ENDOSCOPY SKILLS IN GASTROENTEROLOGY: WHAT SHOULD BE THE BEST ROAD MAP?

Abstract

Training in gastroenterology is complex. The optics and dimensions are different from other specialties and so are the patients .Induction into training is an uphill task requiring extensive preparation by aspirants for written exams before qualifying for the interviews and getting enrolled into residency training .They are exposed to long duty hours and weekly journal clubs1The choice of institute is also not voluntary and requires luck and strenuous hard work simultaneously. The capacity to learn and improvise depends a lot on the will of the person and workplace environment. Once the patient enters into the training one of the rotation which everyone goes through is endoscopy suite.

Learning the skills of endoscopy isn’t like a cup of tea or a business trip in which the person has recreation. It’s a stepwise approach based on the sincere mentorship of mentor and keen observation of the mentee for months. 2The process starts with first observing the disinfection of endoscopes in which there are various formalities of rinsing, washing, immersion for appropriate time before eventually using the scope for procedure. Holding a scope properly is inevitably essential as proper vision of the lumen of esophagus and stomachs keeping an appropriate view are governed by careful maneuvering of the wheels.

The major obstacle to learning endoscopy skills is passion to learn things quickly without following the protocols .Its desire and objective of each trainee to perform the endoscopic variceal bands ligation , corrosive stricture dilatation, PEG tube insertion,histoacryl injections,polypectomies, and so many other procedures in due course of time 4.But these things can’t be learnt overnight .Reliance on online videos is helpful but not a proper way of learning. People learn by doing and that requires time, dedication, respect for seniors and most importantly patience.