Minimal Access Surgery introduced a sweeping revolution in surgical practice ever since its dramatic entry more than a decade ago. India was no exception and it was not long before several committed, enthusiastic surgeons ensured that the technique spread to all corners of the country. There are numerous patients who benefited from the new and patient friendly surgery. Thus it became possible to perform Minimal Access Surgery (also known as Minimally Invasive Surgery / Laparoscopic Surgery / Key Hole Surgery) on the Gall Bladder, Hernia of all types, Appendix, Intestines, Stomach and many other organs in the body like Spleen, Liver, Kidney, Adrenal, etc.. An unbridled enthusiasm without adequate training and exposure may lead to several avoidable complications.

ACADIMA 2000 was a landmark conference organized by Indian Medical Association(IMA) in conjunction with National Board of Examinations (NBE), Medical Council of India (MCI), Ministry of Health and Indian Council of Medical research (ICMR). This mega conference encompassed several specialities and Minimal Access Surgery was one of them. The national workshop of live laparoscopic surgery was conducted in Sir Ganga Ram Hospital and was webcasted on internet (First historical webcasting of live surgery in India). It was during ACADIMA 2000 that an opinion crystallized that there was a dire need for an expert committee that would issue guidelines and recommendations on the complex issues pertaining to Minimal access surgery. The same expression was endorsed by Indian Association of Gastrointestinal Endo-Surgeons (IAGES) who joined ACADIMA 2000 with great enthusiasm. Accordingly, a core group comprising of pioneers and experts on Minimal access surgery, drawn from all parts of the country was constituted under the Chairmanship of Dr. Pradeep K Chowbey. Several brainstorming sessions were held in the past year to crystallize thought for safe practices in minimal access surgery. Evidence based surgical approaches were reviewed in great detail keeping in mind Indian patients, surgeons, hospital and industry. The commoner surgical procedures by minimal access were debated at length and researched at leisure to arrive at guidelines and recommendations on these commonly performed surgical procedures.

It is envisaged that these guidelines would provide a framework for Indian surgeons, hospitals, nursing homes and allied medical industry. The guidelines, though necessarily of a recommendatory nature, shall prove extremely useful to all concerned. With these guidelines in place, which would necessarily need updating regularly, a major step forward would be taken to ensure that minimal access surgery takes firm and stable roots throughout the country without compromising the safety of our patients.

The treatise on "Minimal Access Surgery - Guidelines and Recommendations" was released by the Hon'ble President of India at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 15th July 2002.

DR. P.K. CHOWBEY
CHAIRMAN - CORE GROUP
Minimal Access Surgery - Guidelines & Recommendations

For requisition of the document,
please e-mail us at chowbey@del2.vsnl.net.in / pk_chowbey@yahoo.com