Skill acquisition and assessment for laparoscopic surgery.
OBJECTIVE
To describe a training method with objective evaluation to enhance laparoscopic surgical skills to provide training in laparoscopic suturing techniques and to assess whether specific training exercises were helpful in the attainment of intracorporeal suturing skills.


METHODS
Trainees (N = 150) were asked to perform standardized drills with distinct mechanical features, and skill acquisition was determined by accuracy and timing. Trainees were tested for the ability to perform an intracorporeal laparoscopic suture before and after analogous skill training with the drills.


METHODS
The training courses were held in teaching and nonteaching hospitals.


METHODS
Board-certified or board-eligible surgeons.


METHODS
Supervision by trained instructors and documentation of the time required to perform standardized drills.


RESULTS
The trainees showed steady improvement in skill acquisition during 10 trials (P < .001). Significant (P < .001) improvement was noted for the performance of suturing after compared with before the drills.


CONCLUSIONS
Three standardized laparoscopic drills have been tested in 150 trainees and demonstrate the incremental acquisition of skills that correlate with improved performance in a challenging and complex laparoscopic skill, intracorporeal suturing.
Rosser
J C
JC
Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn., USA.
Rosser
L E
LE
Savalgi
R S
RS
D002983:Clinical Competence; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing; D020706:Laparoscopes; D010535:Laparoscopy; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013997:Time Factors