COMPLICATIONS OF SURGICAL ENDOSCOPY - A DECADE OF EXPERIENCE FROM A SURGICAL RESIDENCY TRAINING-PROGRAM

Background: This study examines the notion that gastrointestinal endos copy performed by supervised surgical residents is safe, Methods: We r eviewed all gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures performed by surgic al residents with faculty supervision for complications and deaths occ urring up to 30 days following the procedures. Results: The overall co mplication 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% fur lower endoscopy. No mortality was a direct resu lt of a procedure-related complication, Intestinal perforation, drug o verdose, bleeding, and aspiration were the most common procedure-relat ed complications. Each resident completed an average of 75 upper endos copies and 79 lower endoscopies during their training period. Conclusi ons: Gastrointestinal endoscopy can be performed safely by surgical re sidents with appropriate supervision. The higher morbidity and mortali ty of upper endoscopy are must likely related to the underlying diseas e rather than the procedure. Awareness of common complications and app lication of appropriate precautions and instruction are critical for m inimizing complications.