Lapco International was founded in 2013 by UK based Consultant Colorectal Surgeons Mark Coleman and Tom Cecil – two of the world’s experts on surgical training and pioneers of the original Lapco NHS national training programme:
- 2000-2007: Slow uptake of laparoscopic surgery. Approx. 5% adoption (England):
Up to 150 procedures for surgeon to reach independent competency.
- 2008: Lapco programme implemented:
Approx. 30 supervised procedures for trainee to reach competency.
- 2020: + 70% of cases performed laparoscopically:
Improved clinical outcomes and mortality rates. Click here for further programme outcomes.
Lapco showed that training specialists in emerging technologies at a national level is realisable, safe and improves clinical outcomes including mortality rates. Competency-based training programs minimise harm to patients while surgeons gain competency.
Annals of Surgery
The clinical outcomes of Lapco provide the highest level of evidence for the impact of an educational intervention and surgical innovation
Mark and Tom identified that healthcare providers around the world would benefit greatly from their expertise in providing innovative training solutions that shorten the learning curve and improve clinical outcomes and mortality rates.
They have since worked alongside a hand-picked team of surgical trainers and specialists in education technology to deliver comprehensive training programmes to healthcare providers around the world.
They are continually innovating their methodology to support new surgical technologies and specialties to develop safer, quicker and more cost-effective ways of treating patients.