Position Statement on Advanced Laparoscopic Training
Position Papers/Statements published on: 04/2010
by the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES)
SAGES Position Statement on Advanced Laparoscopic Training
The Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) endorses the following concepts for training in laparoscopic surgery.
1) Laparoscopic operations are integral components of general surgery.
2) Training of general surgeons in the foundations of laparoscopic surgery should occur within the general surgery residency. Training and certification in the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery is a part of this foundation.
3) General surgical training includes a defined number of basic1 laparoscopic operations and the minimum numbers set by the RRC serve as a reference point for basic laparoscopy exposure.
4) General surgical training also includes a defined number of advanced2 laparoscopic operations and the minimum numbers set by the RRC serve as a reference point for advanced laparoscopy exposure.
5) While all residents should meet the RRC requirements for advanced laparoscopy and endoscopy, Program Directors may be flexible and tailor the residency experience in advanced laparoscopic surgery for those individuals who are committed to a career in general surgery.
6) The RRC also requires 85 flexible endoscopy procedures, of which 50 should be colonoscopies.
(1) Basic laparoscopic surgery is comprised of: diagnostic laparoscopy, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and laparoscopic appendectomy.
(2) Advanced laparoscopic surgery consists of all other laparoscopic operations. Specifically, the RRC considers the following procedures advanced laparoscopy:
Laparoscopic Gastrostomy and Feeding Jejunostomy placement
Laparoscopic Inguinal and Incisional Herniorrhaphy
Laparoscopic Bariatric Procedures
Laparoscopic Anti-reflux/esophageal Procedures
Laparoscopic Enterolysis
Laparoscopic Small and Large Bowel procedures
Laparoscopic Renal and Adrenal surgery
Laparoscopic Donor Nephrectomy
Laparoscopic Splenectomy
This document was prepared and reviewed by the Resident Education Committee. It was originally prepared by an ad hoc task force on Residency Integration in 1997 and approved in 2003 and in 2010 by the SAGES Board of Governors.
