Objective Evaluation of a Laparoscopic Surgical Skill Program for Residents and Senior Surgeons

Abstract

THIS ARTICLE reports on the Yale Laparoscopic Skills and Suturing Program, a training method^1-3 for objective evaluation of laparoscopic surgical skills including intracorporeal suturing. Since the introduction of laparoscopic general surgery, many courses to retrain established surgeons have emerged. However, objective parameters are not commonly used to assess the outcome of courses.^4-6 The safe and efficient inclusion of laparoscopic surgery as an integral part of general surgery demands dissemination of laparoscopic surgical skills among trained surgeons and residents with a common platform. An effective standardized skill-acquisition course with objective evaluations can facilitate skill transfer for the retraining of senior surgeons and establishing initial surgical training in residents.^7-9