Background: Few studies have attempted to ascertain the safety of laparoscopic cholecystectomies (LC) based on resident postgraduate year. We hypothesize that there is no difference in complications based on resident level in LC.
Methods: We prospectively gathered data from 200 LC. Residents were classified as surgeon chief (SC), surgeon junior (SJ), or teaching assistant (TA/SJ). Outcomes included surgical complications and operative time based on resident level or ambulatory status.
Results: Average operating time was 65.17, 69.38, and 63.91 minutes for SC, SJ, and TA/SJ, respectively. Average operative time in the elective group was 62 versus 70.67 minutes in the emergent group (P=0.037). Five, 2, and 6 major complications occurred in the TA/SJ, and SC groups, respectively, (P=0.937). Major complications occurred in 9 of 97 emergent and 4 of 70 elective cases (P=0.396).
Conclusion: With respect to time and morbidity in LC, we found all level of residents to be safe.