Development of an Affordable Silicone Phantom of The Kidney with 3D Printed Mould for Ultrasound Guided Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy Training in Indonesia.

OBJECTIVE

To develop an affordable kidney phantom for ultrasound guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy training model.

METHODS

Twenty one kidney models were manufactured and implemented as ultrasound guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) training models for urologists without any prior experience of independently performing PCNL in Indonesia. The unit cost of an alternative model was less than 30 USD (IDR 450,000). Twenty one junior with no prior experience of performing ultrasound guided PCNL participated in the research. The evaluation was done through anonymous responses to a questionnaire using the Likert scale.

RESULT

The affordable PCNL model showed highly positive results among all participants (realistic anatomy 7.86/10, realistic visualization of calyx 8.19/10, realistic puncture 7.43/10, guidewire placement 8.19/10, realistic nephrostomy 7.57/10, stone visualization 7.76/10, feedback 7.52/10, post-training discussion 8.57/10). All of the participants recommended the affordable PCNL model phantom for ultrasound guided PCNL training in Indonesia.

CONCLUSION

An affordable model utilizing 3D printed mould, silicone, and gelatine jelly is a feasible option for ultrasound guided PCNL training among urologists in developing countries. The utilization of 3D printing and silicone moulding will be beneficial in reducing the cost of surgery model while preserving the realistic tactile feedback.