Perri G, Siriwardena AK, Gilg S, Sparrelid E. European fellowship training opportunities for hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery: an international survey of fellows and program directors.
HPB (Oxford) 2024;
26:503-511. [PMID:
38341286 DOI:
10.1016/j.hpb.2024.01.015]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
There are no established training pathways for hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) surgery in Europe. This study aims to overview the current status of fellowship training from both fellows' and institutions' perspectives.
METHODS
A web-based snapshot survey was distributed to all members of the European-African Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association (E-AHPBA) to reach for former fellows and program directors of European HPB surgery fellowships held between 2013 and 2023.
RESULTS
A total of 37 fellows and 13 program directors replied describing 32 different programs in 13 European countries. The median (range) age at fellowship start was 34 (30-45 years). Fellowship duration was most commonly one (36 %) or two (40 %) years. Fellowships were funded in 70 % and fellows were required to learn a new language in 27 %. Most fellows performed between none and 10 pancreatic (68 %), major (67 %) and minor (60 %) liver resections as 1st surgeon, while the number of operations performed as 1st assistant were more heterogeneous. Program directors estimated a higher number of operations performed by fellows as first surgeons. The percentage of procedures performed minimally invasively did not exceed 10 %.
CONCLUSION
There is substantial heterogeneity between HPB fellowship programs in Europe. A wider standardization of clinical curriculum, including minimally invasive surgery, is desirable.
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