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Shanghai Daily:
Link: http://www.shanghaidaily.com/art/2005/12/03/222012/Training_needed_for_minimally_invasive_surgery.htm

Training needed for minimally invasive surgery
Cai Wenjun
2005-12-03 Beijing Time


DOCTORS in China need more training before minimally invasive surgery can become as popular here as it has become in many developed nations, delegates to a meeting in the city discussing the new technologies said yesterday.

More than 400 medical experts from home and abroad are taking part in the three-day conference of the International Society for Minimally Invasive Cardiothoracic Surgery, discussing the latest developments and future of minimally invasive surgery to treat heart diseases, lung cancer and other chest syndromes.

Inventions and innovations like robot-assisted operations, endoscope surgery and cell transplants are some of the main topics at the meeting.

"Compared with traditional surgical methods, the new technology imposes less trauma and ensures quick recovery for patients," said Li Yingze, vice president of Shanghai Chest Hospital. "This technology had developed quickly over the last 10 years."

Minimally invasive surgery is still far from popular in China, as it requires expensive equipment, well trained doctors and the understanding of the public, since patients generally have to pay more for the surgery.

"To promote this technology, the medical community is launching professional training for cardiac doctors to improve their ability and encourage domestically manufacturing of appliances to control the cost," Li said.

Li said the country also needs to set up standards to certify the qualifications of doctors and hospitals involved in the surgery to regulate the service.