November 2023

23 November 2023 (Last updated 27 Nov 2023)

A team from the ACPGBI recently travelled to Ukraine to deliver courses aimed at supporting the development of laparoscopic colorectal surgery across the country.

The Improving Outcomes of Laparoscopic surgery by Education (IOLE) courses were led by consultant colorectal surgeon Gianluca Colucci and consultant anaesthetist Iryna Rybinkina via the charity Smart Medical Aid.

The first course, held over two days, consisted of laparoscopic simulator training and was attended by surgeons who had travelled from all over Ukraine. The simulators were donated by Applied Medical with sessions led by consultant colorectal surgeon Tony Miles.

There was an event for women in surgery where attendees were treated to a truly inspirational talk by consultant colorectal surgeon Katie Walter.  The practical course was followed by a course consisting of 3 days of live operating, talks and discussions.

A great example of what could be achieved was when Consultant Colorectal Surgeon Ken Campbell inspired the delegates by performing a live streamed technically challenging laparoscopic total mesorectal excision. One of the highlights of the week was a visit by the Ukrainian Minister for Health, Viktor Liashko, who had the opportunity to test his laparoscopic skills before meeting with ACPGBI Past President Charles Maxwell-Armstrong to discuss how to develop a national training programme and sign a Memorandum of Understanding with ACPBGI to support the exchange of experience and best practice.

At the conclusion of the event we were delighted to be able to offer one of the delegates the opportunity to attend the ACPGBI 2024 Annual meeting in Wales with a travel bursary and free registration for the meeting.

Thanks from ACPGBI go to SMART Medical Aid (the whole team but particularly Iryna Rybinkina and Gianluca Colucci), the UK team (Iryna Rybinika, Gianluca Colucci, Charles Maxwell-Armstrong, Tony Miles, Ken Campbell, Katie Walter, Nicola Eardley), the Ukrainian team, Applied Medical, Airlink and The Royal College of Surgeons of England

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