JSES

In April 1990, the first laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed by Prof. Tatsuo YAMAKAWA in Japan, and in December 1990, the “Research Group on Endoscopic Surgery” was established under the leadership of Prof. Yasuo IDEZUKI for the purpose of promoting the safe use of this innovative surgery. The first meeting was held on March 1991. More than 800 people attended the meeting, which was so successful and enthusiastic. In February 1995, in response to the rapid expansion and progress in this field and in consideration of its responsibility for sound dissemination, the Society was renamed the Japanese Society of Endoscopic Surgery.
The JSES has played an important role in the development of endoscopic surgery in Japan. Notably, a technical
evaluation system (ESSQS: Endoscopic Surgical Skill Qualification System) for surgeons was established by the JSES to train instructors on how to teach safe endoscopic surgery. Furthermore, the JSES has conducted a national survey every 2 years (Figure 1).