Yuichi Nishihara, Takayuki Kondo, Yoshiki Kawaguchi, Jo Tokuyama, Koji Osumi, Hidejiro Urakami, Shiko Seki, Takashi Ohishi, Yoh Isobe. NHO Tokyo Medical Center
Background: A realistic simulator for laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (LIHR) would enhance surgeons’ training experience before they enter the operating theater. The purpose of this study was to create a novel physical simulator for LIHR and obtain surgeons’ opinions regarding its efficacy.
Methods: Our novel LIHR simulator consists of a physical laparoscopy simulator and a handmade organ replica model. The physical laparoscopy simulator was created by three-dimensional (3D) printing technology, and it represents the trunk of the human body and the bendability of the abdominal wall under pneumoperitoneal pressure. The organ replica model was manually created by assembling materials. The LIHR simulator allows for the performance of all procedures required in LIHR. Fifteen general surgeons performed LIHR using our simulator. Their opinions were scored on a 5-point Likert scale.
Results: All participants strongly agreed that the 3D-printed physical simulator and organ replica model were highly useful for LIHR training (median, 5 points) and LIHR education (median, 5 points). They felt that the simulator would be effective for LIHR training before entering the operating theater. All surgeons considered that this simulator should be introduced in the residency curriculum.
Conclusions: We successfully created a physical simulator for LIHR training using 3D printing technology and a handmade organ replica model created with inexpensive, readily accessible materials. Preoperative LIHR training using this simulator and organ replica model may be of benefit in the training of all surgeons. All general surgeons involved in the present study felt that this simulator and organ replica model should be used in their residency curriculum.
Presented at the SAGES 2017 Annual Meeting in Houston, TX.
Abstract ID: 79058
Program Number: P288
Presentation Session: Poster (Non CME)
Presentation Type: Poster
