Laparoscopic Appendectomy Performed by Surgical Interns: Is it Too Early?

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) is a common procedure among surgical trainees. However, first-year residents' involvement in this procedure is scarcely studied. We aimed to determine the safety and outcomes of LA performed by surgical interns early in their first year of surgical training. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients who underwent LA for acute appendicitis from 2006 to 2019 was performed. All patients operated by surgical interns were included. The sample was divided into 2 groups: LA performed during the first (G1) and last 3 months (G2) of their first year of residency. Demographics, operative variables, and postoperative outcomes were compared between groups. RESULTS: A total of 2009 LA were performed during the study period; 1647 (82%) were done by surgical interns. A total of 934 LA were performed at both ends of the year; 505 belonged to G1 and 429 to G2. Each surgical intern performed a mean of 40 LA. Demographics, complicated appendicitis rates, and presence of peritonitis were comparable between groups. Operative time was longer in G1 (G1: 61 vs. G2: 52 min, P<0.0001). Major morbidity (G1: 2.1% vs. G2: 3.4%, P=0.2), postoperative intra-abdominal abscess rates (G1: 2.8% vs. G2: 2.8%, P=0.66), median length of hospital stay (G1: 1.9 vs. G2: 1.8 d, P=0.59), and readmission rates (G1: 1.6% vs. G2: 2%, P=0.73) were similar between groups. There was no mortality in the series. CONCLUSIONS: LA can be safely performed by supervised surgical interns early in their training. Despite a longer operative time, postoperative outcomes were favorable and similar as those achieved at the end of surgical internship.