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Updated: Jun 16, 2026
Step By Step: Microsurgical training method combining two nonliving animal models
Published on: May 9, 2015
Chicken gizzard: a new training model for laparoscopic urethrovesical anastomosis
Rene J Sotelo1, Juan C Astigueta, Oswaldo J Carmona
1Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery Centre, La Floresta Medical Centre, Caracas, Venezuela. renesotelo@cantv.net
Objective:
To create a simple, inexpensive, and reproducible animal model to provide a new training option for performing urethrovesical anastomosis during laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.
Material And Methods:
Development and testing were carried out in 2008. The materials used included a laparoscopic training box, video camera, monitor, needle holder, sutures, and non-eviscerated chickens weighing more than 2 kilograms. The model was prepared with a new perception of a structure similar to the human pelvis. To create the anastomosis, we used the gizzard (bladder neck) and the rectum (urethra). Once the model was placed in the box, the anastomosis was performed under very similar anatomical conditions to real procedures. Anastomosis quality was assessed by means of a permeability test and transanal endoscopy.
Results:
The operating field is very similar to the human pelvis. The tissues have a quality, texture, and diameter resembling those of the urethra (rectum) and the bladder neck (gizzard), and offer the opportunity to practise anastomosis and anterior racket.
Conclusions:
The model for urethrovesical anastomosis using the chicken gizzard and rectum is simple, easily available, inexpensive and reproducible. The anatomy of the chicken and the characteristics of its tissues allow for training under conditions very similar to those present in human cases.
