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Robotic surgery training curricula: prevalence, perceptions, and educational experiences in general surgery residency programs

  • 2021 SAGES Oral
  • Published:
Surgical Endoscopy Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Background

Utilization of robotics in general surgery has increased exponentially in the past decade. The purpose of this study was to provide an updated analysis of the prevalence of robotic training curricula among general surgery residency programs across the United States.

Methods

A 19-item survey was distributed to program directors of the Association of Program Directors in Surgery email list. The survey focused on the programs’ demographics, program directors’ opinions of robotic surgery, and status of robotic surgery curricula. Data was compiled and analyzed using Qualtrics Survey Software, Microsoft Excel and IBM SPSS. Chi-Squared statistical significance was defined as a p value of < 0.05.

Results

Of the 280 program directors, 107 (38.2%) responded. Overall, 75 (70%) residency programs provided a formal robotic surgery curriculum. Regarding the importance of robotics to general surgery training, 67 (89%) programs that provided a formal robotic surgery curriculum stated it was either ‘Very important’ or ‘Probably important’ as opposed to 23 (72%) programs that did not offer a formal robotic surgery curriculum (p = 0.017). 73 of the 75 residency programs with a formal robotic surgery training curriculum answered the curriculum specific questions. 58 (79%) had been present for 3 years or less. Bedside assisting began in 62 (85%) programs as a post-graduate year (PGY) 1 or PGY2 and residents began operating on the console as a PGY2 or PGY3 in 53 (72%) programs. However, there was variability regarding the percentage of the case a senior resident actually operated on the robotic console.

Conclusions

A majority of general surgery residency programs offer formal robotic surgery curricula and have been present for 3 years or less. Most residencies begin their curricula in PGY1 or PGY2 year, with an opportunity to bedside assist and operate on the robotic console in the first 3 years of residency. Operative barriers and defined milestones for general surgery trainees need to be identified.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 W Watertown Plank Rd, Wauwatosa, WI, 53226, USA

    Matthew P. Madion, Andrew Kastenmeier, Matthew I. Goldblatt & Rana M. Higgins

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  1. Matthew P. Madion
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  2. Andrew Kastenmeier
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  3. Matthew I. Goldblatt
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  4. Rana M. Higgins
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Correspondence to Rana M. Higgins.

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Disclosures

Dr. Madion has no conflict of interest or financial ties to disclose. Dr. Kastenmeier has no conflict of interest or financial ties to disclose. Dr. Goldblatt is a speaker and consultant for W.L. Gore, undergoes consulting and research for Medtronic, and does research for Bard. Dr. Higgins is a proctor and speaker for Intuitive Surgical and is a speaker for W.L. Gore.

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Madion, M.P., Kastenmeier, A., Goldblatt, M.I. et al. Robotic surgery training curricula: prevalence, perceptions, and educational experiences in general surgery residency programs. Surg Endosc 36, 6638–6646 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-021-08930-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-021-08930-z

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