Laparoscopic Appendectomy for Medical Professionals

Medical Professional - Clinical

This module teaches you how to safely prepare for and perform a laparoscopic appendectomy.

A laparoscopic appendectomy is a procedure to remove the appendix through several small incisions in the abdomen. This module teaches you how to safely prepare for and perform a laparoscopic appendectomy. Including both Learn and Test modes, the online simulator enables you to practice and tests your ability to perform the procedure. Practice the steps of the procedure online as often as you want, until you feel confident.

You’ll learn

pre-procedure considerations
how to insert and place the ports
how to identify the appendix
how to practice a laparoscopic appendectomy
to visualize the key anatomical structures used during a laparoscopic appendectomy
much more (see Content Details for more specific information)

Step 1 - Telescope insertion and general inspection

Step 1.1 - Insertion of Hasson cannula and camera

Step 1.2 - General inspection of the abdominal cavity

Step 2 - Insertion of the 2nd and 3rd ports

Step 2.1 - Insertion of the 2nd port

Step 2.2 - Insertion of the 3rd port

Step 2.3 - Transfer of the telescope to the left iliac fossa port

Step 3 - Inspection of the uterus, ovary and fallopian tubes (female patients only)

Step 4 - Inspection of the distal terminal ileum

Step 5 - Dissection of the appendiceal mesentery

Step 5.1 - Identification of the appendix

Step 5.2 - Dissection of the mesoappendix and the fibrous attachments

Step 6 - Ligation of the appendix

Step 7 - Division of the appendix

Step 8 - Removal of the appendix

Step 9 - Final inspection and wound closure

Step 9.1 - Final inspection

Step 9.2 - Wound closure

Describe pre-procedural considerations for a laparoscopic appendectomy.
Describe and demonstrate how to perform a safe and effective laparoscopic appendectomy.
Identify and demonstrate proper insertion of laparoscopic ports.
Identify and describe the pathology structures to inspect upon entering the abdominal cavity.
Describe potential complications of the procedure and alternative variations in technique.
Describe and demonstrate the appropriate steps to safely remove the laparoscopic equipment.
Describe and demonstrate how to divide and remove the appendix.
Describe and demonstrate the proper technique of wound closure.
Describe and demonstrate post-procedure considerations and documentation for a laparoscopic appendectomy.

The SIMTICS modules are all easy to use and web-based. This means they are available at any time as long as the learner has an internet connection. No special hardware or other equipment is required, other than a computer mouse for use in the simulations. Each of the SIMTICS modules covers one specific procedure or topic in detail. Each module contains:

an online simulation (available in Learn and Test modes)
descriptive text, which explains exactly how to perform that particular procedure including key terms and hyperlinks to references
2D images and a 3D model of applied anatomy for that particular topic
a step by step video demonstration by an expert
a quiz
a personal logbook that keeps track of all the modules the learner has studied and how long