Paediatric laparoscopic orchidopexy as a novel mentorship: Training model

Abstract

Background: Although Laparoscopy is becoming a standard procedure in management of pediatric urology disorders, but its widespread use still limited. This can be attributed mainly to difficulty in acquiring such  specialized technique, especially by post graduate practicing urologist. Thus, we herein evaluate the impact of condensed laparoscopic training programme in children hospital with the aim to analyze the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic orchidopexy in training basic laparoscopic skills. The aim of this study was to review experience as a mentor in training laparoscopic skills through condensed training programme based on high volume low risk procedure of pediatric laparoscopic orchidopexy.

Materials and Methods: In order to implement a condensed laparoscopic curriculum in a short period of time while maintaining utmost patient safety,  laparoscopic orchidopexy was used as the technique of choice. The course was conducted over a period of 5 days starting from 1st November 2010 in a tertiary pediatric surgical center under guidance of an expert mentor. A total of 30 testicular units in 27 pediatric patients of different age group diagnosed with impalpable undescended testis underwent laparoscopic intervention. The course was conducted in three stages with the aim to deliver laparoscopic skills to trainee. In stage one out of eight cases  operated by mentor with assistance of trainee six were operated on day 1 and two cases were operated on second day. The trainee performed 12 cases of laparoscopy independently with assistance of mentor in stage two which was carried out on day 2, 3 and 4. Finally all 7 cases including two second stage laparoscopic orchidopexy procedures were carried out  independently by trainee under observer ship of mentor in stage three during day 4 and 5 of training programme. The feasibility and efficacy of laparoscopic orchidopexy in training laparoscopic skills through condensed  training programme was assessed through analysis of mentorship  experience.

Key words: Laparoscopic orchidopexy, pediatric, training mentorship