This course is an introduction to laparoscopic surgery. It consists of three components:

1. Camera manipulation (0 degree scope)
2. Basic use of instruments and essential laparoscopic skills
3. Basic suturing skills

The BTS course is the basis for laparoscopic simulation training and therefore a prerequisite for ALL other laparoscopic courses in ARTI. It is of utmost importance for junior and senior residents of all surgical specialties that perform laparoscopic and/or endoscopic surgery, as well as a useful reminder for fellows and junior consultants.

This course is the natural sequel of our basic training skills course. It builds up on the skills acquired in BTS in terms of camera manipulation, skills and suturing by means of introducing the 30 degree scope, requiring and extending already present laparoscopic skills, and finally guiding trainees to advanced suturing skills with practical implications.

The ATS course is the last pre-flight simulation training requirement before one can embark on actual simulated surgical procedures. It is recommended for all laparoscopic/endoscopic surgeons regardless of grade level and competence, in order to acquire and/or maintain high laparoscopic performance level.

This course offers a comprehensive, structured curriculum for laparoscopic appendectomy including basic appendectomy procedural tasks, interactively-guided, complete procedure techniques, and free-hand, complete procedure cases. Anatomical variations are presented as well as different levels of inflammation including perforated appendix. The aim is to acquire skills and knowledge including inspection of the abdominal cavity, aspiration of the purulent collections, exposure of the appendix, control of the appendicular artery, division of the mesoappendix and appendix, specimen retrieval, and hemostasis.

You will practice a variety of techniques and appropriate use of surgical instruments such as energy devices, stapler, and ligating loop. Clinical decisions such as extent of cecum mobilization in retrocecal case and extent of appendicular artery exposure can be made in real-time. Cases include an anatomical 3D map, real-life videos, interactive 3D guidance, and comprehensive, objective performance metrics to enrich and enhance the learning experience.

This course represents a step-by-step tutorial of the laparoscopic cholecystectomy and cholangiography procedures. Achieving the critical view of the cystic duct and artery, safe clipping and cutting and dissection of gallbladder from the liver bed are presented. Furthermore, 6 simulation tasks, 1 case with normal anatomy and 5 additional cases each with 3 variations, provide 16 complete procedure cases.

Cholangiography simulation training provides a unique opportunity to practice the steps of the intra-operative cholangiography procedure in a life-like environment. The trainee performs all the steps of the procedure from the delicate side cut through the complicated insertion of the catheter into the cystic duct, to the injection of contrast agents. A must for all practicing laparoscopic surgeons involved in gallbladder surgery, regardless of level of experience and expertise.

The fundoplication course provides training in the key steps of the procedure. Ideal for the training of general surgeons and gastrointestinal surgeons, this module with highly realistic graphics allows users to practice the key steps of the laparoscopic fundoplication procedure for the treatment of Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Trainees learn to prevent and manage potential complications such as bleeding from various vessels and damage to the esophagus, crura, stomach and spleen.

The objectives are real life like practice in incision into the lesser sac, through the gastro-hepatic ligament, dissection of the peritoneal ligaments, separating the right crus from the esophagus and revealing the left crus, dissection of the phreno-esophageal ligament, separating the left crus from the esophagus, and creating a retro-esophageal window, division of the short gastric vessels, dissection of the gastro-splenic ligament and separating the fundus of the stomach from the spleen.

The laparoscopic sigmoidectomy course provides an environment in which to perform a wide range of tasks from vessel isolation through creation of the anastomosis before encountering them in the operating room. Trainees learn to determine the best approach to the procedure, practicing real-time clinical decision-making and working safely to prevent complications and respond to injuries. An anatomical 3D map, on-demand real-life videos, procedural instructions and trocar placements complete this exceptional training module.

The objectives of this highly educative course are to learn how to perform the peritoneal incision, while elevating the inferior mesenteric pedicle, how to identify the left ureter, how to perform dissection in correct tissue planes, how to expose and divide the inferior mesenteric artery, inferior mesenteric vein, and left colic artery, how to mobilize the sigmoid colon and perform rectal wall exposure and how to perform a safe distal division of the sigmoid colon and how to work with a circular stapler and perform laparoscopic end-to-end anastomosis. Most importantly the trainee learns how to appreciate and avoid potential complications. This course is an essential training module for all general and colorectal laparoscopic surgeons.

Our laparoscopic inguinal hernia course allows the trainee to gain experience with the key steps of the Laparoscopic Transabdominal Preperitoneal (TAPP) Inguinal Hernia Repair for right direct defect. Anatomy identification task provides an opportunity to become familiar with the anatomy of the inguinal region and to identify the anatomical landmarks essential for the TAPP Inguinal Hernia repair.

Incision and dissection task allows for practicing an accurate peritoneal incision, performing a safe dissection and gentle reduction of the hernia sac, and preparing a peritoneal flap for further mesh placement. Mesh placement and fixation task allows for practicing an accurate positioning of the mesh over the primary hernia defect, performing a safe fixation of the mesh to the anterior abdominal wall and a closure of peritoneum. A variety of complications and emergency situations such as injuries to the vessels, vas deferens, nerves and bladder as well as comprehensive performance metrics are included.

This course provides a complete guide to laparoscopic incisional hernia repair. With six hernia repair cases of increasing difficulty it provides surgeons with true-to-life experience of laparoscopic incisional hernia repair in a controlled and safe environment. Trainees gain an in-depth understanding of abdominal anatomy, skills for carefully separating the adhesion to expose the hernia defect, appreciation of potential complications, and practice safe use of prosthetic mesh and devices used to fixate, suture and staple the mesh.

The objectives learned in this course are to learn the skills for carefully separating the adhesion to expose the hernia defect, to detect and learn how to avoid potential complications of the hernia procedure and to familiarize and practice safe use of prosthetic mesh, suturing and mesh fixation devices. This course is suggested for all general surgeons involved in hernia repair.

This course is a comprehensive introduction to Basic Endoscopic Skills that are of utmost importance for residents (General Surgery, Gastroenterology, and Internal Medicine); it also serves as a useful reminder for fellows and consultants. The BES course is the basis for endoscopy training and therefore a prerequisite for ALL other (Advanced, Upper and Lower GI) endoscopic courses offered at ARTI. In this course, trainees will gain understanding on the basic principles of Endoscopy. They will learn and acquire competence in endoscopy essentials, and they will gain skills and knowledge in the handling of the endoscope through various fundamental endoscopic skill tasks. The different tasks that will be addressed in this course are under the five Fundamental Endoscopic Skills that all trainees in endoscopy are required to familiarize with: Endoscopic Navigation, Loop Reduction, Retroflexion, Mucosal Evaluation, Targeting.