Surgical Registrars as Primary Operators Have Acceptable Outcomes for Trauma Laparotomy

Background: The literature has suggested that acceptable outcomes in elective general surgery can be achieved with registrars operating but is less clear with trauma surgery. Methods: This was a retrospective study of all laparotomies performed for adult trauma between 2012 and 2020 at a Level 1 Trauma Centre in New Zealand to identify potential differences in clinical outcomes between primary operators. The primary operator of each operation was identified, along with the presence or absence of a consultant and the clinical outcome. Results: During the 9-year study period, a total of 204 trauma laparotomies were performed at Waikato Hospital. The groups of the primary operators were: a registrar with a consultant present (27%), a registrar without a consultant present (22%), a registrar assisting a consultant (48%), and a consultant who operated without a registrar (3%). Direct comparison was made between the three groups where registrars were involved in the laparotomy. There was no significant difference in the clinical outcomes, whether a consultant was present or not. Conclusions: Surgical registrars have acceptable outcomes for trauma laparotomy in the appropriate patients. A consultant surgeon should still operate on patients with more significant physiological derangements.