Gap analysis between trainees' subjective competencies and the competencies expected by instructors in urology: A need assessment survey in Japan.

OBJECTIVE: According to the rapid progress in surgical techniques, a growing number of procedures should be learned during postgraduate training periods. This study aimed to clarify the current situation regarding urological surgical training and identify the perception gap between trainees' competency and the competency expected by instructors in Japan. METHODS: Regarding the 40 urological surgical procedures selected via the Delphi method, we collected data on previous caseloads, current subjective autonomy, and confidence for future skill acquisition from trainees (<15 post-graduate years [PGY]), and the competencies when trainees became attending doctors expected by instructors (>15 PGY), according to a 5-point Likert scale. In total, 174 urologists in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan were enrolled in this study. RESULTS: The response rate was 96% (165/174). In a large proportion of the procedures, caseloads grew with accumulation of years of clinical practice. However, trainees had limited caseloads of robotic and reconstructive surgeries even after 15 PGY. Trainees showed low subjective competencies at present and low confidence for future skill acquisition in several procedures, such as open cystectomy, ureteroureterostomy, and ureterocystostomy, while instructors expected trainees to be able to perform these procedures independently when they became attending doctors. CONCLUSION: Trainees showed low subjective competencies and low confidence for future skill acquisition in several open and reconstructive procedures, while instructors considered that these procedures should be independently performable by attending doctors. We believe that knowledge of these perception gaps is helpful to develop a practical training program.

[Use of 2-octylcyanoacrylate tissue glue for skin closure in radical retropubic prostatectomy].

2-Octylcyanoacrylate tissue adhesive (2-OCA ; Dermabond® , Ethicon, Inc., Sommerville, New Jersey) is a synthetic tissue adhesive recently used for skin closure in the treatment of minor lacerations and minor surgical incisions. We have been using this adhesive for wound closure in radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) since August 2006. Before that we used a skin stapler. We assessed the effectiveness of the adhesive as a sole dressing after open radical prostatectomy and compared the economic outcomes of 2-OCA and stapled repair. We retrospectively evaluated patients undergoing RRP for whom 2-OCA (101 patients) and a skin stapler (133 patients) were used at our institution. Superficial surgical site infection (SSI) was seen in 3 patients in the glue group and 3 patients in the staple group (p=0.99). Wound dehiscence without SSI was seen in 1 patient in the glue group. The cost of surgery with 2-OCA was much lower than that with the skin stapler. Wound closure using 2-OCA following RRP is acceptable and has benefits in terms of surgical costs.