Why fundamentals of endoscopic surgery (FES)?

Excerpt

As flexible endoscopy has moved into the mainstream, gastroenterologists have embraced many of the skills and techniques particular to this modality of diagnosis and intervention. Their adoption of flexible endoscopic technology and training, and the lack of enthusiasm for endoscopic therapy potentials by surgeons, has left many surgical residents and practicing surgeons deficient in endoscopic skills. As a result, education of surgical residents in flexible endoscopy has lagged and training of surgical residents in flexible endoscopy is increasingly coming under scrutiny and has become an area of debate. The medical literature and practice guidelines are replete with articles from surgeons and gastroenterologists debating the appropriate education and training in flexible endoscopy. Both surgical and gastroenterology professional societies have published guidelines for training in flexible endoscopy. These guidelines are often at odds with each other, citing opposing literature supporting their position on appropriate criteria for training in basic upper and lower endoscopy [1‐4]. Flexible endoscopy is a critical element of any general surgeon’s and colorectal surgeon’s practice. In 2007, 74 % of rural surgeons performed more than 50 flexible endoscopic procedures each year, with 42 % of rural surgeons performing more than 200 flexible endoscopic procedures annually [5]. In a 2010 report on rural, under-served areas that lack gastroenterology services, 39.8 % of an American general surgeons’ practice comprises flexible endoscopic procedures [6]. In Canada, surgeons were found to be the primary providers of flexible endoscopic services in smaller urban and rural areas [7]. …