To teach and to learn in day surgery : The role of residents

BACKGROUND: Our Division of Surgery is a University Department. Residents perform in Day Surgery theatre room with tutors of proven experience. This study looks to explore ways in which senior tutors in Day Surgery can contribute to teach. Infact the School of postgraduate Surgery obliges postgraduate surgeons to carry out a number of minor and medium size operations. METHODS: This study was carried out in 2006. In this year were performed n.116 Inguinal Hernia repairs with method by Trabucco. Residents performed N.51 Inguinal Hernia repairs as first surgeons, assisted by a tutor with proven experience. RESULTS: All patients were discharged home on the day of their operations. The post-operative morbidity rate was the same of that encountered during surgery performed by experienced surgeons. Two recurrences were reported: one patient operated by a resident and one patient operated by an experienced colleague. CONCLUSIONS: In Day Surgery it is not possible to do a teaching programme. The opportunity to see patients' pre-operatively and follow them through surgery discharge on the same day is unique. The residents can contribute to quality of Day Surgery and learn. Day Surgery Units could play an increased role in medical education.