Surgical simulation of hypospadias repair – High-fidelity, reproducible and affordable animal tissue model

Abstract

Teaching methods in hypospadias repair are still traditional. Available simulators often lack authenticity in terms of haptic feedback and realistic tissue handling. Our aim was to develop a high-fidelity, easily reproducible, and affordable animal tissue model for the advanced surgical simulation of hypospadias repair with realistic haptic feedback and tissue handling. A regular-sized chicken leg and a lamb tenderloin are used to assess the feasibility of simulating hypospadias correction by using the example of a Snodgrass Tubularized Incised Plate-Repair. The model preparation is incorporated into the training process. A detailed description of the high-fidelity model is provided. All steps of a hypospadias repair can be trained while providing realistic anatomy, adequate size, and multilayer tissue properties. Haptic conditions highly resemble human tissue properties. Fine tissue handling corresponds to intraoperative conditions. Limitations to this surgical model apply as in other animal tissue models. We developed a high-fidelity, easily reproducible, and affordable hypospadias animal tissue model. Due to the multilayer animal tissue properties, this model provides realistic haptic feedback and thus an inexpensive and reproducible model for hypospadias simulation. External validation is mandatory prior to implementation into urological training.