TEACHING LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY - THE NEED FOR GUIDELINES

There is a risk that minimally invasive surgery will fall into disrepu te unless adequate steps are taken to reassure the public. Some form o f accreditationafter a recognised training scheme would go a long way towards allaying thesefears. The cost of training surgeons must be add ressed. Adequate training will probably pay dividends in reduced litig ation. The royal colleges should be responsible for maintaining standa rds of teaching on recognised courses, setting criteria for accreditat ion, and supervising a national audit of all laparoscopic procedures.