To investigate the professional experiences and specific challenges faced by female colorectal and proctologic surgeons in Italy, focusing on operative exposure, workplace dynamics, and the impact of maternity on career trajectories.
Key Findings:
119 female surgeons participated, with a majority employed in public hospitals and holding fixed-term contracts.
Most respondents reported limited operative opportunities, with many acting as first or second surgeon in fewer than 30% of cases.
A significant number experienced gender bias, with 92 reporting differential treatment compared to male colleagues.
Inadequate workplace infrastructure and ergonomic discomfort were prevalent, impacting job satisfaction.
75 respondents had never been pregnant, but among those who had, many faced challenges in returning to full duties post-maternity leave, highlighting the need for better support.
Interpretation:
The survey highlights significant gender disparities in the professional experiences of female colorectal surgeons in Italy, including limited surgical exposure, gender bias, and inadequate support for maternity reintegration, suggesting a need for policy changes.
Limitations:
The survey's voluntary nature may introduce selection bias, potentially skewing the representation of experiences.
Responses may not fully represent the experiences of all female colorectal surgeons in Italy, particularly those in private practice or less accessible regions.
Conclusion:
The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to improve gender equity, work-life balance, and support for female surgeons in colorectal specialties.
Randomized trial in hospitalized patients found improved high-quality bowel cleansing with 1-L regimen, though primary endpoint differences were not statistically significant
