29 Comparisons of Operative Exposure in UK Core Surgical Training a Generation Apart: A Father/son Logbook Comparison in Kent, Surrey & Sussex

Aim Operative exposure during current core surgical training is considered by many to be significantly less than a generation ago. To evaluate this, we compared the logbooks of a father and son, who both completed their core surgical training in the same deanery of Kent, Surrey and Sussex (KSS), 35 years apart. Method Nariman Karanjia (NK) and Rustam Karanjia (RK)’s logbook numbers in 1985-1987 and 2020-2022 respectively over 24 months were analysed. NK completed core surgical training at the Royal Surrey Hospital in Guildford and RK at St. Peter’s Hospital, Chertsey, and Worthing Hospital. Only procedures performed as the primary surgeon were included. Total procedure number and core procedure numbers for each specialty were compared. RK’s numbers were adjusted to ensure the same placement length when using direct comparison. Results Overall, NK performed 703 procedures vs. RK’s 398, with greater numbers in Trauma & Orthopaedics (T&O) (261 vs. 12) and General Surgery (314 vs. 47) but fewer in Urology (128 vs. 339). When adjusted for placement length, Urology numbers were comparable (128 vs. 127) but NKs numbers for T&O (261 vs. 18) and General Surgery (314 vs. 141) remained far greater. Core procedures were greater or equal in NKs logbook for all three specialties when adjusted for placement length. Conclusions Operative numbers were much greater overall and across General Surgery and T&O 35 years ago. Urology numbers were equivalent and likely represent the benefit of a themed core surgical training program.