Course Description
The Fellowship in Minimal Access Surgery (MAS) is an advanced training program aimed at equipping surgeons with the necessary knowledge, skills, and expertise to perform minimally invasive surgical procedures.
The fellowship is designed to provide hands-on training in laparoscopic, endoscopic, and robotic-assisted surgeries across various specialties. The program emphasizes the latest techniques, patient safety, and outcomes, preparing surgeons to perform complex surgeries with minimal tissue disruption and quicker recovery times for patients.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Fellowship in Minimal Access Surgery, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Educational Qualification: A medical degree (MBBS or equivalent) from a recognized institution, along with a post-graduate degree (MS or DNB) in general surgery or a related surgical specialty.
- Work Experience: A minimum of 2 years of clinical experience in general surgery or a related surgical discipline.
- Age Limit: Generally, candidates should be between 25 and 40 years of age (age limits may vary depending on the institution).
- Other Requirements: Candidates must possess a valid medical license and demonstrate proficiency in basic surgical techniques.
Course Duration:
The Fellowship in Minimal Access Surgery is typically a 1-year program. The program integrates both theoretical learning and extensive hands-on surgical training under the supervision of experienced mentors. It is structured to allow fellows to gain exposure to a wide range of minimally invasive procedures.
Curriculum:
- Objective: To provide foundational knowledge and understanding of the principles, techniques, and evolution of minimal access surgery.
- Topics Covered:
- Overview of minimal access surgery (MAS) and its advantages over traditional open surgery.
- History, development, and technological advancements in laparoscopic and robotic surgery.
- Essential instruments and equipment used in MAS, including laparoscopes, trocars, and robotic systems.
- Safety protocols, sterile techniques, and patient positioning.
- Key Learning Outcome: Comprehensive understanding of the principles, equipment, and safety aspects of MAS.
- Objective: To familiarize candidates with the basic techniques of laparoscopic surgery.
- Topics Covered:
- Introduction to laparoscopic techniques for abdominal surgeries.
- Step-by-step procedures for basic laparoscopic surgeries (e.g., appendectomy, cholecystectomy).
- Overview of insufflation, visualization, and trocar insertion techniques.
- Managing complications specific to laparoscopic surgery, including bleeding, injury to organs, and carbon dioxide embolism.
- Key Learning Outcome: Mastery of basic laparoscopic techniques and the ability to perform simple laparoscopic procedures.
- Objective: To provide in-depth knowledge and training in advanced laparoscopic surgeries.
- Topics Covered:
- Complex laparoscopic surgeries (e.g., colectomy, bariatric surgery, hernia repair).
- Advanced techniques such as laparoscopic suturing, knot tying, and tissue manipulation.
- Role of laparoscopic surgery in gastrointestinal, urological, and gynecological fields.
- Managing complications in advanced laparoscopic surgeries.
- Key Learning Outcome: Proficiency in performing complex laparoscopic procedures and managing intraoperative challenges.
- Objective: To introduce candidates to endoscopic procedures and their applications in surgery.
- Topics Covered:
- Introduction to endoscopic techniques for gastrointestinal and respiratory systems.
- Diagnostic and therapeutic applications of endoscopy (e.g., colonoscopy, bronchoscopy).
- Endoscopic procedures in bariatric and gastrointestinal surgeries.
- Learning to perform diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic interventions, including polypectomy and stent placement.
- Key Learning Outcome: Ability to perform and interpret diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic procedures.
- Objective: To familiarize candidates with the fundamentals and advanced techniques of robotic-assisted surgery.
- Topics Covered:
- Overview of robotic surgery, including the advantages and limitations.
- Learning the setup, controls, and use of robotic surgical systems (e.g., da Vinci).
- Robotic-assisted surgeries in different specialties, including urology, gynecology, and general surgery.
- Patient selection, setup, and intraoperative management in robotic surgery.
- Key Learning Outcome: Expertise in performing robotic-assisted surgeries with precision and minimal invasiveness.
- Objective: To develop an understanding of preoperative and postoperative care specific to minimal access surgery.
- Topics Covered:
- Preoperative evaluation and optimization for MAS procedures.
- Pain management, fluid management, and post-surgical recovery after MAS.
- Minimizing the risk of complications, such as infections and adhesions, in minimally invasive surgery.
- Early mobilization, discharge planning, and follow-up protocols.
- Key Learning Outcome: Proficiency in managing patients before, during, and after minimal access surgeries.
- Objective: To equip fellows with the knowledge to recognize and manage complications related to MAS.
- Topics Covered:
- Recognizing and managing intraoperative complications such as organ injury, bleeding, and trocar-related issues.
- Postoperative complications such as infection, hernia, and bowel obstruction.
- Approaches to prevent and minimize complications in MAS.
- Approaches to prevent and minimize complications in MAS.
- Key Learning Outcome: Ability to manage both intraoperative and postoperative complications effectively.
Final Assessment:
The final assessment for the Fellowship in Minimal Access Surgery includes a combination of theoretical and practical evaluations:
- Written Examination:A comprehensive test covering all aspects of minimal access surgery, including techniques, patient management, and complications.
- Practical Surgical Skills Evaluation:A hands-on assessment of the candidate's ability to perform laparoscopic, endoscopic, and robotic-assisted procedures under supervision.
- Case Presentation:Candidates will present and analyze complex clinical cases involving minimal access surgery, demonstrating their ability to apply learned techniques in real-world scenarios.
- Viva Voce:An oral examination that tests the candidate’s understanding of key concepts, surgical procedures, and troubleshooting during surgeries.
- Clinical Competency Evaluation:A final evaluation based on clinical performance in a surgical setting, assessing both technical and decision-making skills.
Certification:
Upon successful completion of the fellowship program, candidates will be awarded the Fellowship in Minimal Access Surgery, certifying them as experts in minimally invasive surgical techniques.
