Minimal access surgical research and training in South Africa - a scoping review.

Background: Minimal access surgery (MAS) has been on the rise internationally; however, there seems to be limited information regarding research and training in the general and paediatric surgical (GPS) disciplines in South Africa (SA). We performed a scoping review to identify knowledge gaps that will assist us in developing strategies to improve the delivery and training of MAS within the GPS disciplines in SA.

Methods: The method of the review - 2020 JBI guide and PRISMA for scoping reviews. We searched online databases and websites for publications from 1990 to 2022. Interviews were conducted with senior MAS trainers from training sites.

Results: Full texts of 194 articles were reviewed. Most publications were related to trauma, followed by laparoscopic appendicectomy and laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Paediatric MAS comprised 11.9% (21), and training was the focus in 4.5% (7) of all the publications. Published limitations regarding MAS included access to training and equipment.

Conclusion: This scoping review has summarised the current MAS research and training within the GPS disciplines in SA. We have highlighted the limitations that exist, which can direct the focus of research and training to improve the delivery of MAS within the GPS disciplines.