Integrating advanced laparoscopy into surgical residency training

Abstract

SAGES was founded to further the advancement of surgeons performing gastrointestinal endoscopy. In part due to the society’s previous efforts, training in flexible endoscopy is now recognized as a mandatory component of training in general surgery. SAGES has more recently promoted the safe practice of laparoscopic surgery, which since 1991 has evolved to be a standard component of the practice of most general surgeons. Consistent with the goal of continuing to provide the public with surgeons competent in performing all varieties of appropriate laparoscopic procedures, SAGES joins other major surgical organizations in addressing the concern that, while basic laparoscopic procedures are mastered during residency training in general surgery, advanced procedures and the skills required to initiate safely an experience in them often are not.

Incorporation of advanced laparoscopic surgical skills into surgical residency and the safe incorporation and performance of advanced laparoscopic operations into surgical practice are dynamic processes. With the above proposals, SAGES hopes to facilitate both processes. We have, herein, set forth suggested curriculum guidelines for resident training in laparoscopic surgery. We have outlined measures by which resident and faculty training in advanced laparoscopic surgical skills may be realized. Focusing on adequately training the trainers is essential in order to facilitate residency training in the future. As practice patterns evolve and the frequency of laparoscopic operations increases, the opportunities for residents to learn required skills will increase. As a result, they will be able to accomplish safely such procedures. In that setting, the proposed special efforts outlined above may no longer be necessary.