Surgeon and Assistant Experience in Appendicectomy Complications
Author Information
Author(s): Muacevic Alexander, Adler John R, Read Joshua, Johns Jonathan, Anderson Cain, Prasad Jagdish
Primary Institution: Te Whatu Ora, Tauranga, NZL
Hypothesis
Does the experience level of surgeons and assistants influence the rate of complications following appendicectomy?
Conclusion
Experienced surgeons performed faster appendicectomies, but there was no relationship between the surgeon's experience level and complication rates.
Supporting Evidence
- Post-operative bleeding was the only complication that correlated with the assistant’s level of experience.
- More experienced surgeons performed faster appendicectomies.
- There was no significant difference in total complication rates based on the surgeon’s and assistant’s position.
- Statistical analysis showed no significant relationship between the surgeon’s and assistant’s position and post-operative length of admission.
Takeaway
This study looked at whether more experienced surgeons and assistants have fewer problems after surgery. It found that while experienced surgeons work faster, their experience doesn't really change how many patients have complications.
Methodology
A retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients admitted for appendicitis from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2022, analyzing medical records for complications and demographics.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in case allocation based on surgeon availability and competence.
Limitations
Broad classification of experience levels may not accurately reflect individual skills, limited sample size increases type II error risk, and external validity is limited due to uneven distribution of cases among consultants.
Participant Demographics
{"mean_age":32.2,"female_percentage":48.8,"maori_percentage":59.0,"pasifika_percentage":1.6,"nz_european_percentage":32.3}
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.002
Confidence Interval
95% CI
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website