[Thoracoscopic surgery--experiences with a practical training course using an animal models]

Various thoracoscopic procedures have recently become an established method in thoracic surgery. However, a systematic teaching program is lacking. We present our experience with a 1-day training course, using anaesthetized pigs. Thoracoscopic operations, such as pericardial fenestration, wedge resection of the lung, subaortic and mediastinal lymph node dissection and pleurectomy have been exercised in groups of two. 7-12 months following the teaching course 40% of the participants had performed more than ten diagnostic or therapeutic thoracoscopic interventions in clinical situations. We conclude that our course helps participants to successfully apply this technique in clinical practice.