The European Association for Endoscopic Surgery recommendations for training in laparoscopic surgery.

A questionnaire among surgeons in Europe on minimal access surgery (MAS) was carried out. 96% of the responders were of the opinion that the resident or trainee should take training courses before embarking on MAS. 81% recognized a need for basic training and 96.5% for advanced courses. Registrars should be trained in MAS according to 96% of the responders. The recommendations of the European Association of Endoscopic Surgery (E.A.E.S.) for training and privileging in MAS are presented. In one of the centres that fulfills the requirements of the E.A.E.S. there were 602 surgeons from January 1992 to March 1993 who attended teaching courses in laparoscopic surgery. They came from all European countries (except Iceland) and participated in courses in basic and advanced MAS. The courses were rated with high marks and may serve as a model for similar courses elsewhere in Europe. In Europe, standardised and well organised teaching in MAS is currently available, both for surgeons and registrars. Skills laboratories will play an important role in teaching MAS. In the future, training in virtual reality surgical simulations will become central in teaching MAS and with this development, the need for animals for training will be reduced. Preceptorship and proctoring is becoming established. Still, the apprenticeship system remains the cornerstone of surgical training also in MAS.