netherlands

Background

Transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) is a new complex technique with potential to improve the quality of surgical mesorectal excision for patients with mid and low rectal cancer. The procedure is technically challenging and has shown to be associated with a relative long learning curve which might hamper widespread adoption. Therefore, a national structured training pathway for TaTME has been set up in the Netherlands to allow safe implementation. The aim of this study was to monitor safety and efficacy of the training program with 12 centers.

Methods

Short-term outcomes of the first ten TaTME procedures were evaluated in 12 participating centers in the Netherlands within the national structured training pathway. Consecutive patients operated during and after the proctoring program for rectal carcinoma with curative intent were included. Primary outcome was the incidence of intraoperative complications, secondary outcomes included postoperative complications and pathological outcomes.

Results

In October 2018, 12 hospitals completed the training program and from each center the first 10 patients were included for evaluation. Intraoperative complications occurred in 4.9% of the cases. The clinicopathological outcome reported 100% for complete or nearly complete specimen, 100% negative distal resection margin, and the circumferential resection margin was positive in 5.0% of patients. Overall postoperative complication rate was 45.0%, with 19.2% Clavien–Dindo ≥ III and an anastomotic leak rate of 17.3%.

Conclusions

This study shows that the nationwide structured training program for TaTME delivers safe implementation of TaTME in terms of intraoperative and pathology outcomes within the first ten consecutive cases in each center. However, postoperative morbidity is substantial even within a structured training pathway and surgeons should be aware of the learning curve of this new technique.