An objective experimental assessment of the learning curve for laparoscopic surgery: the example of pelvic and para-aortic lymph node dissection

Objectives: To date the number of procedures required to become competent to perform new laparoscopic surgical techniques is not known. Study design: The pig model was chosen for assessment of the learning curve associated with an advanced laparoscopic procedure. A unilateral laparoscopic pelvic lym...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:European journal of obstetrics & gynecology and reproductive biology 1998-10, Vol.81 (1), p.55-58
Main Authors: Querleu, Denis, Lanvin, Dominique, Elhage, Abdou, Henry-Buisson, Bénédicte, Leblanc, Eric
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Aorta
Biological and medical sciences
Education, Medical
Experimental surgery
Female
General Surgery - education
Laparoscopic surgery
Laparoscopy
Learning
Lymph Node Excision - methods
Lymphadenectomy
Medical sciences
Miscellaneous
Pelvis
Surgery (general aspects). Transplantations, organ and tissue grafts. Graft diseases
Swine
Time Factors
Training
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Objectives: To date the number of procedures required to become competent to perform new laparoscopic surgical techniques is not known. Study design: The pig model was chosen for assessment of the learning curve associated with an advanced laparoscopic procedure. A unilateral laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy was performed by two residents and a laparoscopic para-aortic lymphadenectomy was performed by a fellow on a series of 20 pigs. The quality of the dissection was checked by immediate laparotomy by an independant observer. Results: The operative objectives were: (a) There should be less than 5% residual lymph nodes. (b) The operating time should be less than 30 min for pelvic and less than 100 min for para-aortic lymphadenectomy. (c) Avoiding conversion because of complications. This target was achieved after 7 and 9 pigs respectively for pelvic lymphadenectomy and after 14 pigs for para-aortic lymphadenectomy. Conclusion: It is feasible to assess the learning curve of trainee surgeons while performing laparoscopic pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy on pigs. A training programme such as this should prevent complications due to inexperience and should satisfy ethical and medico-legal considerations.
ISSN:0301-2115
1872-7654
DOI:10.1016/S0301-2115(98)00155-9