SUFU 2021: Comparison of Urogynecologic Training Among Us Urology and Obstetrics and Gynecology Residents

(UroToday.com) The aim of this study was to evaluate the resident experience in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery (FPMRS) procedures between programs and between Urology and Gynecology specialties to assess differences in training. An anonymous survey was sent via email to chief residents graduating from Urology and OB/GYN programs in 2020.

The survey assessed general case numbers, relative comfort with procedures, and plans to perform procedures as future attendings. Responses were received from 25 Urology chief residents and 87 OB/GYN chief residents. 10% of Urology residents and 6% of gynecology residents planned on pursuing FPMRS fellowships. Urology residents performed significantly more than the gynecology residents of the following procedures: urethral bulking, mid-urethral slings, autologous fascial sling, bladder botox, interStim implants, urine drug screens (UDS) with interpretation, and vesicovaginal fistula repair. OB/GYN residents performed more prolapse repairs. Surprisingly, over 50% of the gynecology residents had never performed urethral bulking, autologous fascial slings, interStim, open sacrocolpopexy, and vesicovaginal fistula repair.

So in conclusion, Urology residents appear to have more experience and overall comfort with many common FPMRS procedures whereas gynecology residents have significantly more experience and comfort with transvaginal procedures. The authors felt gynecology residents would benefit from additional exposure to urethral, sling, and vesicovaginal fistula procedures while urology residents would benefit from additional exposure to vaginal prolapse repair.

Presented by: Michael Hung, MD, Ashley Huber, MD, Rosen Jeong, Jason M. Kim, MD, Stony Brook University Hospital, Stony Brook, NY

Written by: Diane K. Newman, DNP, CRNP, FAAN, BCB-PMD, Nurse Practioner and Co-Director, Penn Center for Continence and Pelvic Health Adjunct Professor of Urology in Surgery during the 2021 Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine & Urogenital Reconstruction (SUFU) Winter Meeting