Purpose: To investigate the utility of a gynecologic laparoscopy simulation curriculum designed for obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN) residents in the five Fundamentals of Laparoscopy Surgery (FLS) skills.
Background: This was a cohort study which took place at a community-based OBGYN residency program. Participants included a total of 51 2nd and 3rd year residents.
Methods: A comprehensive, 10 week-long gynecologic endoscopy program, comprising both cognitive and manual skills. Formal assessment of baseline time and accuracy for each of the 5 FLS exercises was obtained by an FLS-certified attending on each resident. Each week thereafter comprised a 3 hour training session that included approximately 90 minutes of hands-on psychomotor training using the FLS System. On week 9 formal testing was repeated by the same proctor and the data entered into an Excel database.
Results: There were 51 residents in the 10 year period. Between 38 and 46 pairs of data for the 5 skills were evaluable. The baseline and week 9 completion times in seconds (SD) were as follows: Peg transfer 90.8 (40.1) and 59.4 (20.5); Pattern cut 190.7 (87.9) and 113.8 (51.0); Ligating loop 92.1 (39.6) and 65.1 (31.2); Extracorporeal tie 230.9 (88.3) and 137.8 (42.2); Intracorporeal tie 249.3 (97.9) and 134.1 (69.5). All differences were significant P < .001
Discussions: Mid-level OBGYN residents exposed to this simulation training program significantly improved performance in the five FLS skills. It may serve as a model for residency training programs. However, the absence of a hysteroscopic component in FLS is noteworthy and a shortcoming for OBGYN training programs.
Topics: CREOG & APGO Annual Meeting, 2021, Resident, Faculty, Practice-Based Learning & Improvement, GME, Simulation, Minimally Invasive Surgery,
Vivian Yu, MD, Kaiser Los Angeles Medical Center; Malcolm Munro, MD, FRCSC
