Heuristics and Laparoscopic Gynaecological Surgery

Study Objective: Heuristic (from the Greek for “find” or “discover”) is an adjective for experience-based techniques that help in problem solving, learning and discovery. A heuristic method is particularly used to rapidly come to a solution that is hoped to be close to the best possible answer, or ‘optimal solution’. Heuristics are “rules of thumb”, educated guesses, intuitive judgments or simply common sense. Heuristics is a growing area of research in surgery that aims to explore how we learn and teach and actually operate in the real world. In this presentation I will present my own perspective of heuristic methods that can be useful in laparoscopic surgery. Some of this will be supported by very short video segments. I intend to cover the benefits of Palmer's point entry, ipsilateral port sites, temporary ovarian suspension, use of a lateral port 5mm scope, laparoscopic suturing, and the importance of teamwork. Many of these “Pearls of Wisdom and Tricks of the Trade” are well known and none are particularly difficult, but flexibility is essential to keep you out of trouble in difficult situations. Having a few alternative strategies up your sleeve can turn a challenging situation into a straightforward procedure.