Facts, Views & Vision
in ObGyn

Journal of the European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy

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Postgraduate cadaver surgery: An educational course which aims at improving surgical skills

W.A.A. Tjalma1*, M. Degueldre2, B. Van Herendael3, K. D’Herde4, S. Weyers5>/p>

1 Multidisciplinary Breast Clinic and Gynaecologic Oncology, Antwerp University Hospital-University of Antwerp.
2 UMC St. Pieter, Brussels, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
3 ZNA, Antwerpen Division of Endoscopic Surgery Department Ob/Gyn STER.
4 Ghent University, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Anatomy and Embryology Group.
5 Ghent University Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Correspondenceat: Prof. Dr. Wiebren Tjalma, Medical Coordinator of the Multidisciplinary Breast clinic and Gynaecological Oncology, Antwerp University Hospital, University of Antwerp, Wilrijkstraat 10, 2650 Edegem, Belgium. Wiebren.Tjalma@uza.be

* VVOG ‘Vlaamse Vereniging voor Obstetrie en Gynaecologie’ or ‘the Flemish Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecology’.

Keywords:

Laparoscopy, endoscopy, surgery, training, skills, performance, postgraduate, VVOG, endogent


Published online: Apr 05 2013

Abstract

Objective: To describe the postgraduate surgical skills training programme of the Flemish Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (VVOG*). Laparoscopic surgical techniques and indications have increased substantially during the past two decades. From surgeons it is expected that they keep up with all techniques and should be able to perform all relevant procedures. Learning new procedures in daily practice is hazardous and difficult to achieve. A training experience with cadaver surgery could improve the course and outcome of surgery on patients. We present the objective, structure, and outcome of the endoscopic postgraduate training course.
Structure: The overall objective of the endoscopic postgraduate training course is to refresh anatomical knowledge and improve general gynaecological laparoscopic surgical skills. The VVOG endoscopic training programme is based on black box training, followed by pig surgery. New is the possibility to perform surgical procedures on specifically prepared human cadavers. The course consists of an anatomical teaching session followed by lectures with videotaped procedures on the anatomical exploration of the pelvis, laparoscopic hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy. During the hands-on session the participant performs the surgical procedures in a controlled, nonthreatening and interactive way under the guidance of an experienced trainer.
Conclusions: All participants provided feedback on their experiences. The evaluation of the workshop revealed that this course is an opportunity to practise and improve clinical laparoscopic skills of gynaecological procedures and anatomy. Attending the course was regarded as of genuine additional value for surgical practice.