A Novel Low-Fidelity Model for Laparoscopic Hysterectomy Simulation

Abstract

Study Objective To develop a novel, low-fidelity laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH) simulation model for use in gynecologic surgical training. Design Simulation study. Setting Academic medical center. Patients or Participants Obstetrics and gynecology trainees and attending gynecologic surgeons. Interventions A simulation model was constructed using low-cost materials to represent the uterus and pertinent anatomic structures. The model was affixed to a VCare uterine manipulator and paired with a laparoscopic trainer box. Obstetrics and gynecology trainees and attending gynecologic surgeons performed a simulated LH. Pre-procedure and post-procedure questionnaires were administered to assess confidence in LH, face validity of the simulation model, and utility of the model for improving and teaching surgical skills required for LH. Measurements and Main Results Eleven residents, 3 fellows and 10 attending gynecologic surgeons participated in the study. Of the 11 residents, 6 (54.55%) were PGY 1-2 and 5 (45.45%) were PGY 3-4. Prior to completion of the hysterectomy simulation, 15.38% and 30.77% of trainees were very confident and confident, 15.38% were neither confident nor not confident, 7.69% were not confident, and 30.77% were very not confident in performing LH independently. The majority of respondents (75.00%) agreed that the model provided a realistic simulation of a LH. Ten respondents (41.67%) strongly agreed and 14 (58.33%) agreed that the model was an effective tool for improving surgical skills required for LH. Fourteen respondents (58.33%) strongly agreed and 10 (41.67%) agreed that the model was an effective tool for teaching LH. Ten respondents (41.67%) strongly agreed and 9 (37.50%) agreed that the model was a useful tool for assessing a learner's ability prior to the operating room. Conclusion This low-fidelity model provides realistic simulation for laparoscopic hysterectomy and is a useful tool for procedural skills acquisition and teaching.