The venezuelan colorectal surgeon, 2005: Who we are and what do we do?

Abstract

Objective: The Venezuelan Coloproctology Society want to know the Venezuelan colorectal surgeon profile in order to promote
as well as increase the development of coloproctology in Venezuela. Methods: A survey was conducted among the active members certified and non-certified of the Venezuelan Coloproctology Society to investigate demography, training and
colorectal surgery experience, type of practice, and work caseload during the last year of practice. The results were statistically analyzed by analysis of variance and Pearson Chi Square; significance level was p < 0,05. Results: The Venezuelan Society of Coloproctology registers 118 specialists in April 2005. Forty-nine questionnaires were analyzed (41.5%). The age average: 48 years (33-72). Most of surgeons practice in the capital of the country (55.1%). The training has been mainly in recognized programs (77.55%). Fifty-three percent share private and public practice and 43 % of the respondents keep a private practice exclusively. The work caseload of the certified members is mainly colorectal, instead of general surgery, and largely it is anorectal surgery. The colorectal laparoscopic surgery is performed frequently by 26.53% of the members. Conclusion: The certified members of the Venezuelan Society of Coloproctology keep a proper colorectal practice. Nevertheless, an even geographic distribution, greater attention to abdominal surgery, and increasing the availability of colorectal laparoscopic surgery are goals to achieve in the near future.