Objective: The European Society of Uro-Technology (ESUT) conducted a survey in order to assess the application of laparoscopy and the facilitation of training programs within Europe.
Methods: A total of 430 urologists and residents from European countries answered the ESUT survey during the XVIIIth Annual EAU Meeting in Madrid in 2003. The survey constituted of 11 questions of which nine with dual response (Y/N) options. Two questions, evaluating the importance of different training methods and different reasons not to be involved in laparoscopy, were assessed by means of a Likert type scale.
Results: Laparoscopy was performed in 71% of urological departments. The majority (85%) of departments where no laparoscopy was performed, intended to establish it in the future. Two thirds of respondents believed laparoscopy would replace open surgery in the next 5 to 10 years. The access to training facilities was insufficient for 44%. Different methods of training were considered to be of equal importance. Among the reasons for not being involved in laparoscopic surgery a high variability was identified.
Conclusions: Laparoscopy is performed in the majority of urological departments in Europe. While there is a strong believe in the prominent role of laparoscopy in the mid-long future, access to training is still needed.