Peri-operative outcomes
Table 2 shows the peri-operative and survival outcomes in training and non-training cases. A significant difference was found in mean estimated blood loss (EBL) (134 ml versus 160 ml p = 0.005) favouring training cases, but this did not result in a difference in blood transfusions (2.1% versus 4.7%, p = 0.076). The rate of conversions (4.0% versus 3.1%, p = 0.476) and CCU-admissions (2.6% versus 3.9%, p = 0.925) were comparable. Mean operating time was found to be longer (161 min versus 137 min, p = <0.001) in training cases. Median length of stay (LOS) was found to be shorter in training cases (1 day versus 2 days, p = 0.008), which might be associated to a gradual increase in the amount of training cases over time (37.2% in 2015 versus 55.3% in 2022) and a simultaneous slight decrease in LOS over time (2 days in 2015 versus 1 day in 2022). The rate of intra- and post-operative complications were comparable across groups (4.8% versus 7.7%, p = 0.146; 30.4% versus 30.3%, p = 0.969 respectively). There was no difference in the distribution of Clavien-Dindo complication grades between training and non-training cases (p = 0.665). The rates of readmissions < 30 days (3.8% versus 6.0%, p = 0.208), return to theatre (1.0% versus 1.7%, p = 0.495) and lymphoedema (8.2% versus 11.3%, p = 0.193) did not differ between groups.