In 2017, for the first time, the ESCP was able to run a hands-on cadaveric laparoscopic colorectal skills course. This was possible due to a generous educational grant from Johnson & Johnson which included the opportunity to run the course at the world renowned European Surgical Institute (ESI) at Hamburg.
As well as the long established wet lab teaching models the ESI now as cadaveric training facility opened in 2017. The ESCP was the first organisation to run a laparoscopic skills course at this facility. The course was aimed at junior trainees in colorectal surgery (those with basic laparoscopic skills who were just beginning to perform laparoscopic right hemicolectomy and left sided colonic mobilisation).
It was hoped that those attending the course would be able to acquire new operative techniques and an appreciation of the surgical strategies required to allow them to progress performing right hemicolectomy, splenic flexure mobilisation and initial upper rectal mobilisation.
The course comprised lectures and video presentations from an international invited faculty, hands on operative skills exercises in the wet lab and hands on operations in the cadaver lab.
We delighted to have 18 surgical trainees attended on the day. The course benefited from a high ratio of faculty to delegates. All the delegates made good use of their time on the course. During the videos and lectures the interaction between the delegates and faculty was of high level. The delegates also benefitted from close supervision and instruction in the wet labs and cadaver laboratories where groups undertook right and left hemicolectomies.
Judging by the feedback the course was a great success. Despite a couple of technical hitches the overall the feedback was very positive with a satisfaction rating of 8.6 out of 10. There was a great appreciation for the teaching by the faculty. The local organization by the team at the ESI was excellent. The wet lab and cadaver lab facilities were outstanding.
It is anticipated that the ESCP will continue to offer hands-on courses in conjunction with the ESI at Hamburg in the future.
Mark Potter
ESCP Education Committee
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