Role of transurethral resection of the prostate simulators for training in transurethral surgery

Transurethral surgery is an art unique to urologists; mastering the craft is essential for day-to-day practice. Medical treatment along with minimally invasive treatments have significantly reduced the number of transurethral resection of prostates. Decrease in resident's training hours, expanding subspecialties and the emergence of newer technologies have burdened the trainees who are trying to digest the ever-expanding medical literature. Moreover, expectations from patients and insurance companies with a stress on cutting costs and raising litigations have brought changes in apprentice-based to simulator-based training. We studied the role of transurethral resection of prostate simulators in training of transurethral surgery.

TURP simulators from bench to virtual reality computer models are available. Most of them have undergone face, content and construct validity. Nontechnical skills training is also important hence simulation to simulator training. Simulation programmes incorporating communication, team building, minimizing errors caused by distraction and managing complex situations can turn a novice into an expert with adequate practice in a stress-free environment. Work is also done to define learning curve, and factors affecting the path to reach the desired goal. Concepts are emerging to integrate simulators and simulation into the existing training programmes.

TURP simulators are essential for training in transurethral surgery. Low or high-fidelity simulators do not matter, but having a well structured simulation programme, under the scrutiny of a dedicated trained faculty, will address most of the issues related to training in transurethral surgery, an art essential for urologists irrespective of the subspecialty one pursues in the future.