The Iranian Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility

The Iranian Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility

National Assessment of the Status of Training, Equipment, and Performance of Gynecologic Laparoscopy in Iran: Findings from a Comprehensive Survey of Specialists

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Abolfazl Mehdizadehkashi 1
Shahla Chaichian 1
Roya Derakhshan 2
Safieh Shahriari Afshar 3
Marziyeh Ajdary 4
Ameneh Sadat Haghgoo 3
Azar Mohammadzadeh 5
1 Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fellowship of Laparoscopy, Iranian Society of Gynecologic Minimally Invasive Surgery, Tehran, Iran.
2 Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Fellowship of Laparoscopy, Endometriosis Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
3 Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Iranian Society of Gynecologic Minimally Invasive Surgery, Tehran, Iran.
4 Assistant Professor, Department of Reproductive Biology, Women's Diseases Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
5 M.Sc. in Library and Information Science, Research Center for Advanced and Minimally Invasive Medical Methods, Pars Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
10.22038/ijogi.2026.89868.6503
Abstract
Introduction: Gynecologic laparoscopy is one of specialized procedures, performed for different purposes, including diagnostic and therapeutic measures. The present study was conducted with aim to evaluate the overall status of gynecologic laparoscopy in Iran by asking the active physicians in this field.
Methods: In this descriptive-analytic study conducted in 2021, gynecologists who performed laparoscopic surgery in Iran were included. The designed checklist comprised 12 questions regarding participants' training backgrounds, current practice locations, perceived adequacy of available laparoscopic equipment, types, and frequency of laparoscopic surgeries performed in the preceding three months. Checklists were distributed electronically via email or WhatsApp groups associated with Iranian gynecology societies. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 24).
Results: Of 469 checklists sent, 133 were completed. Seventy-three participants (55%) had 1-5 years of experience in laparoscopy, 31 (23%) had 6-10 years, and 29 (22%) >10 years. They graduated from different medical universities in Iran; 41 participants have passed fellowship programs at medical universities, 20 at the Gynecology Laparoscopy Society, 14 have passed a hands-on workshop, and 53 (39.2%) have not passed any course. They worked mainly in Tehran (40.74%) and Isfahan (9.6%), Khorasan, and Rasht (each city 8.14%). They considered the equipment for laparoscopy was adequate for ovarian cyst (62.2%), hysterectomy (60%), and endometriosis (47.4%).
Conclusion: The findings of this study indicated that gynecologic laparoscopy in Iran, despite the considerable activity of surgeons in this field, remains heterogeneous in terms of specialized training, geographic distribution of service providers, and adequacy of equipment. In addition, a substantial proportion of practitioners involved in this field had not completed formal fellowship training. It seems that development of structured training programs and improved access to standard equipment across different centers may contribute to enhancing the quality and more equitable expansion of gynecologic laparoscopic services in Iran.
Keywords
Equipment
Fellowship
Gynecologic Laparoscopy
Laparoscopy Training
Minimally Invasive Surgery
Survey
Subjects
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The Iranian Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility
Volume 29, Issue 3
May 2026
Pages 1-9