Abstract
Background
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.
Methods
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.
Results
The local laparoscopic team was able to independently perform two laparoscopic procedures since the course was administered.
Conclusions
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.
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Acknowledgements
We thank the staff and patients of Hopital Universitaire at Mirebalais, Haiti for their hospitality and collegiality.
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Lara Harvey, Howard Curlin, Barry Grimm, Barbie Lovett, Jean-Claude Ulysse, and Christopher Sizemore have no conflict of interest or financial ties to disclosures.
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Harvey, L., Curlin, H., Grimm, B. et al. Experience with a novel laparoscopic gynecologic curriculum in Haiti: lessons in implementation. Surg Endosc 34, 2035–2039 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-019-06983-9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-019-06983-9