Feasibility of self-appraisal in assessing operative performance in advanced laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

Aim: To date there has been no attempt to assess comprehensively generic and specific technical skills in live advanced laparoscopic colorectal surgery. In this study, we aim to develop and validate a new tool which can assess these skills.

Method: Weighted Likert scales were constructed individually for generic and specific technical skills on three key laparoscopic colorectal operations: right hemicolectomy, sigmoid colectomy and anterior resection, after expert discussions.

Results: Fifty-two live operations were assessed, performed by four consultants and six trainees. The interclass correlation coefficient between the operating surgeon and first assistant was 0.94, P ≤ 0.05 for generic technical skills and 0.88, P ≤ 0.05 for the specific technical skills. Construct validity for both generic and specific technical skills for consultants and trainees were significant using ANOVA, P ≤ 0.05.

Conclusion: This new assessment tool of technical skills in laparoscopic colorectal surgery is reliable, has face content, concurrent and construct validities. The tool could be used as an instant surgical training tool and avoids watching videos retrospectively.