Visceral Surgery and Education

Teaching surgery is often a great challenge, where patient safety, and costs related to prolonged operation time may come in conflict with the need of broadening the competence base of the coming generation of surgeons. This has traditionally been accomplished through a master - apprentice relation, where mutual trust, personal knowledge and effective communication have been crucial elements. As the healthcare organization is changing it is, however, often difficult to organize the training based on personal relationships between two individuals. Other ways of organizing the training are thus needed. More effective and reliable ways of giving feedback and formalized principles of delegating which procedures the resident is entrusted to complete may provide the surgeon under training a plan for training while limiting the patient hazards. There are also new technologies that may help the surgeon in acquiring skills prior to testing them in real life.

The present research topic focuses on novel methods and tools for teaching surgical skills. Studies on communication and feedback are also welcome. Reports and reviews on education in open surgery, laparoendoscopic surgery and well as gastrointestinal endoscopy are welcome. This includes, but is not limited to the following aspects:

• Training in simulated environments, including mechanical simulators, ex vivo models, in vivo models, and virtual simulators
• Wet lab training
• Mentoring and training organization in surgery
• Augmented reality training

We welcome original research, reviews, mini reviews, and experimental studies. Contributions with general focus on surgery or endoscopy may also be accepted as long as they are relevant to visceral surgery.