title: Teaching basic video skills as an aid in laparoscopic suturing.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  There is a perception among surgeons that performing laparoscopic suturing is unduly difficult. The purpose of this study is to document a program which aides in learning laparoscopic suturing.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fourteen volunteer medical students without prior experience were taught laparoscopic suturing. Videoscopic pelvitrainers were utilized for a 2-h training session. Extracorporeal and intracorporeal knot tying was demonstrated utilizing a three-throw square knot. After a 2-h practice session each student's time to complete an extracorporeal and intracorporeal suture was recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The average times required for completion were: extracorporeal suture and knot 1 min 54 s; intracorporeal suture and knot 3 min 12 s.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Novice students were able to perform at extra and intracorporeal suturing with 2 h of practice, utilizing a systematic program of teaching basic video skills.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
authors.forename: J K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Champion
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hunter
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Trus
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Laycock
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D007858:Learning; D009048:Motor Skills; D013337:Students, Medical; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods; D013997:Time Factors; D014743:Videotape Recording