Evaluation of the learning curve in laparoscopic colorectal surgery: comparison of right-sided and left-sided resections.
OBJECTIVE
To provide a multidimensional analysis of the learning curve in major laparoscopic colonic and rectal surgery and compare outcomes between right-sided versus left-sided resections.


BACKGROUND
The laparoscopic learning curve is known to vary between surgeons, may be influenced by the patient selection and operative complexity, and requires appropriate case-mix adjustment.


METHODS
This is a descriptive single-center study using routinely collected clinical data from 900 patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery between November 1991 and April 2003. Outcome measures included operation time, conversion rate (CR), and readmission and postoperative complication rates. Multifactorial logistic regression analysis was used to identify patient-, surgeon-, and procedure-related factors associated with conversion of laparoscopic to open surgery. A risk-adjusted Cumulative Sum (CUSUM) model was used for evaluating the learning curve for right and left-sided resections.


RESULTS
The conversion rate for right-sided colonic resections was 8.1% (n = 457) compared with 15.3% for left-sided colorectal resections (n = 443). Independent predictors of conversion of laparoscopic to open surgery were the body mass index (BMI) (odds ratio [OR] = 1.07 per unit increase), ASA grade (OR = 1.63 per unit increase), type of resection (left colorectal versus right colonic procedures, OR = 1.5), presence of intra-abdominal abscess (OR = 5.0) or enteric fistula (OR = 4.6), and surgeon's experience (OR 0.9 per 10 additional cases performed). Having adjusted for case-mix, the CUSUM analysis demonstrated a learning curve of 55 cases for right-sided colonic resections versus 62 cases for left-sided resections. Median operative time declined with operative experience (P<0.001). Readmission rates and postoperative complications remained unchanged throughout the series and were not dependent on operative experience.


CONCLUSIONS
Conversion rates for laparoscopic colectomy are dependent on a multitude of factors that require appropriate adjustment including the learning curve (operative experience) for individual surgeons. The laparoscopic model described can be used as the basis for performance monitoring between or within institutions.
Department of Colorectal Surgery and the Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA.
Paris P
PP
Tekkis
Antony J
AJ
Senagore
Conor P
CP
Delaney
Victor W
VW
Fazio
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002983:Clinical Competence; D015331:Cohort Studies; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D003107:Colorectal Surgery / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D011336:Probability; D012086:Reoperation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D016896:Treatment Outcome