Development and evaluation of a low-cost part-task trainer for laparoscopic repair of inguinal hernia in boys and the acquisition of basic laparoscopy skills

Abstract

PurposeTo examine the fidelity of our model of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (LIHR) in boys and evaluate its value in resident training programs and the learning of basic laparoscopy skills. MethodsWe created a simulation model with inexpensive, easy-to-obtain equipment. Study participants from 34 university hospital departments received a user manual and an evaluation questionnaire (11 items rated on a 5-point Likert scale). We considered that the evaluation was positive when the median overall score was 4 or over. We compared the results for residents (n=26) vs. expert surgeons (n=29) (t tests). ResultsThe duration of the procedure was significantly longer among the residents (30.0±16.8 min) than among the expert surgeons (20.5±11.7 min; p=0.01). In both groups, the participants rated the model favorably with regard to the overall impression (median score: 4.0±1.0), realism (4.0±0.9), ease of access to the required equipment (5.0±0.6), the quality of the user manual (5.0±0.6), ease of assembly (5.0±0.8), ease of the procedure (5.0±0.8), value in resident training programs (4.0±0.9), and value in learning basic laparoscopy skills (5.0±0.8)). The evaluation was positive (4.0±0.9). ConclusionOur low-cost model was an effective teaching and training tool for LIHR and basic laparoscopy skills. Level of EvidenceLevel IV.