Study of Fast-track Surgery in Hernia Repair and Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Consequences of Fast-track Training in Surgery in Denmark in Selected Operative Skills.

All Danish trainees in surgery in a two-year period asked for participation when enrolled in the formal five-year training program for specialty in surgery. The participants are randomized for either educational intervention or control (without intervention). The intervention group receive a skills-lab course in hernia repair followed by an opportunity to perform 20 groin hernia repairs in their departments within 4-8 weeks. Their performance will be video recorded three times during the intervention and as follow-up at end of the first year of training. After termination of the hernia training program a similar program for laparoscopic cholecystectomies are made. Each participant receive both intervention. The control group are video recorded at start of their first year and at end. All videos are blindly assessed with a validated rating scale of operative performance. The purpose is to assess if a fast-track program improves technical skills and if a change is sustained. Furthermore we want to compare outcome in similar training programs in open and laparoscopic skills.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Medical doctors accepted for formal surgical training in Denmark in 2010-11.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Current experience in surgery exceeding need of supervision in groin hernia and cholecystectomy procedures.
• Employed at a non-participating hospital.