Surgical training in transition—quality over quantity?

Punctures and drainage of body cavities: 15.Feasible!Specialized sonography including interventional procedures: 150, Segment/subsegment resections of the liver: 5, Procedures on the colon and rectum (resections with and without anastomosis, stomas): 10.Feasible?This is an excerpt from the curriculum for the subspecialty of general-, and visceral surgery of the Austrian Medical Chamber 2020 [1].The overall requested number in training without specialization are 455 invasive interventions in the operation room, 180 endoscopies and 595 (noninvasive) smaller procedures.Additionally further 3 of 6 core modules are mandatory for specializing.Among all surgical disciplines there have been published 3 versions since 2015 only for general-, and visceral surgery so far.Comparing the current curriculum content with that of 2015 several changes have been made.Not only the target numbers have been shifted, but also the distribution and definition of required procedures.Overall, there is a trend towards a quantitative reduction in the surgical repertoire, while maintaining quality and providing more precise specifications for surgical procedures.However, completely absent is any consideration for robotic surgery.Could this emerge as a distinct specialty or should it be integrated into existing specialties?Certainly, the future will show increased utilization of robotic surgery and artificial intelligence, as widely agreed upon [2].Surgical disciplines are