Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Ultrasonography (USG) is an imaging technique that enables real-time evaluation of visceral organs via versatile utilization possibilities. Besides diagnosis and treatment contributions, it is crucial in patient follow-up and it also gives an opportunity of intraoperative usage. This study aims to discuss a model of USG training which should be included in the specialist training program and to evaluate the effectiveness of the examination applied to resident doctors and to evaluate the learning curve on patients with thyroid nodule, bile stone stone and intraabdominal free fluid.

METHODS

After the ethics committee approving, practical, theoretical training and per-patient usage of USG was given by the radiologist as a part of the clinical training. After the training, four surgical assistants selected from different years of residenties were practiced on a patient basis, under possesion of the radiologist. A two-stage examination system was determined and the evaluations of the surgical residents were made by the radiologist and the deficiencies were determined specially for the residents. Statistical significance was considered as the level of p<0.05.

RESULTS

The two test results for thyroid nodules were approved to have made significant progress (p: 0.0560). The results of evaluating the intraabdominal free fluid were regarded as successful without any further testing. The two test results for for gallbladder stone were approved to have no statistically difference (p: 0.5316).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

USG training might be a part of general surgery resident training program only a few center in our country. The experience gained in USG training and the evaluation of the learning curves of general surgery residents and the presentation of the literature to them will be helpful. Discussions on training techniques will guide other centers to plan this training.