title: Incorporation of laparoscopy into a surgical endoscopy training program.
abstract: The impact of introducing laparoscopy as part of the overall gastrointestinal endoscopy case load performed by residents was reviewed. During 1990, there was a significant increase (56.9%) in the number of flexible diagnostic endoscopic procedures performed compared with 1989. When the total number of laparoscopic procedures was considered, the increase was 117%. Residents participated in the "surgeon's" position in 59% of the therapeutic laparoscopic procedures and as either surgeon or "first assistant" in 86% of all therapeutic laparoscopic procedures and 94% of all diagnostic laparoscopic procedures. Complication rates for diagnostic laparoscopic procedures were low in 1989 (0.03%) and 1990 (0.2%). Complication rates for therapeutic laparoscopic procedures were also low (4%). There was no difference in the complication rate for cases in which residents were in the surgeon's position (4%) versus cases in which they were not (4%). Introduction of laparoscopic procedures into a surgical residency program can be done safely, especially in cases in which an established program in endoscopy exists.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, Charlottesville 22908.
authors.forename: B D
authors.initials: BD
authors.lastname: Schirmer
authors.forename: S B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Edge
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Dix
authors.forename: A D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Miller
mesh_terms: D002763:Cholecystectomy / Q000379:methods*; D016099:Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal; D013502:General Surgery / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects