4 WEEKS WITH THE LAPAROSCOPIC AND ROBOTIC SURGERY SSM
WEEK 1&2
What happened during the fortnight
I thoroughly enjoyed the first two weeks as I was able to develop a completely new skill of suturing as well as laparoscopic suturing and manipulation. We were given great access to this training equipment and plenty of time to practice these skills.
It was nice that we were introduced to the surgical team and felt welcomed when we observed a large variety of surgeries.
Observing the surgeries gave great opportunities to ask questions to the very enthusiastic and welcoming consultants. I enjoyed being able to improve my scrubbing skills and assisting in a large array of surgeries
WEEK 3&4
What happened during the fortnight
Discussed method of assessment
My thoughts and reflections
These weeks allowed us time to research into a specific subject within laparoscopic surgery – I looked into entry techniques in laparoscopic surgery. The knowledge I had researched I was then able to put into practice when attending theatre lists, asking consultants about their preferred techniques.
We were also lucky enough to not only have access to the gynae theatres but also be able to observe laparoscopic cases in main theatres too, allowing us to see a breadth of procedures.
Observing the robotics surgery and being able to be shown the different components of the robot was very useful, as it helps you rationalise the pros and cons of robotic surgery vs laparoscopic vs open surgery.
Being able to present my presentation I created on entry techniques in laparoscopic surgery to a DELTA workshop on laparoscopy and hysteroscopy helped me develop my presenting skills and gave me an opportunity to attend the course which was thoroughly enjoyable and educational.
WEEK 1&2
What happened during the fortnight
- Observed 2 laparoscopic hysterectomies
- Discussion of the different types of gynae cancers and the use of TLH/BSO in their treatment
- Assisted a total laparoscopic hysterectomy
- Practiced on the laparoscopic simulators
- Learnt how to do single handed knots
- Joined the pre-op ward round for the surgery list
- Observed vulvectomy
- Observed 2 TLHs with significant complications e.g large fibroid removal and adhesiotomy
- Observed TLH in patient with severe endometriosis
- Taught a surgical sieve method for summarising any medical condition: Dressed In A Surgeon’s Gown, A Physician Might Make Some Significant Progress
- Talked to and assessed patients post-operatively
- Observed 3-D radical TLH with lymph node resection
- Scrubbed in and assisted a staging laparotomy
- Discussed the anatomy of the peritoneal cavity, planes of fascia and how to look for peritoneal metastases
- Observed robotic surgery: removal of tumour on lateral pharyngeal wall. The Da Vinci machine and Tors were used
- Watched endometriosis staging laparoscopy
- Discussed the pathogenesis of endometriosis
- Observed Upper GI, Bariatric laparoscopic surgery including sleeve gastrectomy and hiatus hernia repair
- Talked to the OR1 technicians about how the laparoscopy stacks work
- Attended pre-operative clinic
- Observed TLH/BSO using Palmer’s point entry
- Observed LLETZ procedure
- Observed a TAH (total abdominal hysterectomy)
- Learnt how to suture
- Interrupted, uninterrupted, blanket, mattress
- Learnt how to suture using laparoscopic equipment
I thoroughly enjoyed the first two weeks as I was able to develop a completely new skill of suturing as well as laparoscopic suturing and manipulation. We were given great access to this training equipment and plenty of time to practice these skills.
It was nice that we were introduced to the surgical team and felt welcomed when we observed a large variety of surgeries.
Observing the surgeries gave great opportunities to ask questions to the very enthusiastic and welcoming consultants. I enjoyed being able to improve my scrubbing skills and assisting in a large array of surgeries
WEEK 3&4
What happened during the fortnight
Discussed method of assessment
- Observed laparoscopic nephrectomy
- Observed robotic anterior resection of the large bowel
- Observed a laparoscopic gastric band insertion
- Discussed with specialist registrar how the Da Vinci robot works
- Produced a PowerPoint on entry techniques of laparoscopic surgery
- Observed myomectomy (fibroid removal)
- Observed radical vulvectomy
- Observed TLH/BSO using Hassan entry point
- Presented the PowerPoint in front of Consultants, Registrars and colleagues
- Discussed setting up a course for colleagues to attend on laparoscopic surgery and surgical skills
My thoughts and reflections
These weeks allowed us time to research into a specific subject within laparoscopic surgery – I looked into entry techniques in laparoscopic surgery. The knowledge I had researched I was then able to put into practice when attending theatre lists, asking consultants about their preferred techniques.
We were also lucky enough to not only have access to the gynae theatres but also be able to observe laparoscopic cases in main theatres too, allowing us to see a breadth of procedures.
Observing the robotics surgery and being able to be shown the different components of the robot was very useful, as it helps you rationalise the pros and cons of robotic surgery vs laparoscopic vs open surgery.
Being able to present my presentation I created on entry techniques in laparoscopic surgery to a DELTA workshop on laparoscopy and hysteroscopy helped me develop my presenting skills and gave me an opportunity to attend the course which was thoroughly enjoyable and educational.