The Effect of Hands-On Cadaver and Live Surgery Practice on Surgeons' Performance in Urogynecologic Operations: One-Year Follow-Up

Abstract

Objective: Surgical procedures need a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience to be performed properly. Postresidency education programs provide opportunities to practice new surgical techniques. This article evaluates 2 different educational strategies for learning new techniques in the field of urogynecology. One of the strategies is commonly practiced theoretical education plus observation of live surgeries, and the other strategy is a threefold approach of theoretical education, as well as cadaver training and performing live surgery. Materials and Methods: The study was designed as a prospective cohort study. The occupational experiences of 58 obstetricians and gynecologists were documented prior to the educational interventions. Two groups were created, based on the participants' preferences. Group 1 had theoretical education followed by observation of live surgery through broadcasting. Group 2 had theoretical education, plus a 1-day cadaver-based surgery course, as well as assisting tutors in hands-on operations. At a 1-year follow up, different types of surgeries performed throughout the year by each surgeon were recorded and analyzed using SPSS. Results: Prior to the course, both groups had similar experiences in urogynecologic operations (p > 0.05). In Group 2, significantly more surgeons began to perform tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) interventions regularly after the course (p < 0.001), a procedure considered more technically demanding. Surgeons utilizing any of the midurethral slings including TVT, transobturator tape, or mini-slings increased by 20% in Group 2, a statistically significant increase (p = 0.03). Conclusion: A threefold approach of theoretical education, cadaver practice, and live surgery significantly increases surgeon adaptation to utilization of midurethral slings, compared to exclusively theoretical education with observation of live surgery. (J GYNECOL SURG 20XX:000)