[Training of surgeons in laparoscopic surgery of the digestive system. Experience in 1,818 interventions without accidents and mortality].

Unlabelled: Since the beginning or laparoscopic surgery on University of Sao Paulo Medical School Clinics Hospital, the Digestive Surgery Division established an educational program for surgeons of the alimentary tract.

Purpose: The course structure includes the information on medical school, extension in laparoscopic surgery league, and surgical formation during the residence, mainly in the fourth year, with a three months period in the Laparoscopic Surgery Unit.

Method: This model of surgical formation is certainly responsible for the excellent results obtained.

Results: An example is the performing of 1818 cholecystectomies in the Laparoscopic Surgery Unit from 1990 till 1998, with 0.9% convertion, and no mortality. The absence of operative accidents or complications give support to the orientation assumed in our Division.

Conclusion: In a university hospital there is the necessity of professional formation in a well structured program, with humanistic and technical education, in a large period of rotation, but with a solid information and practical structure.