[Teaching laparoscopic urologic oncology. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center experience]

We outline the structure of the clinical and training program of laparoscopic urologic oncology at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. We discuss the steps and key elements necessary in acquiring lapa roscopic proficiency.The program lasts 2 years and trains fellows and faculty. For fellows, the program consists of a 6 months high volume laparoscopic oncology rotation, during which dry lab, animal lab, vide review and operating room experience are required. For faculty, the program consists of 1 accredited continuin medical education course, 20 hours of dry lab, 1 session animal lab, observation of laparoscopic cases, first assistant in a minimum of 15 laparoscopic cases, performing laparoscopic cases under mentoring.8 fellows have completed the training, 4 of whom have completed their fellowship and are in academic centers, performing advanced laparoscopy. The laparoscopic approach represents on average 80% of their urologic practice. Three attendings are performing laparoscopic surgery with mentoring.The goals of a surgical education program should be the standardization of the acquisition o surgical skills and assessment of the performance in a uniform setting to ensure the maintenance of the acquisition of skills and to develop programs to teach new skills.