LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY - SURGICAL EDUCATION IN THE PEOPLES-REPUBLIC-OF-CHINA

In 1991, because of the international emphasis on laparoscopic surgery , a large contingency of surgeons took on the task of introducing lapa roscopy to the People's Republic of China. This trip was a technologic al feat, since all of the equipment and instrumentation had to be carr ied into the country. This necessitated a major coordinated effort amo ng professional teaching staff and industry representatives with their transported equipment. This unique educational opportunity is detaile d in this article, which highlights, in particular, the contrast betwe en the new ''high-tech'' surgery and the reality of a developing count ry.