Background

SERGS is an independent European platform for gynaecologists who perform and develop robot assisted surgery. SERGS liaises with sister societies, that i.a. educate and train gynaecologists in open and laparoscopic surgery. Robot assisted surgery is a relatively new field of surgery, still under development.

It is of note that robotic surgery has been introduced without sufficient guidance and regulation from our professional societies, although the manufacturer has provided recommendations and facilities for training. No formal training requirements, let be programmes have been developed yet. Also European regulatory bodies have already aired their concern about what they call “irresponsible introduction of robot techniques”.1 A structured approach in learning and training has been advocated.2

Therefore there is a need for guidance in training for current robot assisted practice.

Moreover, both new applications and developments of new systems require guidance in instruction, education and training.

Mission

Standards of training in robot assisted surgery should guarantee safe care of optimal quality. To this end SERGS promotes initiatives for training in robot assisted surgery to comply with general health regulations in Europe and to provide directives for standards of training.

Goals

Review existing and draft of new European guidelines.

As it appeared, there are no national guidelines for education and training.

The committee will draft guidelines for education and training in robot assisted surgery. Such concept will be discussed with sister societies with the aim to come to a consensus statement, such as the 2007 SAGES-MIRA statement.3

In a first attempt and invited by the European Board and College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (EBCOG), together with the European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO) we have issued a general guideline “Standards for Robotic Surgery”.

Statements on education, training, accreditation and certification are in preparation.

Educational programmes and videos

The committee will either by its own initiative or by commission prepare educational material, in text or video which will be made available through the SERGS website.

References

1. Dutch Health Inspectorate. Insufficient carefulness at the introduction of surgical robots. (Report in Dutch: Inspectie voor de Gezondheidszorg, Onvoldoende zorgvuldigheid bij introductie van operatierobots) Ministerie van Volksgezondheid, Welzijn en Sport: 2010
2. Schreuder H, Wolswijk R, Zweemer R, Schijven M, Verheijen R. Training and learning robotic surgery, time for a more structured approach: a systematic review. BJOG 2011; DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.2011.03139.x
3. Herron DM, Marohm M, The SAGES MIRA Robotic Surgery Consensus Group. A consensus document on robotic surgery. Surg Endosc 2008; 22: 313-325.