New surgery training centre sets big goals

CMAJ 2000;162:390

Minimal access (keyhole) surgery is winning converts because it is less invasive and reduces pain and recovery time. The latter result brings a smile to the face of hospital administrators because it helps clear badly needed beds quicker. The new centre opened in January after being launched in October. The multidisciplinary centre is located at St. Joseph's because it is a teaching hospital and its surgeons are among the most experienced when it comes to the relatively new technique.

Dr. Mehran Anvari performs a bowel resection

Dr. Mehran Anvari, an associate professor with the Department of Surgery at McMaster University, will direct the centre. "It will provide an opportunity to practise telesurgical techniques in a computer-simulated environment," he said. "The computerized patient simulators and other equipment will allow surgeons to refine and master the visual and motor skills required in a specific procedure. With additional research, patients will be able to have all sorts of operations without the need for a long hospital stay or recovery period."

The centre will cooperate with the Royal College to standardize new techniques and monitor their developments in Canadian hospitals. As well, information on a wide range of keyhole surgical and diagnostic techniques will be available to the public through a Web site and information line.

The centre's highlights include an integrated video-conferencing system, with rapid transfer of surgical proceedings from the operating room to a classroom, as well as a 2-way audio connection that allows for immediate interaction between students and surgeons. As well, simulations allow students to practise operative procedures in a more realistic environment. The centre is also designed to facilitate learning by physicians in remote and international locations. — Ken Kilpatrick, Hamilton

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