In a scene akin to Squid Games’ Sugar Honeycombs game, Surgical Foundations residents found out just how challenging cutting shapes with laparoscopic tools can be as part of the inaugural Minimally Invasive Surgery half day at the VGH Sim Centre.
For the 40 residents undergoing the CRASH surgical block, the morning of October 8th was split: a one-hour interactive seminar, and a two-hour hands-on lab, emphasizing the principles of minimally invasive surgery (MIS), and an introduction to MIS equipment, instruments, staplers, and devices.
Led by Drs. Alex Lee, Graeme Hintz and Yitz Ahisar, the group used six MIS video towers in the VGH-Sim Centre, and 10 MIS simulators from Ethicon (hard-shell with iPad, and soft-shell with 10 mm scope). In pairs, residents experienced firsthand how to set up the equipment, place ports, and manipulate MIS instruments.
Performing a variety of tasks in the 2-D world of MIS surgery, the residents quickly became proficient with the basics, including suturing, and knot tying. Along with carving Squid Games themed shapes like stars and triangles into paper sheets, residents next went on to build 20 and 30-piece Lego sets using the MIS equipment, a task they thoroughly enjoyed according to General Surgery resident, Dr. Leela Breton, who added: “I thought it was a very engaging and creative way of getting junior surgical trainees introduced to laparoscopic skills.
“The workshop allowed us to work on skills which we are used to performing within a new space to which we will all need to become accustomed for our future careers.”
Vascular resident, Dr. Nicholas Reitsma, said: “The MIS lab was a unique and fun opportunity to sharpen our laparoscopic skills and gain familiarity with the unique challenges or MIS surgery.
“Cutting shapes and building Legos didn’t just highlight technical precision; it was a fantastic hands-on demonstration of the teamwork and collaboration essential for a modern surgical team.”
Dr. Alex Lee, who spearheaded the initiative, said: “We want to thank the Ethicon team for allowing us to use their cutting-edge trainers, and for their hands-on support. We can’t wait for the next half-day, and encourage each of the home programs to consider a similar lab, specific to their field.
“We had a blast – and so did all of the residents. We challenge anyone to build some Lego sets with MIS equipment!”
Surgical Foundations Program Director, Dr. Jon Misskey, said: “This half-day could not have been a success without the amazing staff and facilities at the world class VGH-Sim Centre, and our amazing instructors Drs. Graeme Hintz, Yitz Ahisar, and Alex Lee”.
