We plan to run this course as per the dates below. The RVC is committed to providing a safe learning environment for all our students so we may be required to make changes to course provision depending on the COVD-19 situation.

Are you interested in adding laparoscopy to the services you can offer your patients?

Laparoscopy requires a unique psychomotor skill set including: video eye-hand coordination, instrument manipulation about a single entry point into the abdomen and adaptation to a 2-D monitor display.

A great way to achieve laparoscopic competency, is to practice in a controlled environment, outside the operating room, using computer simulators.  This affords the opportunity for rapid and sustained skill acquisition in a safe, ethical and friendly environment. Such training will maximise your chances of success and reduce risk to your patients as you start out on your laparoscopic journey.

This is a 3-stage course

Stage 1: Friday 29^th April at the Royal Free Simulation Centre
Stage 2: Various dates in-between Monday 2nd May to Friday 8th July at the Royal Free Simulation Centre
Stage 3: Thursday 14^th and Friday 15th July (lectures and on-site practical) at the RVC

The first stage is a one-day on site course*. We will discuss the purpose of laparoscopic surgery in veterinary medicine; the kit required for laparoscopic surgery; and laparoscopic psychomotor skills training.  You will be introduced to state-of-the-art, virtual reality, high fidelity, laparoscopic computer simulators and also have the opportunity to practice using real laparoscopic instruments in training boxes.

The second stage is a laparoscopic psychomotor skills course, using computer simulators.  This is completed over a 60-day period at the Royal Free Hospital Medical Simulation Centre. This course includes: an introductory session; 16 to 25 one-hour, self-directed, training sessions; 3 to 4 one-on-one formative assessments; and a final summative assessment. Introductory sessions and assessments are arranged by appointment. Delegates are free to complete the training sessions at their own convenience: the simulation centre is open 24 hours a day, 7 days per week.  However, it is best not to do more than 2 training sessions in one day and assessments should not be performed after a training session on the same day.

The third stage includes a one-day lecture series* in small animal laparoscopic surgery, complemented by one-day of on-site cadaver practicals at the RVC. 

Stage two is fundamental to this course, so please consider your access to the Royal Free Hospital and commitment to laparoscopic surgery before signing up. All prospective applicants should contact Karla Lee (klee@rvc.ac.uk). In order to access the Royal Free Hospital all delegates will need to provide a CV and two references.

*these sessions may be moved to online

Why do this course?
This course is designed to launch your “key hole” surgery journey. You will develop the psychomotor skills for laparoscopic surgery using a computer simulator training programme, proven to be ‘the most effective method to acquire and retain long-term surgical skills’ (Dr Pasquale Berlingieri).