Residents entering Complex General Surgical Oncology fellowship lack confidence with pelvic MRI for rectal cancer: Results of a needs assessment survey

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Abstract

Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is essential for the multidisciplinary treatment of rectal cancer. However, baseline experience of surgical residents with MRI is unknown. Therefore, a needs assessment survey was conducted to examine confidence with pelvic MRI for residents entering Complex General Surgical Oncology (CSGO) fellowships. Methods: A multi-institutional survey evaluated incoming CGSO fellows’ experience with pelvic MRI for rectal cancer in residency. Additionally, confidence was assessed for essential components of pelvic MRI including T- and N-stage, circumferential resection margin (CRM), extramural venous invasion (EMVI), and pelvic anatomy. Results: Of the twenty-four incoming fellows who completed the survey (response rate = 44%), 20 reported frequent use of pelvic MRI for rectal cancer in residency, but 16 reported rarely/never interpreting images themselves for staging or operative planning. Most respondents reported low confidence for T-stage, N-stage, CRM, EMVI, as well as pelvic anatomy, particularly for lateral and posterior pelvis. Conclusions: The development of a pelvic MRI curriculum for residents entering CGSO fellowships could enhance their clinical training in the multidisciplinary management of patients with rectal cancer.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)304-308
Number of pages5
JournalAmerican Journal of Surgery
Volume219
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2020

Keywords

  • Complex general surgical oncology
  • Pelvic MRI
  • Rectal cancer

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery

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