Formidable challenges to teaching advanced laparoscopic skills.
Despite the acceptance of laparoscopy for performing routine operations, a need still exists for experienced surgeons and surgical residents to maintain and refine essential surgical skills. Unless used on a frequent basis, laparoscopic skills are not easily maintained. In addition, when new laparoscopic instruments are introduced, surgeons need a way to practice using them that does not involve immediate patient contact. Novice surgeons need the most training of all and ideally would be best served using a standardized teaching curriculum that would cover as many of the basic laparoscopic parameters as possible. This article discusses how best to set up a laparoscopic simulation training program that covers as much ground as necessary, while respecting the restraints of time limitations and monetary concerns.
Medina
M
M
The Family Urology Center, McAllen, TX 79504, USA. mmedinamd@aol.com
D002983:Clinical Competence; D003479:Curriculum; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing; D013502:General Surgery / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D020706:Laparoscopes; D010535:Laparoscopy