Formidable Challenges to Teaching Advanced Laparoscopic Skills

Despite the acceptance of laparoscopy for performing routine operations, a need still exists for experienced surgeons and surgical residents to maintain and refine essential surgical skills. Unless used on a frequent basis, laparoscopic skills are not easily maintained. In addition, when new laparoscopic instruments are introduced, surgeons need a way to practice using them that does not involve immediate patient contact. Novice surgeons need the most training of all and ideally would be best served using a standardized teaching curriculum that would cover as many of the basic laparoscopic parameters as possible. This article discusses how best to set up a laparoscopic simulation training program that covers as much ground as necessary, while respecting the restraints of time limitations and monetary concerns.