Proficiency of surgeons in inguinal hernia repair - Effect of experience and age

Objectives: We examined the influence of surgeon age and other factors on proficiency in laparoscopic or open hernia repair. Summary Background Data: In a multicenter, randomized trial comparing open and laparoscopic herniorrhaphies,, conducted in Veterans Administration hospitals (CSP 456), we reported significant differences in recurrence rates (RR) for the laparoscopic procedure as a result of surgeons' experience. We have also reported significant differences in RR for the open procedure related to resident postgraduate year (PGY) level. Methods: We analyzed data from unilateral laparoscopic and open herniorrhaphies from CSP 456 (n = 1629). Surgeon's experience (experienced >= 250 procedures; inexperienced < 250), surgeon's age, median PGY level of the participating resident, operation time, and hospital observed-to-expected (O/E) ratios for mortality were potential independent predictors of RR. Results: Age was dichotomized into older (>= 45 years) and younger (< 45 years). Surgeon's inexperience and older age were significant predictors of recurrence in laparoscopic herniorrhaphy. The odds of recurrence for an inexperienced surgeon aged 45 years or older was 1.72 times that of a younger inexperienced surgeon. For open repairs, although surgeon's age and operation time appeared to be related to recurrence, only median PGY level of < 3 was a significant independent predictor. Conclusion: This analysis demonstrates that surgeon's age of 45 years and older, when combined with inexperience in laparoscopic inguinal hemiorrhaphies, increases risk of recurrence. For open repairs, only a median PGY level of < 3 was a significant risk factor.