Objective: Laparoscopic surgery has the advantages of minimal invasiveness and aesthetics. Despite the increasing demand for gynecological laparoscopic surgeries, their use is not widespread in our local area. We attempted to promote safe laparoscopic surgeries.
Methods: We conducted three laparoscopic surgery seminars, with knot and suture training with a dry box (1st), knot and suture using pig stomach and heart (2nd), and surgical training using a pig (3rd). Invited lecturers were laparoscopic experts, with practical guidance from qualified gynecologists. Questionnaire-based surveys were also conducted.
Results: The number of participants were 39,32, and 19 (1st/2nd/3rd, respectively); approximately 50% were women. Participant backgrounds in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd seminars were: 54% (20/37) had no experience as laparoscopic operators; 74% (17/23) were operators, of which 43% (6/14) had performed ≤10 laparoscopies; and 79% (15/19) were operators of which 87% (13/15) had performed ≥10 laparoscopies. The incentives to participate were "encouragement from a colleague" (68%, 82%, 47%) and "to improve skills" (41%, 88%, 84%). Knot and suture time was shortened in almost all participants after the 1st seminar (P<0.01). Understanding the importance of training with a dry box and an animal was emphasized. The seminar levels were deemed suitable. Almost all participants hoped to attend the next seminar.
Conclusion: Encouragement from colleagues was an important impetus to attend the seminars. The seminars motivated participants to practice and improve awareness about the importance of training. We intend to continue these attempts.
