Teaching Cystotomy Repair: Low Fidelity Model Provides Effective Simulation at Minimal Cost

Abstract

PURPOSE: To develop an inexpensive bladder model that can be used to teach Ob-Gyn Residents open and laparoscopic cystotomy repair. BACKGROUND: Recognition of cystotomy and repair is a requirement of Ob-Gyn surgical milestones. Simulation products currently exist for cystoscopy but not for cystotomy repair. METHODS: Pilot study of a novel low fidelity bladder model that can be used for simulation of both open and laparoscopic cystotomy repair. A cystotomy model was created using the following materials: small whoopee cushion “bladder mucosa”, shelf liner “bladder muscularis” and Press'n Seal® for “serosa.” Markings were placed inside the cushion to represent the trigone with ureteral orifices. Residents were asked to identify the model’s anatomic landmarks and rate their confidence in identifying cystotomy and performing both and open and laparoscopic cystotomy repair, pre- and post-simulation. RESULTS: 16 bladder models were constructed for approximately $1.50 per model. The model is reusable and manipulated well with surgical instruments and suture both open and laparoscopically; the model was a bit large for the laparoscopic trainer and lighting became a challenge for suturing. All participating residents correctly identified the anatomic structures post-simulation compared to 12/13 pre-simulation. Change in mean resident confidence was statistically significant for identifying cystotomy (pre M=3.1/5 vs. post M=4.2/5, P=.009) and performing open cystotomy repair (pre M=2.4/5 vs. post M=4/5, P=.03) but not for laparoscopic repair (pre M=1.6/5 vs. post M 3.1/5, P=.09). DISCUSSION: Our bladder model is easily constructed and inexpensive. It performs well for open cystotomy repair but has been decreased in size to better perform laparoscopically.