Interest areas for training in endourology, laparoscopy and robotics: results of a multicentric survey among Spanish residents

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the current status of the training of Urology Resident's in Laparoscopic surgery, robotics and endourology.

Methods: We performed a survey among Spanish Urology Residents between 2011 and may 2012. We designed a survey that was disseminated through the web page of the Spanish Society of Laparoscopic and Robotic surgery (SECLA) (www.seclaendosurgery.com) to all residents from every Spanish hospital. The survey was divided in four blocks: General data, data of the Training Hospital, data of the surgical procedures (endoscopic, laparoscopic and robotic) and training features. We performed a descriptive study of the results.

Results: 36 Urology residents out of a total of 384 answered the survey (9,3%). In reference to endoscopic procedures 25% of the residents had never been involved on a percutaneous nephrostomy (n=36), and did not expect to do it. On the contrary, 77% have performed ureterorrenoscopy as first surgeon (n=36) and 25% have participated in more than 10 procedures. 54.4% of the participants took part as surgeons in percutaneous nephrolithotomies (n=28) and 79% looked forward to do them. Participation of residents in Da Vinci Robot assisted laparoscopic procedures is low. Laparoscopic procedures are very attractive and their participation is reduced as procedure complexity increases.

Conclusions: 41.6% of participants think their training is adequate whereas 58,3% think it is not. 88% think their training could improve through courses and seminars and acquiring a greater degree of responsibility.