title: Impact on laboratory training in subsequent performance of laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-lasting influence of laparoscopic training during residency course on outcomes of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC).
  
  
  METHODS
  We compared outcomes of LC in patients treated by surgeons who have learned LC by the traditional surgical residency program (traditional group; n = 15) with those of LC operated on by surgeons who received additional intensive laboratory training in their residency [Jikei Surgical Skill Training Program (JSTP) group; n = 9].
  
  
  RESULTS
  Among the 503 patients subjected to LC, 302 (60.0%) cases were performed by surgeons in the traditional group and 201 (40.0%) cases in the JSTP group. The patient characteristics, operative outcome variables, and the pathological findings of the gallbladder were comparable in the two groups. Despite no difference in the above factors, conversion rates were significantly higher in the traditional group compared with the JSTP group (10.6% vs 5.0%; p = 0.026). In multivariate analysis, training background was an independent risk factor for conversion to open surgery (odds ratio, 2.79; 95% confidence interval, 1.25-6.24).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  To ensure competence for laparoscopic skills, we propose that such training program should be integrated into the curriculum of the general surgery residency.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Nishi-shinbashi, 3-25-8, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-8461, Japan. shinohara@jikei.ac.jp
authors.forename: Toshihiko
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Shinohara
authors.forename: Tetsuji
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Fujita
authors.forename: Takeyuki
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Misawa
authors.forename: Taro
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Sakamoto
authors.forename: Kazuhiko
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Yoshida
authors.forename: Hideyuki
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kashiwagi
authors.forename: Katsuhiko
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Yanaga