Training Centres ~ Oxford

Training Model and Ethos
The Oxford Colorectal Surgery training model is derived from our own experience of developing a programme in laparoscopic colorectal surgery in a busy clinical environment.  We benefitted from intensive, closely mentored training leading to the development of independent operative skills in a small group of surgeons.  These surgeons subsequently worked as a team on all cases, effectively increasing operative experience and allowing laparoscopic skills to be consolidated in a safe and effective environment.  We think this model is applicable to other motivated surgeons who are experts in open colorectal surgery and competent in basic laparoscopic skills.

Course structure
Oxford Colorectal Surgery runs courses every 6-8 weeks.  Each course takes 3-4 days, with two colonic resections each day. Core topics are covered in accompanying formal presentations.  Our aim is to attract two surgeons, ideally from the same Trust, with the commitment to continue training as a team.  This compensates for the inevitable lack of experienced assistants and camera operators during the early phase of a laparoscopic programme.  We would expect visiting teams to develop core skills for laparoscopic resection for colon cancer during 20 cases, over 4-6 months, the exact requirement depending on previous experience and ability.  We would also invite prospective delegates to attend courses as ‘observers’ to familiarize themselves with the programme and benefit from our course manual and formal presentations before attending their ‘hands-on’ course.  We have an excellent link between our Storz OR1 Theatre and our Postgraduate Centre which provides a relaxed and comfortable environment remote from theatre.

Mentoring and assessment
In addition to training in Oxford, we can offer limited mentoring at delegates’ home Trusts, either by consultant surgeon or our DoH funded Senior Laparoscopic Fellow.  We are also exploring remote mentoring with video conference hardware which is a realistic option, particularly if the team has access to an integrated theatre.  The Educational Committee of the Department of Health Training Programme will define conditions of course entry and approaches to skill assessment. It is essential that all surgeons undertaking this program agree to abide by these assessments and of course continue to maintain a detailed log of all laparoscopic procedures.

Theatre staff programme
We are actively developing our formal programme of theatre staff training which will be available from 2009.  Meanwhile we encourage surgeons to bring their theatre teams for familiarization and instruction in setting up a laparoscopic programme. 

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