Developing a training model for laparoscopic common bile duct surgery.

Because of the paucity of adequate training models for laparoscopic common bile duct exploration, a live porcine training model was developed and evaluated. This model requires preliminary laparoscopic ligation of the distal bile duct 7-14 days prior to utilization. It aids the development of skills for laparoscopic common bile duct exploration and should enhance the subsequent performance of these procedures.