title: A survey on the current status of laparoscopic training in paediatric surgery in South Africa.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To document the current status of laparoscopic training of paediatric surgical registrars in South Africa.
  
  
  METHODS
  An anonymous questionnaire was distributed. Participants were asked to document their involvement in a number of index laparoscopic procedures during the preceding year, as well as additional non-operative training they received and their satisfaction with their training thus far.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All registrars (N=16) completed the questionnaire. Registrars were from the Universities of KwaZulu-Natal, Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Pretoria and the Witwatersrand, and Walter Sisulu University. The ratio of consultants proficient in paediatric laparoscopy to registrars was between 0.6 and 1. Junior registrars were more likely to assist with, and senior registrars more likely to perform, procedures. Registrar satisfaction varied greatly across institutions, with 44% of registrars satisfied with their training.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The consultant-to-registrar ratio is favourable, and high patient load provides opportunity for laparoscopic education. However, there are a number of obstacles to adequate training. These include the feasibility of after-hours laparoscopic surgery and the availability and use of training aids. The introduction of a structured training programme across all institutions will improve laparoscopic proficiency and satisfaction among paediatric surgical registrars in South Africa.
authors.affiliation: Division of Paediatrics Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Pretoria. stevenpbhs@hotmail.com
authors.forename: P S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Stevens
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: De Villiers
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Van Niekerk
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000193:education* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000193:education; D013019:South Africa