Abstract
The present study describes the training approach that a laparoscopy naive general urologist working in a non teaching hospital employed to successfully learn to perform laparoscopic extraperitoneal radical prostatectomy and describes the results obtained in the first 120 cases performed.
Methods
The urologist assisted an experienced laparoscopic surgeon for a total of 20 extraperitoneal radical prostatectomies. During this time he modified his technic of performing open radical retropubic prostatectomy to facilitate the acquisition of the laparoscopic technics. Intracorporeal suturing was learned with the aid of a pelvic trainer.
Results
The operating time progressively decreased during the learning curve. The mean duration of surgery was 160 minutes. There were 2 conversions to open surgery due to failure to progress.
Conclusions
Laparoscopic extraperitoneal radical prostatectomy can be successfully learned by a general urologist with no prior laparoscopic experience.
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