2005 SAGES Abstracts

POSTER ABSTRACTS
MD,Mark L Wulkan MD,Evan R Kokoska MD,Thom E Lobe
MD,Douglas C Barnhart MD,Tara J Loux BA, University of
Alabama Medical Center, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital,
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Emory University
School of Medicine, University of Arkansas Medical Center,
University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Background: Laparoscopic suturing and knot tying skills are
critical to performing advanced pediatric laparoscopic operations.
The value of advanced laparoscopic training courses
which include animate models, has been reported to be beneficial
in improving laparoscopic suturing and knot tying skills
for general surgery residents. However, no specific information
is available regarding the value of advanced training
courses for pediatric surgical residents. The purpose of this
study was to assess whether training courses resulted in
improved advanced skills in surgeons who have recently completed
general surgery residencies.
Methods: Twenty-three pediatric surgery residents (PGY-6
through PGY-9) participated in an advanced laparoscopic skills
course, which included a didactic session followed by an animate
surgical session using a pig model and performing a
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. At the onset of the operative procedure,
each pediatric surgery resident was timed during laparoscopic
placement of a simple silk suture in the intestinal wall
and tying of four knots. After completion of the five-hour operative
session, the residents were again timed in the suturing
and knot tying skill to evaluate any change in performance.
Data are presented as time (seconds ± SD) and statistical
analysis was performed using repeated measures t-test.
Results: Of the 23 participants, 20 had faster recorded suturing
and knot tying times after the training session as compared to
those times recorded before the session. Mean pre-session
suturing and tying time was 173.8 ± 71.4 s, and mean post-session
time was 98.4 ± 32.3 s. Suturing and tying time from preto
post-session significantly decreased by a mean of 75.4 ±
74.2 s (95% CI 43.3 ? 107.5 s, p