SURGERY 7009EX - Minimally Invasive Surgery Theory II

External - Quadmester 2 - 2025

The course will build on what was taught in Minimally Invasive Surgery Theory I. It will focus on methods of access to working spaces. Topics will include ports and instruments required for entry to working spaces and the effect that this has on the physiology and immunology of the human body. For example, students will learn about the physiology of the peritoneum during insufflations. The effects of different insufflations gasses will be considered. A variety of access techniques such as HALS, SILS, NOTES and robotics will be discussed. In addition, a leading expert will teach about how anaesthesia interacts with the various topics covered in the term.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code SURGERY 7009EX
    Course Minimally Invasive Surgery Theory II
    Coordinating Unit Surgical Specialties
    Term Quadmester 2
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    Location/s External
    Units 3
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange N
    Prerequisites SURGERY 7007
    Restrictions Available to MMIS students only
    Assessment Exam, online assessment, classroom contribution
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Markus Trochsler

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1 Describe the anatomy of the abdominal wall, muscles, blood vessels and nerves.
    2 Describe the retroperitoneum and relevant anatomy to laparoscopic trocar entry including the anatomical basis of complications.
    3 Describe the anatomical basis of preperitoneal and retroperitoneal working space creation.
    4 Demonstrate a clear understanding of laparoscopic ports.
    5 Explain and demonstrate how to set up for optimal ergonomic benefits in MIS.
    6 Describe the oncological considerations in MIS.
    7 Be able to communicate how robotics may improve the ability to operate in areas with limited access.
    8 Describe the anaesthetic implications in relation to MIS.
    9 Describe the issues with pain and measures to reduce the downsides and improve pain management in MIS procedures.
    10 Be familiar with and understand the drivers of innovation and impediments.
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)

    Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth

    Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.

    1,2,3,4,6

    Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving

    Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.

    5,7,9,10

    Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills

    Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.

    5,7,8,9

    Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness

    Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.

    5,9,10

    Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency

    Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.

    N/A

    Attribute 6: Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency

    Graduates have an understanding of, and respect for, Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values, culture and knowledge.

    N/A

    Attribute 7: Digital capabilities

    Graduates are well prepared for living, learning and working in a digital society.

    7,10

    Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

    Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.

    10
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    This course is fully online with all teaching resources accessed via MyUni.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    This workload table provides an overview of the student workload across the MMIS Program.

    Type No of sessions Duration of sessions (hrs) Total hours
    Practicals 10 4 40
    Exam 1 1 1
    Clinical Workshop 3 6 18
    Updating log book 10 2 20
    Debrief with mentor 10 2 20
    Weekly reading/study 10 2 20
    Operative preparation 10 2 20
    Test preparation 10 2 20
    Exam preparation 1 5 5
    Total workload per term 164
    Learning Activities Summary
    Schedule
    Topic 1 Topics in ASC
    Topic 2 Ergonomics
    Topic 3 Ports
    Topic 4 Robotics
    Topic 5 Physiology
    Topic 6 Oncology
    Topic 7 Peritoneal Surface
    Topic 8 Anaesthesia
    Specific Course Requirements
    In order to be eligible for this program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

    Professional requirements:
    •    Students must be an experienced surgeon who has completed, or be within 1 year of completing, the FRACS, FRACOG (or equivalent).
    •    Students should have a surgical fellowship or consultant position with a major interest in minimally invasive surgery.

    Visa requirements:
    •    Permanent residency or citizenship - to be a domestic applicant
    •    or hold a Temporary Business (Long Stay) Visa (Subclass 457) – to be an international applicant.
    •    Students must be a resident in Australia.

    Work placement:
    Students should have a surgical fellowship or consultant position with a major interest in minimally invasive surgery. This surgical position is not automatically offered with the Master of Minimally Invasive Surgery and students are personally responsible for obtaining a suitable position.  Job dates should coincide with the University of Adelaide quadmester dates.
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    This assessment table reflects all assessment tasks across the MMIS Program
    Assessment Task Assessment Type Weighting Learning outcome(s) being assessed
    Surgical skills weekend Summative 60% 1-10
    Surgical Video project Summative 20% 1-10
    Mentor instruction and feedback Participation 10% 1-10
    RACS logbook Summative non-graded pass 10% 1-10
    Assessment Detail
    Surgical skills weekend
    Assessment is via the student’s performance at the surgical skills weekend where they will be assessed on:
    •    Laparoscopic suturing
    •    Surgical simulators
    •    Techniques to learn and teach in minimally invasive surgery
    •    Models and methods of virtual trainers.

    Surgical Video project
    The student’s Surgical Video project will be formally assessed for content and innovation. The video should be between 5 and 15 minutes in duration and content should be a teaching or descriptive video based on an aspect of minimally invasive surgery. The video must be produced by the student. Assessment will be on topic, content, production and presentation. 

    Mentor instruction and feedback


    RACS logbook
    Submission
    •    All submissions relating to tutorials will be delivered online via Colloquy’s online system.
    •    Examination location and date will be communicated by the Program Director
    •    Exam result turnaround time will be a maximum of 14 days.
    •    Any queries relating to classroom contribution can be discussed directly with the Program Director
    •    Students should refer to the University’s Academic Honesty and Assessment Obligations for Coursework Students Policy & Coursework

    Students: Academic Dishonesty Procedures for information regarding written submissions

    •    Students should contact the Program Director if:
    o    They are unable to complete their tutorial obligations;
    o    They are unable to attend an examination;
    o    They are unable to attend the surgical skills workshop;
    o    They are unable to meet any deadlines that are set during the course.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
    Academic:                     

    Professor Peter Hewett                 
    Program Coordinator                 
    The Queen Elizabeth Hospital            
    Email:  peter.hewett@health.sa.gov.au         
    Phone:  08 8222 6248                 

    Professor Guy Maddern
    Program Director
    Head of Discipline, Surgery
    The Queen Elizabeth Hospital
    Email:  guy.maddern@adelaide.edu.au
    Phone:  08 8222 8492 (Departmental Secretary)


    Administrative:

    MS Sally Lauder
    Program Administrator
    The Queen Elizabeth Hospital
    Email:  sally.lauder@health.sa.gov.au
    Phone:  08 8222 7024
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.