Evidence to support the early introduction of laparoscopic suturing skills into the surgical training curriculum

Abstract

Background: The objectives of this study were to investigate the relationship between the acquisition of laparoscopic suturing skills and other operative laparoscopic skills and to provide evidence to determine ideal time and duration to introduce laparoscopic suturing training. Methods: The first part of the study explored the relationship between the acquisition of laparoscopic suturing skills and proficiency of other operative laparoscopic skills. The second part of the study consisted of an opinion survey from senior and junior trainees on aspects of training in laparoscopic suturing. Results: One hundred twenty-eight surgical trainees participated in this study. The total scores of task performance of 57 senior surgical trainees in laparoscopic suturing skills consisting of needle manipulation and intracoporeal knot tying were improved significantly after the training course (46.9 ± 5.3 vs 29.5 ± 9.4, P