Creation of low cost, simple, and easy-to-use training kit for the dura mater suturing in endoscopic transnasal pituitary/skull base surgery

Abstract

Training kits for laparoscopes for deep suturing under endoscopes are commercially available; however, previously reported training kits for endoscopic transnasal transsphenoidal pituitary/skull base surgery (eTSS) were not available in the market. Moreover, the previously reported low cost, self-made kit has the drawback of being unrealistic. This study aimed to create a low cost training kit for eTSS dura mater suturing that was as close to real as possible. Most necessary items were obtained from the 100-yen store ($1 store) or from everyday supplies. As an alternative to the endoscope, a stick-type camera was used. Through the assembly of the materials, a simple and easy-to-use training kit was created, which is almost identical to the actual dural suturing situation. In eTSS, a simple and easy-to-use training kit for dural suturing was successfully created at a low cost. This kit is expected to be used for deep suture operations and the development of surgical instruments for training.