O80 Evaluating UK general surgical trainees operative experience of pelvic floor surgery

Aim: To evaluate UK trainee experience in pelvic floor (PF) sub-specialty using results of a national survey and eLogBook data. Methods: This was a two-part study comprising a national training survey and eLogBook data. A 16-part survey exploring operative experience, confidence interpreting investigations, and access to training was developed by consultants and trainees using the University of Cambridge Qualtrics platform and distributed via Dukes Club. In addition, a request for eLogBook data for trainees with an NTN in General Surgery between 01/10/2016 and 01/10/2023 was approved by the Data, Analysis, Audit and Research Group (DAARG). Results: A total of 101 trainees responded to the survey; 89/101 (88%) declared colorectal sub-specialisation and 42/101 (42%) were ST7+. Although >90% of trainees considered PF an important sub-specialty, nearly two-thirds reported no access to specific training within their deanery. Operative experience was limited; 5% could independently perform a Delorme's. ELogBook data was returned for 2418 trainees. The data consisted of raw numbers of procedures and did not include the level of trainee attainment (assisting, supervised, performed). Data comparing pre-covid (2017–19) and during covid (2020–22) shows a decrease in the raw number of procedures recorded. The average number of Delorme's cases recorded/year dropped by 32.9% (301 to 202 average recorded/year) and average number of trainees recording Delorme's cases dropped by 23.8% (181 to 138). Conclusions: Our survey highlights that trainees feel there is inadequate PF sub-specialty training, supported by data demonstrating decreasing operative numbers. This study supports the need for new approaches to PF training.

Citation

Farrow et al (2025). O80 Evaluating UK general surgical trainees operative experience of pelvic floor surgery. Oral Presentations. Colorectal Diseases, 27: e70178. https://doi.org/10.1111/codi.70178

DOI

10.1111/codi.70178

URI

https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14709/1116

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