the course is based on the practice of sigmoidectomy (SG) and ileocecal resection (IR) in the porcine model. In addition, there is an emphasis on the objective assessment of laparoscopic intracorporeal suturing (LIS) skills, required for the resolution of complications and improvement of the anastomosis manoeuvres. It consists of 2.5 days long with 2/3 parts of practice. Remaining time is spent on theoretical-audiovisual contents. During the first morning, theoretical concepts of ergonomics in laparoscopy are taught to subsequently practice LIS in box-trainer on inorganic and organic tissues. At this point both techniques of SG and IR in the porcine model will be performed by each attendant until the end of the course (Figure 1); participants are assisted by the veterinary and physician expert faculty at any time. In addition, both the first day in box-trainer (P1), as the last day in the animal model (P2), attendants“ LIS skills are objectively assessed through a level test by performing a simple stitch (Figure 2). Also, at the end of the training course, the trainees subjectively ranked various educational and organizational topics of the training program by means of a questionnaire.
We organized a 2.5 days theoretical and practical courses. A total number of 146 participants completed
these courses (Fig. 1). A previous Elearning web platform is used to prepare the hands-on box trainer
tasks. The learning objectives include the acquisition of operative techniques and appreciation of
surgical strategies to allow the candidate to progress porcine sigmoidectomy and ileocecal resection.
Objective Assessment of laparoscopic intracorporeal suturing (LIS) is emphasized by means of initial
level test and acquired learning curve (time, errors). Also, at the end of the course, trainees subjectively
rank various educational and organizational topics of the training program by means of a questionnaire.