Effect of the 80-hour work week on resident operative experience in general surgery.

Background: The goal of this study was to determine the effect of the 80-hour work week on resident operative experience.

Methods: General surgery resident operative experience was evaluated during a 4-year period and divided into 2 groups: before (group A [July 1, 2001, to June 30, 2003]) and after (group B July 1, 2003, to June 30, 2005]) implementation of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education duty hour guidelines.

Results: There was a significant decrease in mean total and primary surgeon cases in group B for postgraduate year (PGY) levels 1, 2, and 4 (P < or = .001). There was a significant decrease in PGY 5 teaching assistant and PGY 1 first assistant experience in group B (P < or = .001). There was no difference in PGY 3 resident operative volume.

Conclusions: The mandated work-hour guidelines have negatively impacted the operative experience of general surgery residents, especially at the junior level. Despite implementing modifications designed to optimize resident operative experience, surgical training programs may require further adaptations.