Survey of surgical experience during training in obstetrics and gynaecology in the UK

Summary

The 2002 RCOG survey of training reported that the percentage of obstetric and gynaecology trainees who class their operative training as good or very good has declined from 45% in 1995, to 39% in 2002; reduction in years of training and number of working hours may have further impact on the surgical experience. In this study, we have attempted to assess the level of surgical confidence reported by senior and recently accredited trainees in obstetrics and gynaecology in the UK via an anonymised postal questionnaire. A total of 103 replies were received from 202 questionnaires. Some 99% of the respondents said they felt competent to carry out a simple total abdominal hysterectomy; 61.2% could confidently dissect the ureter and 55.3% could repair major damage to the bladder. However, when managing major obstetric haemorrhage, only 44.6% of respondents felt confident to perform a caesarean hysterectomy; 27.1% could dissect the ureter and 41.7% could apply a B-Lynch suture to the uterus. The level of competence increased with seniority and also with additional time spent in research, subspecialty training or other specialties. There appears to be an appropriate level of confidence in carrying out gynaecological surgical procedures by senior trainees and new consultants. However, surprisingly few respondents were confident in performing any surgical procedure necessary in the management of major obstetric haemorrhage. This may have serious implications in the provision of out of hours senior cover for maternity units in the future.