Sleep deprivation among surgical residents: Does it affect performance while practising a laparoscopic intestinal anastomosis?

INTRODUCTION

To assess the impact of fatigue due to incorrect night rest in the performance of a laparoscopic manual anastomosis.

METHODS

A prospective study evaluating the results from the realization of a manual endotrainer entero-enteral anastomosis performed by residents in terms of fatigue caused by inadequate nightly rest. Two groups were established; the FATIGUE group (F): anastomosis performed by residents coming off shift who slept less than seven hours and the REST group(R), being those who slept at home for more than 7 h. The time taken, length of the anastomosis and quality of such were compared based on 4 parameters: Air leak test, correct tension on the suture line, accurate opposition of the edges and optimal distance between stitches.

RESULTS

402 anastomoses were studied (211 rest group, 191 fatigue group). In the fatigue group leaks were detected in 33.5% anastomoses, as opposed to 19.4% in the rest group (P < .01). El rest group performed the anastomosis in 56.75 min and the fatigue group in 61,49 min (P = .006). There were no significant differences in the others parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

Fatigue increases the risk of leakage and the time to do the exercise.