By: Febe Anne Libutaque, RN
Last February 22, 2020, The Philippine Association of
Laparoscopic and Endoscopic Surgeons (PALES), Western Visayas in cooperation
with Operating Room Nurses Association of the Philippines, Inc (ORNAP)
conducted a one-day course for all peri-operative nurses of the different
hospitals in the Western Visayas. The workshop was held at West Visayas Medical
Center (WVMC) Rooftop Conference Room.
The symposium workshop was started with a welcome address by
Dr. Roy Joseph Trinidad, president of PALES, Western Visayas and followed by the
introduction of the course by Dr. Gaudencio Franco, Jr. Among other speakers
were Dr. Luis Serafin Dabao, Mr. Bert Oreta of Medtronics, Ms Claire de Leon,
RN, Dr. Ryan Ed Comuelo, and Dr Esteban Wilfredo Sombong Jr. At Lunch break, a
live surgical demonstration was presented by Dr. Comuelo, as surgeon for
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy, along with the vibrant and energetic peri-operative
nurses of WVMC to an actual patient at WVMC, operating room complex.
The said workshop was designed to extensively discuss the
basics of MIS that everyone in the nursing field should know. The hands-on
practical exposure to laparoscopic tower, equipment and instruments under the
supervision of surgeons and nurses with extensive experience in MIS gave an
avenue for the participants to maximize their learning and skills like no
other. Moreover, troubleshooting skills and strategies were further discussed
to reduce errors and improve safety. Creating a culture of safety is the
responsibility of every surgical team member.
