Validation of a new artificial model for simulated training of a laparoscopic vesicourethral anastomosis

Abstract

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to prove the effectiveness of a low cost, artificial model for training of a laparoscopic urethrovesical anastomosis. Materials and methodsThis study included urologists who attended specialised courses on laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) held during the period 2015–2017. They were divided into 2 groups according to their previous experience in laparoscopic surgery.The tasks performed on the artificial simulator were prostate resection, “task 1”, and urethrovesical anastomosis, “task 2”. Once these exercises were completed, the study participants filled in an anonymous questionnaire regarding their demographic data and experience level in laparoscopic surgery (LS). In addition, they gave their opinions about the didactic capacity of the artificial organ and evaluated its usefulness as a tool for LRP training.To demonstrate face and content validity, the participants judged the texture, consistency, morphology and evaluated its similarity to the real organ. The assessment was made with a five-point Likert scale. ResultsThe students were divided into 2 groups: 10 experts (Group E) and 12 novices (Group N). The only significant difference between the scores of novices and experts was regarding the inclusion of this tool in the training programs (Group E=5 points versus group N=4.4±0.59, p=0.024). The experts’ group rated all the items with higher scores than the novices’ one. Regarding the general assessment of the simulation model, the novice participants gave an average score of 8.00±0.91 points out of 10, while the experts’ group granted higher scores of 9.4±0.51. ConclusionThis artificial model has shown to have an elevated face, content and construct validity, as well being an optimal didactic tool for training in the techniques of prostate resection and laparoscopic urethrovesical anastomosis.