Endoscopy training in a general surgery program. Results of a survey.

To assess the role of adequate fiberoptic endoscopy training in a general surgery program, a survey was conducted of all graduates of one such program in which supervised endoscopy training was provided for each senior resident. Seventy-two percent of the general surgeons polled performed fiberoptic studies in their practice, including 53% who used upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and 44% who used colonoscopy. The development of competence depended largely on an adequate case load and the availability of supervision. Overall, training in endoscopy was considered essential by 70% of the trainees regardless of their eventual practice. Those not using endoscopy were generally located in metropolitan areas where consulting gastroenterologists were readily available. We conclude that the continued provision of training in fiberoptic endoscopy is justified by its frequent use in clinical practice and by the perception of graduates that it is a necessary component of surgical education.