title: Teaching robotic surgery: a stepwise approach.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  After an initial institutional experience with 50 robot-assisted laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedures, a curriculum was developed for fellowship training in robotic surgery.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty consecutive robotic gastric bypasses were performed using the Zeus robotic surgical system to fashion a two-layer gastrojejunostomy. For teaching purposes, performance of the anastomosis was divided into three discrete tasks. Robotic suturing tasks were assigned to the trainee in cumulative order in ten-case increments. Our patient population averaged 44 years of age and 47 kg/m(2) in BMI. Patients were predominantly female (87%).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The robotic training experience of the fellow defines the increases in surgical responsibility over the series of cases. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in task times or total robotic operative time as participation of the trainee in performing the gastrojejunostomy increased. No adverse robotic events or surgical complications occurred throughout this series. The learning curve of the fellow compared favorably with the initial experience of the institution.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Robotic surgery training may be safely implemented in a minimally invasive surgery training program. A gradual introduction of robotic technique appears to maximize the learning experience and minimize the potential for adverse outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA. mohamed.ali@ucdmc.ucdavis.edu
authors.forename: Mohamed R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Ali
authors.forename: Jason
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rasmussen
authors.forename: Bobby
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: BhaskerRao
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003479:Curriculum; D004501:Education, Medical / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005257:Fellowships and Scholarships; D005260:Female; D015390:Gastric Bypass / Q000193:education* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012371:Robotics / Q000193:education* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013663:Teaching / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*