Survey of Training in Laparoscopic Skills in Germany

Background Training in laparoscopic skills on simulators such as box-, POP-or VR-trainers improves intraoperative performance. Although this training is not mandatory in Germany at the moment, certified centres for minimally invasive surgery need to account for training opportunities. According to previous surveys, laparoscopic simulators are desired, yet not sufficiently available. The aim of the current project was a structured analysis of laparoscopic simulation sites in Germany. Materials and Methods An online survey was performed among members of the "Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Allgemein-und Viszeralchirurgie". This consisted of 16 questions on the availability, type, use and financing of a laparoscopic simulator. If more than one person in an institution completed the questionnaire, answers were pooled and an analysis of clinics as well as single persons was performed. Results Of 4605 persons, 422 participants (9.2%) from 265 different departments completed the survey. In 140 Institutions (52.8%) a simulator for laparoscopic training was present. No training possibility was available in 37.8% (n = 99) of the hospitals. A curriculum for laparoscopic training was obtained in 43.3% (n = 103) of the participants with laparoscopic training facilities. The use of available simulators by surgical residents increased when they were embedded in a mandatory training curriculum (at least monthly use: 33.3 vs. 57.1%). Conclusion Compared to previous surveys, the proportion of hospitals with simulators is increasing. Their use is currently very heterogenous. A mandatory basic curriculum may encourage acquisition of more simulators. A DGAV database is supposed to encourage cooperation between training centres and clinics without simulators.