LAPAROSCOPIC TRAINING IN RESIDENCY PROGRAM

The use of laparoscopy in general surgery has provided surgeons with a new approach to multiple procedures. New techniques are being develop ed daily. Laparoscopic training for surgical residents must be incorpo rated into their curriculum. To decrease the risks of training residen ts on patients and to decrease operative time, a program of videoscopi c ''bench'' training exercises, to improve eye-hand coordination, was instituted for junior residents. Between July and September 1995, nine surgical residents participated in this proficiency videoscopic study . At the end of the study, there was a statistically significant impro vement in the residents performance by an average of 37% (P = 0.0109). This program proved to be both effective and economical. It can be re produced and easily incorporated into any surgical residency program.