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. 2011 Jan-Mar;15(1):21-6.
doi: 10.4293/108680810X12924466009122.

Fundamentals of laparoscopic surgery: a surgical skills assessment tool in gynecology

Hye-Chun Hur  1 , Deborah Arden, Laura E Dodge, Bin Zheng, Hope A Ricciotti
Affiliations

Fundamentals of laparoscopic surgery: a surgical skills assessment tool in gynecology

Hye-Chun Hur et al. JSLS. 2011 Jan-Mar.

Abstract

Objective: To describe our experience with the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) program as a teaching and assessment tool for basic laparoscopic competency among gynecology residents.

Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at a single academic institution. Before the FLS program was introduced, baseline FLS testing was offered to residents and gynecology division directors. Test scores were analyzed by training level and self-reported surgical experience. After implementing a minimally invasive gynecologic surgical curriculum, third-year residents were retested.

Results: The pass rates for baseline FLS skills testing were 0% for first-year residents, 50% for second-year residents, and 75% for third- and fourth-year residents. The pass rates for baseline cognitive testing were 60% for first- and second-year residents, 67% for third-year residents, and 40% for fourth-year residents. When comparing junior and senior residents, there was a significant difference in pass rates for the skills test (P=.007) but not the cognitive test (P=.068). Self-reported surgical experience strongly correlated with skills scores (r-value=0.97, P=.0048), but not cognitive scores (r-value=0.20, P=.6265). After implementing a curriculum, 100% of the third-year residents passed the skills test, and 92% passed the cognitive examination.

Conclusions: The FLS skills test may be a valuable assessment tool for gynecology residents. The cognitive test may need further adaptation for applicability to gynecologists.

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