Complications of surgical endoscopy: A decade of experience from a surgical residency training program

P. R. Schauer, W. H. Schwesinger, C. P. Page, R. M. Stewart, B. A. Levine, K. R. Sirinek

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

24 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: This study examines the notion that gastrointestinal endoscopy performed by supervised surgical residents is safe. Methods: We reviewed all gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures performed by surgical residents with faculty supervision for complications and deaths occurring up to 30 days following the procedures. Results: The overall complication rate for 9,201 upper and lower endoscopy procedures was 1.4% and 0.42%, respectively. Overall mortality rate was 0.76% for upper endoscopy and 0.6% for lower endoscopy. No mortality was a direct result of a procedure-related complication. Intestinal perforation, drug overdose, bleeding, and aspiration were the most common procedure-related complications. Each resident completed an average of 75 upper endoscopies and 79 lower endoscopies during their training period. Conclusions: Gastrointestinal endoscopy can be performed safely by surgical residents with appropriate supervision. The higher morbidity and mortality of upper endoscopy are most likely related to the underlying disease rather than the procedure. Awareness of common complications and application of appropriate precautions and instruction are critical for minimizing complications.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)8-11
Number of pages4
JournalSurgical endoscopy
Volume11
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1997

Keywords

  • Colonoscopy
  • Complications
  • Credentialing
  • Endoscopy
  • Gastroscopy
  • Training

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery

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