Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2026
Step By Step: Microsurgical training method combining two nonliving animal models
Published on: May 9, 2015
A cost-effective approach to establishing a surgical skills laboratory
David A Berg1, Richard E Milner, Carol A Fisher
1Department of Surgery, and Institute for Clinical Simulation and Patient Safety, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA.
Background:
Recent studies comparing inexpensive low-fidelity box trainers to expensive computer-based virtual reality systems demonstrate similar acquisition of surgical skills and transferability to the clinical setting. With new mandates emerging that all surgical residency programs have access to a surgical skills laboratory, we describe our cost-effective approach to teaching basic and advanced open and laparoscopic skills utilizing inexpensive bench models, box trainers, and animate models.
Methods:
Open models (basic skills, bowel anastomosis, vascular anastomosis, trauma skills) and laparoscopic models (basic skills, cholecystectomy, Nissen fundoplication, suturing and knot tying, advanced in vivo skills) are constructed using a combination of materials found in our surgical research laboratories, retail stores, or donated by industry. Expired surgical materials are obtained from our hospital operating room and animal organs from food-processing plants. In vivo models are performed in an approved research facility. Operation, maintenance, and administration of the surgical skills laboratory are coordinated by a salaried manager, and instruction is the responsibility of all surgical faculty from our institution.
Results:
Overall, the cost analyses of our initial startup costs and operational expenditures over a 3-year period revealed a progressive decrease in yearly cost per resident (2002-2003, $1,151; 2003-2004, $1,049; and 2004-2005, $982).
Conclusions:
Our approach to surgical skills education can serve as a template for any surgery program with limited financial resources.
