Does participation of surgery residents in carotid endarterectomy influence morbidity and mortality?: Analysis of 8 years of American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement database entries.

ObjectiveThis manuscript aims to address the question of if learner involvement in operative procedures produces a negative impact on morbidity and mortality. Our hypothesis is that learner participation will not affect outcomes.MethodsThis paper analyzes the outcomes of ACS-NSQIP data entries from 2007-2012 of patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy. The analysis will stratify procedures based on first whether a resident was involved in a case, and then by their year in training.ResultsThere is no significant increase in morbidity or mortality of patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy when a learner is present. The higher the trainee’s level of training the longer the operative time was for the procedure, this was found to be statistically significant.ConclusionsIn conclusion, resident or fellow participation does not increase morbidity or mortality. This in context of dwindling autonomy for trainees for a multitude of reasons gives credence to allowing residents to participate more in the operative theater. This data could be used as justification for earlier involvement as well as more junior residents also saw no increase in complication. This manuscript aims to address the question of if learner involvement in operative procedures produces a negative impact on morbidity and mortality. Our hypothesis is that learner participation will not affect outcomes. This paper analyzes the outcomes of ACS-NSQIP data entries from 2007-2012 of patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy. The analysis will stratify procedures based on first whether a resident was involved in a case, and then by their year in training. There is no significant increase in morbidity or mortality of patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy when a learner is present. The higher the trainee’s level of training the longer the operative time was for the procedure, this was found to be statistically significant. In conclusion, resident or fellow participation does not increase morbidity or mortality. This in context of dwindling autonomy for trainees for a multitude of reasons gives credence to allowing residents to participate more in the operative theater. This data could be used as justification for earlier involvement as well as more junior residents also saw no increase in complication.