Usefulness of a stepwise training program for laparoscopic gastrectomy

Introduction Laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) is a complicated procedure with a long learning curve. This study was performed to investigate the usefulness of our stepwise training program for LG for improving the quality of the surgery. Methods The stepwise training method comprised the following four steps: (1) basic training using a dry box and checking by mentors; (2) advanced training, including the use of animals and cadavers; (3) clinical experience, including standardization and preoperative three‐dimensional simulation; and (4) self‐assessment and feedback. In total, 153 patients who underwent curative gastrectomy for gastric cancer were included in this study. Results The operative time gradually decreased for both laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (LDG) (2013, 395 minutes; 2017, 278 minutes; P