A new web-based operative skills assessment tool effectively tracks progression in surgical resident performance.

Purpose: The study aim was to demonstrate that a new database tool for assessment of surgical resident operative skills discerns predictable progression in those skills over successive residency years for specific index case types.

Methods: A Web-based interactive database (OpRate) was used to assess selected aspects of resident operative performance as determined by supervising attending surgeons in a medium-sized residency (5-6 residents per postgraduate year [PGY]). This assessment consisted of (1) 3 questions pertaining to patient information, technical, and disease-specific preparedness; (2) 4 laparoscopic technical skills questions pertaining to tissue handling, dexterity, planning, and ability to function independently; and (3) similar open technical skills questions, with the addition of 2 questions defining knot tying ability.