Toggle Main Menu Toggle Search

Open Access padlockePrints

Who is doing laparoscopic appendicectomies and who taught them?

Lookup NU author(s): Paul Gallagher

Downloads

Full text for this publication is not currently held within this repository. Alternative links are provided below where available.


Abstract

Background: Laparoscopic appendicectomy offers potential advantages, but its use seems variable and perhaps related to the enthusiasm of individual trainees. There is limited opportunity in many hospitals for consultants to do and teach laparoscopic appendicectomy because of the way emergency work is organised. Methods: This study investigated the use and teaching of laparoscopic appendicectomy in two health regions, by a questionnaire sent to all specialist registrars (SpRs) in general surgery and completed by 78% (56 of 72). Results: Of the responding SpRs, 43% had performed a laparoscopic appendicectomy (with an average of 2.5 supervised by a consultant and 7.5 with a more junior assistant). Of these, 92% had been taught by a consultant, but only 31% (33 of 108) of the consultants for whom they were currently working had done appendicectomy laparoscopically, and laparoscopic appendicectomy was only being performed on 14% of the SpRs current firms (47% with upper gastrointestinal and 40% with colorectal specialist interest). Some 5-30% of patients on those firms were treated laparoscopically, mostly at the preference of the SpR. Conclusions: Dedicated consultant time for emergencies would facilitate teaching of laparoscopic appendicectomy but theatre time, costs of disposable instruments, and the inexperience of many consultants in this operation are likely to continue limiting its use. Further debate is needed on its place in the treatment of appendicitis.


Publication metadata

Author(s): Noble H, Gallagher P, Campbell WB

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England

Year: 2003

Volume: 85

Issue: 5

Pages: 331-333

ISSN (print): 0035-8843

ISSN (electronic): 1478-7083

Publisher: The Royal College of Surgeons of England

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1308/003588403769162459

DOI: 10.1308/003588403769162459


Altmetrics

Altmetrics provided by Altmetric


Share