Experience with a novel laparoscopic gynecologic curriculum in Haiti: lessons in implementation

An estimated one-third of the world's burden of disease requires surgical treatment. In many high-income nations, a large proportion of critical surgical procedures are performed laparoscopically due to a number of advantages the technique offers. There is forward progress in the global surgery field to increase access to laparoscopic techniques in low and middle-income settings (LMIC), with potential benefits to both patients and surgeons.

A week long laparoscopic surgery curriculum for surgeons and hospital staff was designed and implemented in a low-resource setting. An iterative design was used to adapt the curriculum on the ground.

The local laparoscopic team was able to independently perform two laparoscopic procedures since the course was administered.

Implementing laparoscopic surgery programs may be feasible in many LMIC settings. Access to this care may benefit patients. Lessons learned for the global laparoscopist are described.