A method for training surgeons in laparoscopic ultrasound.

Abstract

With the increased use of laparoscopic surgery and the obligatory loss of palpation of solid organs, laparoscopic ultrasound will be an invaluable tool for the location and evaluation of solid or fluid-filled masses and retroperitoneal organs. Surgeons have heretofore had limited experience with ultrasound but are increasingly using other minimally invasive techniques to perform major operations. A graduated learning experience has been developed for surgeons, including a didactic introduction to ultrasound, inanimate and ex vivo training models, and finally, a live large animal model. Hepatic metastases were simulated and surgeons trained to locate and biopsy these lesions within the liver parenchyma under laparoscopic ultrasound guidance. The devised training session has allowed the participating surgeons to feel confident that they could identify and then biopsy intrahepatic lesions using minimally invasive techniques.