Laparoscopic Elective Colorectal Procedures Performed by Supervised Residents Are Safe and Sufficient.

The ability to perform laparoscopic colorectal surgery is an essential attribute of a general surgeon. Residents' contribution to colorectal procedures ranges from 33 to 40%. Few papers describe the outcomes of treatment provided by residents. The learning curve in colorectal techniques requires 88 to 152 cases to reach proficiency. Data on the participation of residents and the outcomes of procedures performed by surgeons in training are in demand. The objective of this study is to comprehensively investigate the outcomes of colorectal procedures performed by general surgery residents supervised by experienced colorectal surgeons and assess their previous laparoscopic experience. A retrospective single-center analysis was performed based on a review of database records. It included 498 elective colorectal procedures performed in a high-volume colorectal surgery center, where over 200 procedures are performed each year. The study included all individuals undergoing elective colorectal resection due to cancer between January 2022 and December 2023. 43 procedures were performed by residents and 455 by experienced colorectal surgeons. The procedures were performed by five experienced colorectal surgeons and three residents in their third to sixth year of surgical training. When performing evaluated procedures, residents were performed under the surveillance of experienced colorectal surgeons, according to Polish law requirements.

Inclusion criteria

• all individuals undergoing elective colorectal resection due to cancer between January 2022 and December 2023 in a single colorectal center.

Exclusion criteria

• stoma creation
• a history of inflammatory bowel disease
• a history of bowel resection