How to shorten learning curve for laparoscopic hepatectomy
The adoption of laparoscopic liver resection has increased exponentially over the last 10 years. It is now a routine procedure in many HPB and MIS units, and in fact, has become a standard of care for less technically demanding resections in suitable patients. Nonetheless, it is a challenging procedure with the potential for major complications, and requires additional demands on resources, instrumentation and time. The learning curve though steep, can be facilitated by a step wise, systematic approach to acquiring the skill set required to performing a successful surgery. Depending on the demographic profile, organizational makeup and health care support system, this learning curve can vary in time needed to achieve proficiency, as well as the repertoire of cases undertaken.