Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS): What’s the Trend?

 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.

The fruitful one-day course ended with a Fellowhip Night where everyone proceeded for dinner at J7 Hotel. The sumptuous meal, sing-along, and giving of recognition for each hospital in the Western Visayas was an opportunity for the participants to get to know and share each other’s experiences in the sterile field – mostly roller-coaster but definitely a one-in-a-million.