Slovenská chirurgia 2/2012

Laparoscopic Surgical Skills (LSS) programme – the first experience in Central and Eastern Europe

Aims: To consider applicability of pan-european training programme in laparoscopic surgery (LSS) in Central and Eastern Europe. Material and methods: Careful analysis of preparation and progress of the first LSS course held in the 1st Department of Surgery of LF UPJŠ and UN of L. Pasteur in Košice was performed. Data from feedback reports and questionnaires handed in by participants – trainees and faculty were evaluated – point scale from 0 to 10. Results: Overall impression of LSS curriculum was rated highly positive by both the trainees (8.8±0.83 points) and faculty (8.75±0.5 points). Similar evaluation rates were obtained for course progress, course materials, assessment modalities, staff and training centre. No statistically significant differences were detected in subjective evaluation between trainees and course faculty. Conclusions: Pan-european training programme in laparoscopic surgery represented by LSS format appears to be viable and perspective educational modality. LSS courses can be successfully organized in Central and Eastern Europe provided specific local conditions are taken into account.

Keywords: education, training, laparoscopy, laparoscopic surgery, curriculum.