Development and validation of a checklist for assessing recorded performance of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair

• We have developed a novel metrics for the assessment of the laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair.
• Inter-rater reliability was demonstrated using recorded performance.
• Checklist scores showed high-correlation laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair experience.
• Detailed nature of this tool makes it a potential educational tool for novices.

BackgroundDespite a need for video assessment for the performance transabdominal preperitoneal procedure (TAPP), the present assessment tools have not been validated for the use of evaluation of the recorded performance. We aimed to develop a checklist for the evaluation of the recorded performance of TAPP.MethodsThe TAPP checklist was developed by hernia experts from multiple institutes. Thirty unedited TAPP videos were rated by 3-blinded hernia experts. Inter-rater reliability and construct and concurrent validities were evaluated.ResultsThe inter-rater reliability for 3 raters was .75 (95% confidence interval .60 to .86). The median total score of each group demonstrated a significant difference among experienced (>50 TAPP), intermediate (≥10 TAPP, <50), and novice (<10 TAPP) surgeons (P < .001). The checklist score showed a high correlation with TAPP experience and previously validated global scale for laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair.ConclusionsThe TAPP checklist is a valid metrics for the assessment of the recorded TAPP performance.