Safe Introduction of Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery Even in Remote Areas of the World: The Value of a Comprehensive Telementoring Training Program

Background: Advanced laparoscopic surgery training courses equipped with state-of-the-art lab facilities allow the acquisition of surgical skills in a harmless environment for the patients. In addition, active participation in intensive clinical mini-fellowship programs helps in acquiring clinical competence for the novice surgeons to properly manage patients affected by colorectal diseases. Despite this, inexperienced surgeons still need supervision during their first cases, especially to perform more complex laparoscopic procedures; however, availability of experts is particularly critical in remote areas of the globe. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of a comprehensive theoretical and hands-on training program that included long-distance telementoring to assist inexperienced surgeons in performing laparoscopic colonic resections. Materials and Methods: One surgeon with no previous experience in laparoscopic colonic resection participated in an intensive training program that incorporated a theoretical master class and practical modules in the lab, including telementored sessions in experimental settings. A 4-week intensive clinical mini-fellowship was also part of the training program. Results: After completion of the extended training program, two laparoscopic colorectal resections for colon cancer were successfully performed in a remote area of Russia with telementoring assistance from Italy. A highly integrated operative room and standard secured network system were used to connect the expert and the novice surgeon. After this preliminary experience, the remote learner successfully operated on 25 more patients without any further need for remote expert assistance. Conclusions: A comprehensive theoretical and practical mini-fellowship training program associated with initial telementoring assistance can help to safely start to perform advanced laparoscopic procedures, even in remote areas of the globe.