Laparoscopic bariatric surgery training program model: gastric bypass

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopy for bariatric surgery became the surgery of choice for surgeons worldwide. However, it is also more difficult to learn and has a great potential for complications. The specific training is fundamental to maintain the benefits without increasing the complications. This study presents a laparoscopic surgery training method for the treatment of obesity and to analyze its efficiency. METHOD: A training program for 36 surgeons with experience in open bariatric surgery was proposed, and the surgical results of their first laparoscopic surgeries were accompanied as for greater complications, such as death, intestinal obstruction, bleeding and fistula within the first 30 days. RESULTS: Of the 36 surgeons who completed the program, thirteen who performed 403 surgeries were accompanied for 18 months to evaluate morbidity and mortality. There were 4 cases of greater complications (1%). CONCLUSIONS: The proposed program was efficient for this specific group of surgeons, as it permitted the participants to learn the procedure without increasing the initial complications in the learning curve.