Armidale doctors develop surgery skills

1 December 2010

Doctors at Armidale Hospital are participating in a program that will allow them to develop and maintain surgical skills.

The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) Mobile Simulation Unit is currently parked on site at Armidale Hospital and trainee surgeons and medical students have taken the opportunity to develop their laparoscopic surgical skills.

Armidale Hospital Senior Staff Surgeon Dr Hans Dahl said he was proud that Armidale Hospital was selected to host the mobile simulation unit. 

“It is a wonderful opportunity for our staff to participate in the RACS national research program investigating the use of laparoscopic surgical simulation on training outcomes,” Dr Dahl said.

“At the same time, our surgeons are able to learn and develop their skills in the safety of the simulation unit and receive detailed feedback on their performance so that they have the opportunity to improve.”

The Mobile Simulation Unit is a van which contains state-of-the-art laparoscopic simulators that allow surgeons to practice their skills in a realistic environment.

“The surgeons using the simulation unit have the opportunity to develop their laparoscopic skills, which is often commonly known as keyhole surgery,” Dr Dahl said.

“Laparoscopic surgery is quite complex because of a range of factors. These include dealing with 2D images in a 3D environment, getting used to new instruments, and becoming accustomed to the different sense of touch during keyhole surgery.

“The mobile simulation unit provides our surgeons with the chance to practice these skills in a virtual environment,” Dr Dahl said.

“Many of them have taken the opportunity to use the unit and have reported that the experience was very worthwhile and that it has helped them develop their skills.

Contact: Emma Gibbs

Phone: 6767 7137