Intensive laparoscopic training course for surgical residents: program description, initial results, and requirements

Area of Science:

• Surgical Education
• Minimally Invasive Surgery

Background:

• The University of Arizona's Department of Surgery developed an intensive laparoscopic training course.
• This course integrates simulation laboratories with live swine models for comprehensive resident training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the essential components for designing and implementing a rigorous laparoscopic skills training course for surgical residents.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of a novel multimodality training program.

Main Methods:

• A week-long pilot intensive laparoscopic training course was developed for six surgical residents.
• The course included didactic instruction, simulation laboratory practice, and supervised surgical procedures on pigs.
• Residents participated in daily briefings, debriefings, and completed post-course surveys.

Main Results:

• Thirty-six surgical residents completed the training across six courses.
• All residents reported increased comfort with laparoscopic instruments and trocar placement.
• Residents performed surgery with greater confidence and supported the course's inclusion in their curriculum.

Conclusions:

• An intensive, multimodality laparoscopic training course should be a standard requirement for surgical residents.
• This approach enables the routine acquisition of basic and advanced laparoscopic skills.
• The training enhances surgical resident competency and confidence in minimally invasive procedures.