Urogynecology experience in Canada's obstetrics and gynecology residency programs

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the exposure of obstetrics and gynecology residents to urogynecologic training and to compare this to the program directors' expectations. A cross-sectional questionnaire study was performed surveying the 60 final-year residents and their program directors at all 16 Canadian residency programs. Questions covered areas of knowledge and skills in basic and advanced urogynecology. Thirty-two (53%) residents and nine (56%) program directors responded. Twenty-six (81%) residents had a formal urogynecology rotation with training in incontinence, prolapse, pessary-fitting, and urodynamics. Residents performed a median of: 50 vaginal hysterectomies, 30 anterior repairs, 30 posterior repairs, 35 retropubic urethropexies, and 15 cystoscopies. All other procedures had a median of 6 or less. Responses of residents and program directors correlated well. Although residents in Canada have adequate exposure to simple urogynecologic procedures, they perform few complex cases. Such procedures should be performed by physicians with additional urogynecology fellowship training.