NHS Fife has reinforced its reputation as a centre of excellence for hernia keyhole surgery training by hosting a specialist masterclass for surgeons from across the UK.
The fourth Fife Laparoscopic (TEP) Hernia Masterclass recently took place at Queen Margaret Hospital, Dunfermline, bringing together experienced consultant surgeons for hands-on training in advanced surgical techniques.
Delivered in collaboration with industry partner BD, the course was conceived by Consultant Surgeon Mr Peter Driscoll, with this course delivered by Mr Driscoll and fellow Consultant Surgeons, Mr Geert Koffeman and Mr Stephen Bennett.
The programme included a combination of presentations and practical operating sessions, with participants undertaking mentored procedures on carefully selected patients from NHS Fife’s waiting list. Over the course of the day, a total of 14 groin hernia repairs were carried out on 10 NHS Fife patients in the Day Surgery Unit.
The masterclass is currently the only hands-on course of its kind in the UK, helping to place NHS Fife firmly on the national map for hernia surgery training and innovation.
Surgeons attended the event from across the UK and provided highly positive feedback on the training and the opportunity to develop their skills in a supported clinical environment.
Mr Peter Driscoll said of this year’s event: “This masterclass continues to demonstrate NHS Fife’s expertise in laparoscopic hernia surgery and our commitment to supporting high-quality training.
“By providing hands-on, mentored experience, we are not only developing skills across the wider surgical community, but also delivering direct benefits for patients here in Fife and further afield.”
Queen Margaret Hospital has established itself as a centre of excellence for day surgery, pioneering a number of innovative day-case procedures that reduce recovery times and improve patient outcomes. The hospital was the first in Scotland to introduce several advanced treatments across urology, gynaecology and cancer care, helping to cement its growing reputation as a leader in surgical innovation.
Dr Iain MacLeod, Deputy Medical Director, added: “Queen Margaret Hospital has long been recognised as a leader in day-case surgery, with our theatres team pioneering new approaches that improve patient outcomes and support faster recovery.
“Events like this showcase the skill, innovation and teamwork of our staff, while reinforcing NHS Fife’s role in advancing surgical practice at a national level.”
Notes to Editors:
- Laparoscopic (or ‘keyhole’) surgery is a minimally invasive technique where surgeons perform operations using small incisions and a camera, leading to less pain and faster recovery compared with traditional open surgery.
- BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) is a multinational medical technology company that manufactures and sells medical devices and instrument systems. Find out more about their work here:- Advancing the world of health™
Images:-
Image 1: Participants carrying out a laparoscopic hernia procedure - [DOWNLOAD]
Image 2: Members of the surgical team in Fife alongside event participants - [DOWNLOAD]
