A novel home laparoscopic simulator

As laparoscopic surgery becomes increasingly accepted as the technique of choice for many procedures, changes in training structure and working practice limit opportunities for trainees to acquire these new skills. A solution to this problem is the development of simulators that help to develop and hone skills before exposure to the operating theater. Several excellent yet costly simulators exist that have been demonstrated to improve laparoscopic skills. Furthermore, several reports in the literature describe the development of "home simulators"; however, each of these has limitations. The development of a home laparoscopic simulator is reported here that is cheap and easy to build and incorporates an extra dimension of practical port insertion as well as a novel design for a mobile light and camera source.