Endoscopy Training
Gastrointestinal endoscopy training
The gastrointestinal endoscopy requirements for General Surgery are stipulated by the Conjoint Committee for Endoscopy Training.
Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (UGI)
Trainees are required to perform at least 200 unassisted and complete examinations independently under supervision. Examinations must include a minimum of 20 therapeutic procedures (excluding polypectomy). It is expected that a minimum of 10 therapeutic procedures involve control of upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage.
Colonoscopy
CCRTGE assessment for certification of training in colonoscopy primarily involves assessment of the caecal intubation rate in intact colons at the completion of training. Trainees are required to:
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perform a minimum of 100 unassisted, supervised, complete colonoscopies to the caecum and preferably to the ileum in patients with intact colons (i.e. with no prior colonic resection).
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perform successful snare polypectomies on a minimum of 30 patients.
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to achieve at least a 90% caecal intubation rate by the completion of training.
The Trainee is required to maintain a complete register of gastrointestinal endoscopy experience as laid down by the Conjoint Committee for Recognition of Endoscopy Training.
Achievement of the minimum experience in endoscopy training will gain recognition by the conjoint committee (thus future approval by various hospital credentialing committees of application by Fellows in General Surgery for privileges in gastrointestinal endoscopy in those hospitals will be facilitated).
All Australian Trainees are to register (Australian Trainees can register during Basic Surgical Training) with the Conjoint Committee on receipt of approval of application to enter the General Surgical Training Program. New Zealand Trainees are to seek accreditation from the conjoint committee once all requirements are met.
Mandatory endoscopy training is required for all General Surgical Trainees and the minimum experience for awarding of full Fellowship. However, the Board of General Surgery may grant qualified exemption from mandatory completion of full endoscopy training to an individual Trainee.