APPENDICECTOMY BY SURGEON OR RESIDENT: IS THERE A DIFFERENCE?
Topic overview
Systematic review comparing perioperative outcomes of pediatric emergency appendicectomy performed by surgical trainees versus trained surgeons. Meta-analysis of 5 studies involving over 10,000 patients examines whether operator experience level affects complication rates and surgical outcomes in this benchmark training procedure.
Key takeaways
- Trainee-performed pediatric appendicectomy shows no difference in overall complications, major complications, or wound infections vs trained surgeons
- Operation times and reoperation rates are equivalent between trainees and trained surgeons performing pediatric appendicectomy
- Trainees had significantly fewer conversions to open appendicectomy (OR 0.14), suggesting appropriate case selection or technique
- Meta-analysis of 10,019 patients supports trainee involvement in pediatric appendicectomy without compromising patient safety
- Appendicectomy remains a valid benchmark procedure for surgical training with acceptable perioperative outcomes
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