A Simulator for Endoscopic Examinations is now in use at the Institute of Gastroenterology

A simulator for endoscopic examinations of the digestive system (Gastroscopy and Colonoscopy) is now being used in the Institute of Gastroenterology of Sheba Hospital.
The instrument allows an introduction to these procedures and assorted endoscopic findings. In addition, the instrument allows the basic learning of some more advanced endoscopic procedures such as the amputation of polyps and cutting off the blood supply to them. The training of new medical residents in the field of Gastroenterology in doing endoscopic procedures is very problematic. The system used until now was that the resident was trained by a senior doctor - a specialist in endoscopy. The training was performed on patients. This system could be uncomfortable both for the patient and the resident. Also, when a non-experienced doctor does the endoscopic operations there is a greater chance for complications.

The use of simulators as a solution for the teaching of invasive procedures is increasing throughout the world because of its many advantages. The advantages are both for the patient, who undergoes the procedure by an experienced doctor, and the resident, who approaches the procedures with a basic understanding of the procedure and the techniques needed to undergo it. Another advantage of the simulator is the ability to receive ongoing feedback during the process.

Dr. Imaad Sahnini undertook the first training on the simulator at the Gastroenterology Institute of the hospital. The results of this training show a significant decrease of time needed for the training and higher quality of training. As a result of this success, the Gastroenterology Institute of Sheba Hospital has now extended the possibility of this training to medical residents in this field of Gastroenterology from all over the country.

Translated from "Our Sheba" - The magazine of Sheba Employees
December 2000

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