Laparoscopy as an educational and recruiting tool

Glasgow, Sean C.; Tiemann, Debbie; Frisella, Margaret M.; Conroy, Glenn; Klingensmith, Mary E.

doi:10.1016/j.amjsurg.2006.01.008

« Previous Next »The American Journal of Surgery
Volume 191, Issue 4 , Pages 542-544, April 2006

Laparoscopy as an educational and recruiting tool

Sean C. Glasgow, M.D.
- Department of Surgery, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA
Debbie Tiemann, R.N.
- Department of Surgery, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA
Margaret M. Frisella, R.N.
- Department of Surgery, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Washington University Institute for Minimally-Invasive Surgery (WUIMIS), St. Louis, MO, USA
Glenn Conroy, Ph.D.
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA
Mary E. Klingensmith, M.D. (F.A.C.S.)
- Department of Surgery, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Washington University Institute for Minimally-Invasive Surgery (WUIMIS), St. Louis, MO, USA
- Corresponding author. Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Ave., Campus Box 8109, St. Louis, MO 63110. Tel.: +1-314-362-8028; fax: +1-314-362-8790

Received 1 December 2004; received in revised form 3 August 2005

Abstract

Background

General surgeons can supplement traditional gross anatomy instruction by using laparoscopy to provide clinical correlations. Early, positive interaction with surgeons may stimulate student interest in this field.

Methods

Basic laparoscopy was performed on fresh cadavers for first year medical students in gross anatomy over 2 consecutive years. Surgical residents reviewed anatomy of the abdomen, and students manipulated intra-abdominal organs using laparoscopic instruments. Students completed pre- and post-demonstration questionnaires that were compared independently.

Results

More than 95% of responding students agreed the demonstration enhanced their understanding of abdominal anatomy. Regardless of planned area of specialization, students felt the demonstration reinforced the clinical relevance of gross anatomy. Among students already anticipating surgical careers, 88.2% said the demonstration increased their interest in general surgery; this was significantly higher than among those intending careers in internal medicine (27.3%) or other fields (23.5%; P < .0001).

Conclusions

Cadaver-based laparoscopy demonstrations by general surgeons supplement didactic sessions and enhance learning in gross anatomy. Furthermore, such demonstrations may stimulate student interest in general surgery at an early point in their medical education, particularly in those already interested in a surgical career.

Keywords: Gross anatomy , Laparoscopy , Surgical education , Medical students , Cadaver