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.