title: [Low-cost laparoscopic training: necessary time for acquiring expertise].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Today laparoscopic approach is essential, but learning is usually expensive and very limited. Homemade and low equipment costs are required. We undertook this study to quantify how many hours of training are necessary for a surgeon without laparoscopic experience in order to acquire the abilities to carry out procedures as a staff member with laparoscopic experience.
  
  
  METHODS
  A low-cost laparoscopic trainer was constructed. Four exercises of increasing difficulty have been developed. Five residents without laparoscopic experience and four experts developed the study. A satisfaction questionnaire was completed. Data were analyzed comparing the average times for the accomplishment of each exercise between groups.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Data showed that the more difficult an exercise is, the more training is required. The average time needed to acquire similar skills as experts was almost 7 h of training spread over 4 months. The level of confidence for approaching a laparoscopic procedure for residents after completing the training was increased by 70%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Laparoscopic training is essential in the formation of all surgeons and a reason why this low-cost and easily accessible method could become a basic tool for learning the first steps of the laparoscopic procedure.
authors: Servicio de Urología, Hospital General Universitario JM Morales Meseguer, Murcia, Spain. drraulmontoya@hotmail.com
authors: Raúl
authors: R
authors: Montoya-Chinchilla
authors: Alvaro
authors: A
authors: Campillo-Soto
authors: Bogdan
authors: B
authors: Pietricica
authors: María del Carmen
authors: MC
authors: Cano-García
authors: Guillermo
authors: G
authors: Hidalgo-Agulló
authors: José Andrés
authors: JA
authors: García-Marín
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000191:economics* / Q000193:education*; D059032:Learning Curve; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors