The National Training Programme for Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery in England: a new training paradigm

Aim The National Training Programme in laparoscopic colorectal surgery was set up in 2008 to introduce laparoscopic colorectal surgery nationwide in a safe and structured way. Method Over 150 consultant surgeons were enrolled; they received regular and supervised hands on training, and the operative outcome and the structured sign‐off process were monitored continuously. Results Over 1000 training cases have been recorded with clinical outcomes comparable to established experts; 1/3 elective colorectal resections in England are performed laparoscopically. Conclusion This successful and novel training model may be a training paradigm for other surgical and interventional specialities.