title: Teaching and training in laparoscopic surgery: experience of Catholic Laparoscopy Advanced Surgery School in the basic gynecological surgery.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the effectiveness of our training method for basic "hands-on" laparoscopic courses.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospective observational study between September 2008 and December 2010 at Catholic Laparoscopy Advanced Surgery School of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Sacred Heart-Rome, was conducted. Each course lasted for 3 days, divided into theoretical and practical parts, ending with a live surgery. Gynecologists who attended our 'hands-on' laparoscopic courses had no or minimum experience with laparoscopic technique. The teachers were expert laparoscopists of our Division, and every single group of participants had the same tutor for the entire course. Trainees completed self-assessment anonymous questionnaire of laparoscopic knowledge, before and immediately after the course.
  
  
  RESULTS
  During the study period, we performed 20 basic courses, enrolling 120 consecutive gynecologists. Among them, 114 (95%) decided to participate. Average age was 41 years (range 35-60 years) and 108 (94.7%) trainees were Italian. The subjective assessment showed an immediate improvement of motor skills.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Laparoscopic training course can improve both theoretical knowledge and motor skills. Such courses result in a short-term subjective improvement.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, L.go A. Gemelli 8, 00168, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Cristiano
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Rossitto
authors.forename: Maria Lucia
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Gagliardi
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Fagotti
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Fanfani
authors.forename: Valerio
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Gallotta
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Scambia
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing / Q000379:methods*; D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000193:education*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009048:Motor Skills; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012577:Schools, Medical; D012647:Self-Assessment; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires