Perspective Chapter: Simulation in Complex Laparoscopic Digestive Surgery

Abstract

The adoption of laparoscopic techniques for complex digestive surgical procedures, such as hepatectomy and pancreatectomy, has been slow in comparison to other areas of surgery. Laparoscopy presents the surgeon with several challenges including ergonomics, lack of haptic feedback, altered fields of vision, and teamwork meaning that there is a significant learning curve for complex laparoscopic digestive surgery, even for the surgeon experienced in open procedures. Simulation is a useful method to train surgeons in complex procedures and has been suggested as a potential mechanism to decrease the duration of the surgeon learning curve in laparoscopic surgery. This chapter will explore current concepts in simulation for complex laparoscopic digestive surgery. Readers will develop an understanding of the role of simulation in surgical procedural training and evidence-based techniques that may be implemented in their own institution.