A simulator-based resident curriculum for laparoscopic common bile duct exploration

Background: Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) remains an underused treatment for choledocholithiasis, likely in part because of a lack of exposure to the procedure during surgery residency. In this study, we implemented a resident LCBDE curriculum using a previously validated procedural simulator.

Methods: Senior surgery residents underwent a curriculum consisting of deliberate practice using the LCBDE simulator. Residents performed a simulated transcystic and transcholedochal LCBDE before and after completing the curriculum, which were rated by three faculty. Passing scores were determined using an Angoff method.

Results: Ten residents participated. For transcystic LCBDE, all 10 residents failed the pretest. Assessment scores improved after the curriculum (20 ± 4 vs 41 ± 2; scale 0-45, P < .01), and all 10 residents passed the posttest. For transcholedochal LCBDE, all 10 residents failed the pretest. Transcholedochal scores improved after the curriculum (27 ± 6 vs 46 ± 4; scale 0-53, P < .01). Eight residents passed the initial posttest and two failed because they sutured the t-tube into the choledochotomy closure. Both underwent remedial training and passed a retest. Resident confidence in performing LCBDE clinically improved for both transcystic and transcholedochal approaches.

Conclusion: This curriculum improved the ability of surgery residents to perform both transcystic and transcholedochal LCBDE on a procedural simulator.