Our Summary
The research paper, in simple terms, looks into the time it takes for surgical trainees to perform a specific surgical procedure called laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), which is the removal of the gallbladder. The researchers studied 514 such operations carried out by 16 trainees in order to find out how many surgeries it takes for the surgical time to become stable.
They found that on average, a trainee’s first LC takes 112 minutes. However, the time quickly drops after the first 20 operations, and after about 60 surgeries, the time needed to perform the operation becomes consistent.
The researchers noticed a significant reduction in time between a trainee’s first 10 surgeries and their 50th to 59th surgeries. However, after this point, the time reduction was not statistically significant. Once a trainee had done over 50 operations, their surgical times were comparable to those of experienced surgeons.
The study also found that surgeries on patients with a condition called acute cholecystitis took longer, but the time still reduced significantly with the surgeon’s experience. They also found that certain parts of the surgery took less time as the trainee gained experience.
In conclusion, the research found that the time it takes to perform an LC consistently reduces with the surgeon’s experience, and it takes about 60 surgeries for the time to become stable.
FAQs
- How many laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgeries does it typically take for a trainee’s surgical time to become stable according to the research?
- How does the surgical time of a trainee compare to that of an experienced surgeon after they have performed over 50 operations?
- Does the condition of the patient, such as having acute cholecystitis, impact the time it takes for a surgical trainee to perform a laparoscopic cholecystectomy?
Doctor’s Tip
A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about laparoscopic cholecystectomy is that the surgeon’s experience plays a significant role in the time it takes to perform the surgery. Patients should feel reassured knowing that as the surgeon gains more experience, the surgery time will likely decrease and become more consistent. This can lead to better outcomes and a smoother recovery process for the patient.
Suitable For
Overall, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is recommended for patients who have gallbladder disease, such as gallstones or inflammation of the gallbladder. Patients who are otherwise healthy and fit for surgery are typically recommended for this procedure.
Specifically, patients who may benefit from laparoscopic cholecystectomy include those with symptomatic gallstones, chronic cholecystitis, acute cholecystitis, gallbladder polyps, or gallbladder dyskinesia. Patients who have had previous episodes of gallstone-related complications, such as biliary colic or pancreatitis, may also be recommended for this surgery.
It is important for patients to discuss their specific medical history and condition with their healthcare provider to determine if laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the best treatment option for them.
Timeline
Before the laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the patient typically experiences symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and bloating. They may also undergo various tests such as ultrasound or CT scan to diagnose the condition. Once the decision is made to proceed with the surgery, the patient will undergo pre-operative preparation which includes fasting, medical evaluation, and obtaining consent.
During the laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the patient is placed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes small incisions in the abdomen and inserts a laparoscope, a thin tube with a camera, to view the gallbladder. The surgeon then removes the gallbladder using specialized instruments. The procedure typically takes about 1-2 hours.
After the surgery, the patient is closely monitored in the recovery room for a few hours before being discharged. They may experience some pain and discomfort, which can be managed with pain medication. The patient is advised to follow a specific diet and activity restrictions for a few days to aid in the recovery process.
Overall, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a safe and effective procedure for treating gallbladder problems, and patients usually experience a relatively quick recovery compared to traditional open surgery.
What to Ask Your Doctor
Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about laparoscopic cholecystectomy include:
- How many laparoscopic cholecystectomies have you performed?
- What is your success rate with this procedure?
- What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
- How long will the surgery take?
- What is the recovery time and expected outcome?
- Will I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery?
- Are there any alternative treatments or procedures available?
- How experienced is the surgical team that will be assisting with the procedure?
- What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
- How should I prepare for the surgery and what post-operative care will be required?
Reference
Authors: Komatsu M, Yokoyama N, Katada T, Sato D, Otani T, Harada R, Utsumi S, Hirai M, Kubota A, Uehara H. Journal: Surg Endosc. 2023 Feb;37(2):1252-1261. doi: 10.1007/s00464-022-09666-0. Epub 2022 Sep 28. PMID: 36171452