The average total number of reported surgeries performed over a two-month period before the course was 14.05 (SD = 8.2), which did not change significantly after the course (P = .498). However, types of procedures did change significantly (P = .001) after the course. Nilotinib mechanism The number of minimally invasive surgeries (TVH, LAVH, TLH, and LSCP) increased from 6.28 to 7.55 over a two-month period, as did the percent of minimally invasive surgeries as a portion of the total (42% to 54%, P < .001). Table 1 Numbers of gynecological surgeries (n = 99). The participants rated their own initial laparoscopic skill on a scale from 1 to 10 with 10 being the best, at a mean of 6.24 �� 1.5 before the course, and later rated themselves a mean of 7.28 �� 1.4, a significant improvement (t = ?9.17, P < .001).

The participants also rated their own initial urogynecologic surgical skill on a scale from 1 to 10 with 10 being the best, with a mean of 4.52 �� 2.5. The postcourse mean rating of 4.93 �� 2.6 (t = ?2.49, P < .014) reflected a significant improvement. Since the course focused very specifically on TLH skills, the final survey questions asked surgeon attendees before and three months later just how comfortable they were performing four of the major portions of TLH and related procedures that were taught at the course. Table 2 contains the types of skills reportedly performed over a typical two-month period both before and after the course. Significantly more surgeons felt that they could comfortably suture close the vagina, perform laparoscopic cystoscopy, and close a small cystotomy or enterotomy after their training compared to before the training.

Table 2 Skill changes*. This course had an optional cadaver lab, and 50% of the participants took advantage of this opportunity. Controlling for precourse self-rated laparoscopy skill, participation in the cadaver lab did not make a significant difference in the self-rated skill of the participant (P = .340) three months after course. Controlling for precourse self-rated urogynecologic skills, participation in the cadaver lab did not make a significant difference in the self-rated urogynecologic skills of the participant (P = .250) three months after course. In addition once precourse data were controlled, participation in the cadaver lab did not make a significant increment in the number (P = .

689) or percent of minimal invasive surgeries (P = .858) three months after course. Most (n = 127, 59%) of the Drug_discovery participants reported having a practice partner when they performed most laparoscopic procedures and 58% (n = 73) of these partners were also taking the course. Controlling for precourse self-rated laparoscopy skill, having their practice partner at the course did not make a significant difference in the self-rated skill of the participant (P = .414) three months after course.