WTP7.07 Evaluating Laparoscopic Competence: Insights from a Surgical Residents Competition

Aim To assess the laparoscopic skills of General surgery residents. Methodology A laparoscopic skills competition was organised for 21 residents at the Department of Surgery, Participants had two months of access to a simulator lab before an observed skill test. Residents were categorized into two groups: junior (1st and 2nd year) and senior (3rd and 4th year). Results The median age of the residents was 29 years. The following laparoscopic skills were assessed:Peg Transfer: Median time 240 sec (range 123-484 sec); 12 passed, 9 failed.Bead Transfer: Median time 450 sec (range 345-580 sec); 2 passed, 19 failed.Loop the Thread: Median time 360 sec (range 90-540 sec); 9 passed, 12 failed.Intracorporeal Knotting: Median time 347 sec (range 105-380 sec); 13 passed, 8 failed.Extracorporeal Knotting: Median time 312 sec (range 183-404 sec). A chi-square test was used to compare junior and senior residents’ performances. Conclusion There were no significant differences between junior and senior residents. However, juniors performed better overall in most skill sets.