Educating the Surgical Team in Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery

Abstract

Developing formal educational programs is essential in establishing standardized laparoscopie colorectal techniques as safe and standard procedures.^1,2 Despite the critical nature of such programs, little information exists regarding educational concepts in laparoscopie colorectal surgery and such surgery is not a standard part of any surgical training program. The American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopie Surgeons (SAGES) have both published some general recommendations regarding training, credentialing, and awarding surgical privileges in new technologies.^3,4 The ACS states, “A defined educational program in the technology, including didactic and practical elements, must be completed and documented either as a post-residency course of instruction or as a component of an approved residency program.” Additionally, the ACS guidelines state, “The surgeon must be qualified, experienced, and knowledgeable in the management of the diseases for which the technology is applied—for example, laparoscopie instrumentation would be applied by surgeons with abdominal or pelvic surgical experience and credentials.” Furthermore, “The qualifications of the surgeon to apply the new technology must be assessed by a surgeon who is qualified and experienced in the technology and should result in a written recommendation to the department or service head.”⁴ Both the ACS and the SAGES recommend that maintenance of skills be documented through periodic outcomes assessment and evaluation in association with the regular renewal of surgical privileges.