Individuals pursuing a medical degree can participate in laparoscopic training as part of a general surgery residency, or doctors can participate in a laparoscopic fellowship program. Laparoscopic surgery is performed by making a small incision and using tools that are guided by computer imaging. The end of the laparoscope is fitted with a camera, allowing the surgeon to complete the procedure without exposing the internal organs. Because the use of these tools necessitates a skill set distinct from that learned in general surgery, additional training is required. Although medical education programs vary by region, laparoscopic training is typically completed as part of surgery education.
In most countries, medical training to become a doctor is broken down into several stages, each of which includes some level of laparoscopic training. Medical school is where students learn general medical knowledge and are exposed to a variety of medical specialties, including surgery. Students are not yet considered doctors and will not be allowed to perform laparoscopic surgery while in medical school, but they will most likely be able to observe it being performed by attending surgeons and surgery residents. This is beneficial training for students because it allows them to grasp the fundamentals of surgery, which are necessary for further laparoscopic training.
Students become doctors after graduating from medical school and must choose a specialty to pursue further training in a residency program. During this phase of their education, surgical residents receive their first hands-on laparoscopic training. Students are exposed to laparoscopy at various levels of surgical training in some countries and regions. Some areas, for example, finish medical school right after high school, combining college and medical school.
Doctors perform all types of surgery under the supervision of attending surgeons and more experienced residents during residency or equivalent surgery training periods. These individuals teach residents about the various types of laparoscopic surgery, such as pancreas operations and appendix removal.
Following residency, surgeons can pursue additional laparoscopic training and certification as a laparoscopic specialist by enrolling in a laparoscopic fellowship. This training is offered to doctors who have completed a surgical residency and is considered an extension of the residency years. There are programs available in general laparoscopy as well as specific fields like gynecology and endourology.