Laparoscopy training in gynecologic oncology fellowship programs.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the adequacy of laparoscopic surgical training as perceived by gynecologic oncology fellows-in-training and to compare current opinions to those on a 2003 survey.

STUDY DESIGN

Fellows were surveyed via mail or an internet website.

RESULTS

Seventy-eight (64%) of 121 fellows responded. One-hundred percent now state that laparoscopy is important or very important in gynecologic oncology practice compared to 86% in 2003. Ninety-five percent reported that much or maximum emphasis should be placed on laparoscopic training compared to 70% previously. Currently, 69% believe that their fellowship training in laparoscopy is very good or good compared to only 25% who felt this way 4 years ago. Importantly, fellows now believe they are getting better laparoscopic training in fellowship than they did in residency. Seventy-eight percent stated that their perceived laparoscopic skills were good or very good. Upon completion of fellowship, 94% plan to perform >/=6 cases per month laparoscopically.

CONCLUSIONS

Respondents believe that laparoscopic training should be emphasized in fellowship training and perceive their laparoscopic training to be significantly improved compared to 2003. They also envision a key role for laparoscopy in their future practice.