Effectiveness of learning advanced laparoscopic skills in a brief intensive laparoscopy training program.

Background: Intensive training programs arose from limitations in access to simulation centers. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect and associated factors involved in an intensive course for learning advanced laparoscopic skills, which include validated teaching techniques.

Methods: General surgeons and final-year residents were analyzed after completing an intensive 5-session advanced laparoscopy course. Initial (IA) and final assessment (FA) consisted in performing a jejunojejunal anastomosis in a live porcine model, measured using objective structured assessment of technical skill (OSATS) (GRS and SRS, that is, global rating scale and specific rating scale, respectively) and operative time (OT). The 3-session training was structured in a bench model with an ex vivo bowel. For the demographic analysis, 3 groups were defined according to the presentation of relevant changes in OSATS and in OT between IA and FA: group A, no changes; group B, change in 1 variable; and group C, change in both variables.

Results: After the course, all 114 participants presented a significant improvement in OT (37 vs 24.6min, p < 0.001) and in OSATS; global rating scale (10.5 vs 16 points; p < 0.001) and Specific Rating Scale (8.5 vs 12.7 points; p < 0.001). In the IA, 70 (61%) participants completed the jejunojejunal anastomosis and 105(92%) in the FA (p < 0.01). In the FA, 56% of participants presented relevant changes in both variables (group C). This group was significantly younger (34 vs 45 vs 40y old; p < 0.001), had fewer years of surgical experience (2 vs 9 vs 5y; p < 0.001), and had a proportionally higher concentration of residents (p = 0.01).

Conclusions: This intensive course is set out as a viable alternative to teach basic skills in advanced laparoscopy in a short period of time, which is ideal for surgeons with difficult access to training centers. It remains necessary to establish the participant profile for which this type of course is most beneficial.