Impact of training on short- and long-term outcomes following sleeve gastrectomy: a prospective study

Background: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a core bariatric surgical procedure that requires training and mentorship. However, evidence on short- and long-term outcomes of trainee-performed procedures remains limited. This study evaluated the impact of surgical training on operative performance, weight-loss outcomes, and comorbidity resolution following LSG at a bariatric teaching center. Materials and methods: Prospectively collected data from 76 patients operated between 2016 and 2017 were analyzed to compare consultant-performed and trainee-performed cases. Preliminary findings from this cohort were previously presented at the ASGBI conference in 2021; however, the current study includes additional analyses of long-term comorbidity resolution and a sub-analysis comparing supervised and unsupervised trainee cases, conducted at 41 months postoperatively, which have not been previously reported. Results: Demographics, operative time, length of stay, and complication rates were similar between the groups, and no significant differences were observed in excess weight loss at either 20 or 41 months. Conclusion: These findings indicate that when appropriately supervised, trainees achieve safe and effective short- and long-term outcomes equivalent to those of consultants, supporting the need for structured operative training.