[Effects of surgical simulation on the implementation of laparoscopic colorectal procedures].
BACKGROUND
Advanced laparoscopic surgery requires supplementary training outside the operating room. Clinical simulation with animal models or cadavers facilitates this learning.


OBJECTIVE
We measured the impact on clinical practice of a laparoscopic colorectal resection training program based on surgical simulation.


METHODS
Between March 2007 and March 2012, 163 surgeons participated in 30 courses that lasted 4 days, of 35 hours (18 h in the operating room, 12h in animal models, and 4h in seminars). In May 2012, participants were asked via an on-line survey about the degree of implementation of the techniques in their day-to-day work.


RESULTS
Seventy surgeons (47%) from 60 different hospitals answered the survey. Average time elapsed after the course was 11.5 months (2-60 months). A total of 75% initiated or increased the number of surgeries performed after the training. The increase in practice was>10 cases/month in 19%, and<5 cases/month in 56% of surgeons. 38% of participants initiated this surgical approach.


CONCLUSIONS
Seventy five percent of the surveyed surgeons increased the clinical implementation of a complicated surgical technique, such as laparoscopic colorectal surgery, after attending a training course based on clinical simulation.
Unidad Colorrectal, Servicio de Cirugía General, Hospital Universitario Valdecilla, Santander, España; Hospital Virtual Valdecilla, Santander, España. Electronic address: jcpalazuelos@hvvaldecilla.es.
Carlos
C
Manuel Palazuelos
Unidad Colorrectal, Servicio de Cirugía General, Hospital Universitario Valdecilla, Santander, España; Hospital Virtual Valdecilla, Santander, España.
Joaquín
J
Alonso Martín
Unidad Colorrectal, Servicio de Cirugía General, Hospital Universitario Valdecilla, Santander, España; Hospital Virtual Valdecilla, Santander, España.
José I
JI
Martín Parra
Unidad Colorrectal, Servicio de Cirugía General, Hospital Universitario Valdecilla, Santander, España; Hospital Virtual Valdecilla, Santander, España.
Marcos
M
Gómez Ruiz
Hospital Virtual Valdecilla, Santander, España.
José M
JM
Maestre
Bioestadistica, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, España.
Carlos
C
Redondo Figuero
Unidad Colorrectal, Servicio de Cirugía General, Hospital Universitario Valdecilla, Santander, España.
Julio
J
Castillo Diego
Unidad Colorrectal, Servicio de Cirugía General, Hospital Universitario Valdecilla, Santander, España.
Manuel
M
Gómez Fleitas
D000328:Adult; D003107:Colorectal Surgery / Q000193:education* / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003198:Computer Simulation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000193:education*; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
Colorrectal; Entrenamiento; Laparoscopia; Laparoscopy; Simulación; Simulation; Training