A comprehensive pelvic dissection course improves obstetrics and gynecology resident proficiency in surgical anatomy

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to evaluate the impact of a pelvic dissection course on resident proficiency in surgical anatomy. STUDY DESIGN: Over a 1-year period, residents attended a course consisting of pretesting and posttesting, lectures, and pelvic dissection. Tests results were analyzed using paired Student t test, analysis of variance, and Kruskal-Wallis statistics. RESULTS: Of 42 residents, 24 completed all testing (study cohort). On written and practical examinations, resident scores improved a median of 42% and 29% (both P<.0001). Postgraduate year (PGY) 2 demonstrated the greatest improvement on the practical and PGY-3s demonstrated the greatest improvement on the written. Baseline written and practical results discriminated PGY level (construct validity): PGY-2 = PGY-3 < PGY-4 on written pretest, PGY-2 < PGY-3 = PGY-4 on practical pretest. No difference between resident cohorts was seen in either posttest. CONCLUSION: Resident surgical anatomy proficiency is measurably improved by a comprehensive course.