Learning curves of total laparoscopic hysterectomies in three gynecologists.
10.5468/kjog.2010.53.10.927
- Author:
Yoon Kyung OH
1
;
Hyo Soon HWANG
;
Kyung Wook YI
;
Seung Hun SONG
;
Jae Kwan LEE
;
Jun Young HUR
;
Jung Ho SHIN
Author Information
1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guro Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. shinjh@korea.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Total laparoscopic hysterectomy;
Learning curve;
Turning point;
Operating time;
Hemoglobin difference
- MeSH:
Hemoglobins;
Humans;
Hysterectomy;
Learning;
Learning Curve;
Retrospective Studies;
Uterus
- From:Korean Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
2010;53(10):927-933
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE: Total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) is becoming more commonly used as an alternative to traditional abdominal hysterectomy and Analyzing the turning point of a learning curve can be useful in planning training programs. This study was to define the average turning point of a learning curve of TLH by comparing three separate gynecologists in one institute. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of the first 140 consecutive cases of TLH performed by three separate gynecologists A, B, and C. Patients of each gynecologist were divided into 7 equal groups of 20 operations classed chronologically. Patient's age, uterus weight, operation time and pre-post operative hemoglobin difference of the three gynecologists were compared. Operation time and pre-post operative hemoglobin difference were evaluated to build learning curves for each gynecologist. RESULTS: Learning curve built by operation time showed turning point after 80~100 cases in all three gynecologists. Learning curve built by pre-post operative hemoglobin difference did not show a decreasing pattern. There were no statistical differences in patient's age and pre-post operative hemoglobin difference between the three gynecologists. However, mean uterine weight of gynecologist C was significantly lighter than that of gynecologist A and B. Operation time was significantly longer in cases by gynecologist C than in cases by A and B. CONCLUSION: At least 80~100 cases of experience in TLH is needed for a gynecologist to reach the turning point of the learning curve. This result can be used as a guide to the training program of TLH.
