Our Summary

The researchers conducted a review of previous studies on training methods for laparoscopic colorectal surgery, a minimally invasive procedure used to treat conditions of the lower digestive tract. They aimed to understand the different ways that surgeons’ skills in this area are evaluated and how these methods can be used in training. They searched three major databases for relevant studies, eventually including nineteen in their review.

These studies varied greatly, and were divided into two categories: those that focused on the actual surgical procedure (procedure-based) and those that looked at other skills not directly tied to the operation itself (non-procedure-based). They also looked at whether the studies were suitable for formative assessment (ongoing feedback to improve skills) or summative assessment (final evaluation of skills).

The review found a wide range of assessment methods of varying quality and usefulness. They recommend focusing on high-quality methods that are based on actual surgical procedures, use a clear rating scale, and can be used for final skill evaluations.

FAQs

  1. What is laparoscopic colorectal surgery and what conditions does it treat?
  2. What are the two categories of studies that the researchers divided the training methods into?
  3. What types of assessment methods did the researchers recommend for evaluating surgeons’ skills in laparoscopic colorectal surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about laparoscopic surgery is to follow all pre-operative instructions carefully, such as fasting before the procedure and avoiding certain medications. This can help reduce the risk of complications during and after surgery. Additionally, it is important to discuss any concerns or questions with your surgeon before the procedure to ensure you have a clear understanding of what to expect.

Suitable For

Patients who are recommended for laparoscopic surgery typically have conditions that can be treated through minimally invasive procedures, such as:

  • Gallbladder disease (gallstones)
  • Hernias (inguinal, umbilical, hiatal)
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Appendicitis
  • Endometriosis
  • Ovarian cysts
  • Colorectal conditions (diverticulitis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis)

It is important for patients to consult with their healthcare provider to determine if laparoscopic surgery is the best treatment option for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before laparoscopic surgery:

  1. Patient is diagnosed with a condition that requires surgical intervention.
  2. Patient meets with the surgeon to discuss the procedure, potential risks, and benefits.
  3. Patient undergoes pre-operative testing and evaluation to ensure they are a suitable candidate for surgery.
  4. Patient may be instructed to follow specific pre-operative instructions, such as fasting or discontinuing certain medications.

After laparoscopic surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes the minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery procedure.
  2. Patient is monitored closely in the recovery room for any immediate post-operative complications.
  3. Patient is discharged from the hospital after a short recovery period, typically within a day or two.
  4. Patient may experience some pain, swelling, and discomfort at the surgical site in the days following surgery.
  5. Patient is instructed on post-operative care, including wound care, pain management, and activity restrictions.
  6. Patient follows up with the surgeon for post-operative appointments to monitor healing and address any concerns.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about laparoscopic surgery include:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with laparoscopic surgery?
  2. How experienced are you in performing laparoscopic surgeries?
  3. What is the success rate of this procedure for my specific condition?
  4. How long is the recovery period after laparoscopic surgery?
  5. Will I need any additional follow-up procedures or treatments after the surgery?
  6. What can I expect in terms of pain management during and after the surgery?
  7. Are there any specific pre-operative instructions or preparations I need to follow?
  8. How long will the surgery take, and how long will I be in the hospital?
  9. What are the potential long-term effects or considerations I should be aware of after the surgery?
  10. Can you explain the assessment methods used to evaluate your skills in performing laparoscopic surgeries, and how do they ensure the best outcomes for patients?

Reference

Authors: van Zwieten T, Okkema S, van Det M, Pereboom I, Veeger N, Pierie JP. Journal: Int J Colorectal Dis. 2023 Apr 19;38(1):105. doi: 10.1007/s00384-023-04395-9. PMID: 37074421