title: A successful model for laparoscopic training in Mongolia.
abstract: The benefits of laparoscopic surgery have not been available to the majority of Mongolians. Mongolian surgical leaders requested assistance in expanding laparoscopy. A capacity-building approach for teaching laparoscopic cholecystectomy throughout Mongolia is reviewed. A laparoscopic cholecystectomy training program was developed. The program included a didactic course and an intensive 2-week practical operating experience. Courses were taught in Ulaanbataar and at 3 of the 4 regional diagnostic referral and treatment centers from 2006 to 2010. During this training period, a total of 303 teaching laparoscopic cholecystectomies were performed. There was one common bile duct injury and one duodenal injury. The conversion rate was 2.0%. This program has been successful in creating a self-sustaining practice of training. The traditional surgical approach to gallbladder disease in Mongolia has been challenged and has, in turn, been a stimulus for improvement in the medical community.
authors.affiliation: 1  Department of Surgery, University of Utah Hospitals and Clinics, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.
authors.forename: Gabriela
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Vargas
authors.forename: Raymond R
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Price
authors.forename: Orgoi
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Sergelen
authors.forename: Byadran
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Lkhagvabayar
authors.forename: Pandaan
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Batcholuun
authors.forename: Tsiiregzen
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Enkhamagalan
mesh_terms: D057191:Capacity Building; D017081:Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic / Q000193:education*; D003479:Curriculum; D003906:Developing Countries; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration; D005260:Female; D005705:Gallbladder Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D008297:Male; D017145:Models, Educational; D008986:Mongolia; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D019035:Rural Health Services; D016896:Treatment Outcome