Latif YILMAZ, İlyas BAŞKONUŞ
European Journal of Therapeutics - 2026;32(1):79-93
Objective: This study aimed to objectively define the learning curve of an experienced general surgeon transitioning to TEP repair under non-interventional mentorship and to evaluate the effect of structured supervision on operative efficiency and safety. Methods: Seventy-four male patients who underwent elective TEP repair between January 2021 and December 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. All procedures were performed by a single surgeon experienced in open and laparoscopic surgery but new to TEP repair, under real-time verbal supervision from a senior mentor who did not intervene physically. Results: Time-based CUSUM identified technical proficiency after approximately 34 cases, suggesting stabilization of operative performance. The mean operative time decreased significantly from 82.5 +/- 21.0 minutes in the learning phase to 55.1 +/- 7.9 minutes in the proficiency phase. Binary CUSUM analysis indicated a transition toward predominantly autonomous performance after around 22 cases. The rate of peritoneal rupture declined from 35.3% to 12.5%. Conclusion: In this setting, structured, anatomy-guided verbal mentorship was associated with progressive improvements in operative efficiency and intraoperative safety during the early adoption of TEP repair by an experienced surgeon.
