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.