Perceived needs for gastrointestinal endoscopic training in surgical residencies

Questionnaires sent to directors of 126 university surgical residency programs analyzed the availability and quality of fiberoptic gastrointestinal endoscopic training. Seventy percent responded: 59 percent of their programs included some endoscopy training. Only half of the respondents believed their residents were adequately trained in endoscopic techniques. Although 67 percent of institutions had at least one surgeon performing endoscopy, many did not involve surgical residents in their cases. Insufficient case-loads were the rule, with fewer than 30 patients available to each resident for gastroscopy in 63 percent of the programs and for colonoscopy in 89 percent. Only half of all directors were satisfied with their relation with gastroenterology with respect to endoscopy. Gastroenterology service monopolized the performance of endoscopy at 41 percent of the universities. Since endoscopy is helpful in the management of many gastrointestinal disorders treated by surgeons, training surgical residents in such techniques is advisable. To do so properly, program directors must recruit skilled faculty and provide more concentrated endoscopic rotations with adequate caseloads or develop truly shared educational experiences with their colleagues in gastroenterology.