Introduction Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio- Pancreatography (ERCP) training has been widely discussed in a number of reports and was deemed to be unsatisfactory by The UK ERCP Stakeholders Working Party in 2007. Their report was as a result of concerns regarding suboptimal standards of training and insufficient exposure to cases.

The aim of this study was to determine the number of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) and Upper Gastrointestinal (UGI) surgical trainees receiving ERCP training and their satisfaction with training opportunities.

Method An anonymous, online, non-incentivised questionnaire was distributed via National Research Collaborative leads to surgical trainees in England. The questionnaire assessed; their inclination to offer an ERCP service as a consultant; the degree of satisfaction with their ERCP training; and their attendance at a Joint Advisory Group (JAG) certified ERCP course.

Results Only responses from surgical trainees with a declared interest in HPB and UGI were included in the analysis. 72 responses were received, 41 from HPB trainees and the remaining 31 from UGI trainees. 29 HPB and 16 UGI trainees intended to offer ERCP when appointed as a Consultant. 10 trainees (6 HPB, 4 UGI) felt they had adequate opportunities for ERCP training. Free text analysis revealed that respondents felt ERCP training was geared more towards gastroenterology trainees and regular sessions were difficult to come by. 12 respondents had attended a JAG certified ERCP course.

Conclusion This survey demonstrates the difficulties faced by surgical trainees in obtaining ERCP training. The general consensus is that ERCP training is mainly organised for gastroenterology trainees. A level of frustration was noted at the lack of consistent, dedicated training opportunities which also formed one of the reasons as to why some trainees did not intend to offer this service once in a Consultant post.

Disclosure of interest None Declared.