Abstract text (incl. references and figure legends)
Introduction
Emergency General Surgery (EGS) is not yet recognised as a subspecialty interest by The Joint Committee on Surgical Training (JCST) and trainees have not previously been assigned to EGS departments in our deanery. This pilot study aims to evaluate whether a placement in an EGS department is able to meet the training needs of the UK higher surgical curriculum. Additionally, we propose JCST-style training requirements for a General Surgery trainee with a subspecialty interest in EGS.
Material and Methods
The objective logbook and portfolio material and subjective training experience of a ST5 General Surgery StR placed with a EGS department for 6 months is presented and evaluated against higher surgical trainees working in other subspecialties.
Results
141 operations were recorded, with 85 (60%) performed as primary surgeon between 06/04/22 - 04/10/22. This was compared to an average of 138 operations with 58 (42%) performed as primary surgeon amongst other trainees. Index procedures performed as primary surgeon included 13 inguinal hernia, 17 cholecystectomy, 5 segmental colectomy, 17 appendicectomy, 13 emergency laparotomy and 1 Hartmann's. This was compared to an average of 2 inguinal hernia, 8 cholecystectomy, 7 segmental colectomy, 14 appendicectomy, 10 emergency laparotomy and 2 Hartmann's by other trainees.
Conclusion
This study objectively demonstrates that equivalent training outcomes can be achieved in a EGS department for the indicative operative numbers and assessments that are currently measured for surgical trainees in the UK. In particular, a higher proportion of primary surgeon operating and index procedures were reported. In order to train and shape the EGS Consultants of the future, a new set of EGS-subspecialty outcomes should be developed, with emphasis on assessment of competency in procedures such as hot cholecystectomy, incarcerated hernia, bile duct exploration, emergency laparotomy and abdominal wall reconstruction.
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