Learning curves of total laparoscopic hysterectomies in three gynecologists. |
Yoon Kyung Oh, Hyo Soon Hwang, Kyung Wook Yi, Seung Hun Song, Jae Kwan Lee, Jun Young Hur, Jung Ho Shin |
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guro Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. shinjh@korea.ac.kr |
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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. |
Key Words:
Total laparoscopic hysterectomy, Learning curve, Turning point, Operating time, Hemoglobin difference |
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