Establishing a Laparoscopic Surgical Skills Laboratory Using a porcine Model: Is There a Place for Live Tissue Simulators in an Operating Room Setting?

BACKGROUND

Achieving laparoscopic competency is challenging. Common laparoscopic simulators usually fall short in achieving true simulation.

OBJECTIVES

To present a live porcine model laparoscopic skills laboratory for training general surgery residents.

METHODS

An in vivo porcine laparoscopic model course was developed to simulate seven different laparoscopic procedures and seven laparoscopic skills for trainees under the tutelage of laparoscopic specialists.

RESULTS

A total of 98 surgical trainees from 19 training programs underwent a full-day course from September 2017 to July 2020. Each program consisted of four trainees and two faculty members. In total, 175 laparoscopic procedures were performed. Trainees reported that the course improved their ability to perform in the operating room.

CONCLUSIONS

Using a laparoscopic porcine model in a guided didactic course performing complete common laparoscopic procedures in simulated operating room surroundings was beneficial for surgical trainees. The porcine model mimics human abdominal anatomy and allows trainees to increase their comfort level in performing such procedures.