Cumulative sum analysis of the learning curve for laparoscopic complete mesocolic excision with central vascular ligation for right sided colon cancer
Abstract
Purpose: Every procedure, no matter how difficult, has a learning curve. However, no one discusses the learning curve for simple operations. This idea constantly comes up when there is a demanding surgical method that challenges habits. The aim of this study is to use cumulative sum analysis to estimate the learning curve of the demanding laparoscopic complete mesocolic excision+central vascular ligation technique for right sided colon cancer.
Materials and Methods: This retrospective study involved patients older than 18 years and with right-sided colon cancer admitted to Ankara University School of Medicine, Department of General Surgery between January 2015 and June 2022. The cumulative sum (CUSUM) chart based on operation duration and quantity of lymph nodes harvested was utilized to determine the learning curve.
Results: 53 patients included in this study. CUSUM analysis based on operation duration showed that Surgeon had passed the learning phase and was considered proficient after 21 cases. And the CUSUM analysis based on the lymph nodes harvested revealed that surgeon gained proficiency in 25th case. In terms of demographic, oncological, and operative data, there was no difference between the the groups defined by the phases according to the CUSUM analysis based on both operation duration and lymph node count.
Conclusion: Surgeons can become familiar with laparoscopic complete mesocolic excision for right sided colon cancer and perform it after approximately 21 to 25 operations.
Keywords
complete mesocolic excision , laparoscopy , CUSUM , Learning curve
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