The European Academy of
Gynaecological Surgery
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3000 Leuven
Belgium
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Researching to improve

Science

Research projects developed by The European Academy of Gynaecological Surgery:

A. LASTT Method

Laparoscopic Skills Testing and Training (LASTT) Method tests, evaluates, and scores laparoscopic psychomotor skills outside the operating room. The inanimate model uses a 'key–hole' situation with camera work under 2D–vision, hand–eye coordination, remote handling of instruments without tactile feedback, and fine motor skills to deal with the fulcrum effect and the lever forces of the long instrument.

The following publications provide the scientific base for the Laparoscopic Psychomotor Skills training and testing method:

  1. Feasibility and construct validity of a novel Laparoscopic Skills Testing and Training model (LASTT): Carlos Roger Molinas, Gunter De Win, Ortrun Ritter, Joerg Keckstein, Marc Miserez and Rudi Campo, Gynaecological Surgery, Volume 5, Number 4 / November, 2008.
  2. A valid model for testing and training laparoscopic psychomotor skills:
    Rudi Campo, Cristoph Reising, Yves Van Belle, Joseph Nassif, Carlos Roger Molinas.
    Submitted for publication. Answer: pending.
  3. Only mastering intra–corporeal knot–tying exercises insufficient for acquisition of fundamental laparoscopic psychomotor skills expertise.
    Carlos Roger Molinas and Rudi Campo
    This publication is submitted for publication. Answer is pending.

B. Single–access endoscopic surgery project

  • Objective: to develop a model for psychomotor–skill testing and training for single–access surgery applicable in different disciplines such as gynaecology (hysteroscopy), urology, and gastro–intestinal surgery.
  • Scope: summarize and evaluate all existing hysteroscopy models.
    • Prove scientifically the necessity for a new model;
    • Manufacture models;
    • Establish full protocols for feasibility and construct, face and content validity;
    • Incorporate the study results in training.
  • Fellow: Dr.Christoph Reising (Department Prof. D. Wallwiener – Tübingen)
  • Collaboration with the Centre for Surgical Technologies – University of Leuven
  • Study period: June 2008 – June 2011

C. Trial of Outpatient Hysteroscopy (Trophy) in IVF

The initiation of a multi–centre randomised controlled study of the effects of outpatient hysteroscopy on the outcome of the subsequent IVF cycle after recurrent IVF failure.

  • Trial objective: to evaluate whether performing an outpatient hysteroscopy prior to starting an IVF cycle improves the live birth rate of the subsequent IVF cycle in women who have experienced 2–4 failed IVF cycles. A concurrent health economic evaluation will also be performed.
  • Study protocol and time schedule established on 21/06/2008.
  • Kick off meeting of trial team at ESHRE facilities on 21/03/2009
  • Trial team:
    • Central scientific study centre: Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
      Contact : Dr. Tarek El–Toukhy
    • Central training and education centre and European coordination centre
      Contact : Dr. Rudi Campo
  • Project in collaboration with the ESHRE
  • Planned start of the study: September 2009

D. Project on congenital anomalies

  • Project leader: Dr. Grigoris F. Grimbizis – Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, Greece
  • Path for completion
    • Review article is submitted for publication;
    • Establishment of an expert working group planned at ESGE congress 2009 Florence;
    • Establishment of a new classification system (2010–2011);
    • Guidelines on diagnostic approach and treatment.