A misleading false-negative result using Neisseria gonorrhoeae opa MGB multiplex PCR assay in patient's rectal sample due to partial mutations of the opa gene.

A 53-year-old homosexual man presented at his general practitioner (GP) practice with a suspicion of sexually transmitted infection. Initial NAAT screening was performed for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The patient was positive for Neisseria gonorrhoeae both for his urine and rectal sample.

Open knot-tying skills: resident skills assessed.

Aim: Open knot-tying and suturing skills are fundamental surgical skills, founding many alternative knot-tying techniques. It is therefore mandatory for residents to possess adequate basic open knot-tying skills. The aim of this study was to compare an objective assessment of open knot-tying skills by residents to a resident's own estimation of his or her knot-tying skills, before and after a knot-tying course.

Learning curve on the TrEndo laparoscopic simulator compared to an expert level.

Background: The aim of this study was to determine growth in trainee laparoscopic skill as recorded by the TrEndo laparoscopic simulator during a laparoscopic training course, compared to an expert level.

Methods: A prospective observational cohort study was conducted between February 1 and November 31, 2010. Trainees in laparoscopic surgery completed a basic laparoscopic suturing task on a laparoscopic box trainer at three successive assessment points during a laparoscopic training course.

[Simulation-based training in minimally invasive surgery: the Advanced Suturing Course].

Objective: To investigate the additional value of the Advanced Suturing Course (ASC) in the basic laparoscopic skills training curriculum for residents.

Design: Prospective cohort study.

Method: Laparoscopic skills of 162 participants attending one of 17 ASCs held during the period April 2008-December 2010, were assessed before and after the training.

Voluntary autonomous simulator based training in minimally invasive surgery, residents' compliance and reflection.

Background: Knot tying and suturing skills in minimally invasive surgery (MIS) differ markedly from those in open surgery. Appropriate MIS training is mandatory before implementation into practice. The Advanced Suturing Course (ASC) is a structured simulator based training course that includes a 6-week autonomous training period at home on a traditional laparoscopic box trainer.

Validation of a new box trainer-related tracking device: the TrEndo.

Background: There is an increasing demand for structured objective ex vivo training and assessment of laparoscopic psychomotor skills prior to implementation of these skills in practice. The aim of this study was to establish the internal validity of the TrEndo, a motion-tracking device, for implementation on a laparoscopic box trainer.

Methods: Face validity and content validity were addressed through a structured questionnaire.

Mapping the maze of minimally invasive surgery simulators.

Background: Conforming to, among other considerations, legal and ethical concerns for patient safety, there is an increasing demand to assess a surgeon's skills prior to performance in the operating room in pursuit of higher-quality treatment. Training in minimally invasive surgery (MIS) must therefore be intensified, including team training. New methods to train and assess minimally invasive surgical skills are gaining interest.

Evaluation of a technical skills training program in surgical residents.

Background: In recent years, the interest for training programs to teach technical skills has enormously grown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of surgical training on the technical skills of surgical residents.

Methods: Forty residents participated in a training program consisting of 1 training day followed by 6 weeks of autonomous training.