Laparoscopy-to-laparotomy quotient in obstetrics and gynecology residency programs.
BACKGROUND
Laparoscopic skills are indispensable to the practice of present-day gynecologists. Hence, we investigated the share of minimal invasive surgery in the training of obstetricians and gynecologists.


METHODS
Information on resident experience from 197 obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN) residency programs was obtained from the Association of Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics.


RESULTS
Over a period of 4 years, an OBGYN resident performs--as surgeon or assistant--on average 190 abdominal procedures including 111 abdominal hysterectomies as well as 53 vaginal hysterectomies and 95 operative laparoscopic procedures with or without hysterectomy. The average laparoscopy-tolaparotomy quotient (LPQ) is 0.54, and the average vaginal-to-abdominal hysterectomy quotient (VAQ) is 0.50.


CONCLUSIONS
More attention to minimal invasive surgery is needed in OBGYN residency programs.
Sami Walid
M
M
Medical Center of Central Georgia, 840 Pine Street, Suite 880, Macon, GA 31201, USA. mswalid@yahoo.com
Heaton
Richard L
RL
D006176:Gynecology / Q000193:education* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D007045:Hysterectomy, Vaginal / Q000193:education* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D007396:Internship and Residency / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000193:education* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D007813:Laparotomy / Q000193:education* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data