Construct validation of a cost-effective vessel ligation benchtop simulator.

Area of Science:

• Surgical Education
• Medical Simulation
• Open Surgery Skills Training

Background:

• Laparoscopic simulators are common, but few address fundamental open surgical skills.
• Vessel ligation is a core open surgical technique requiring proficient execution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a cost-effective benchtop simulator for vessel ligation.
• To validate the simulator's ability to assess surgical proficiency.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving medical students, surgical residents, and faculty.
• Participants performed a benchtop vessel ligation task.
• Proficiency was assessed using Objective Structured Assessments of Technical Skills (OSATS).

Main Results:

• The simulator had minimal fixed ($30) and operational (<$0.20/attempt) costs.
• Significant differences in proficiency scores were observed between students and residents/faculty (p < 0.001).
• Median scores indicated higher proficiency in residents and faculty compared to students.

Conclusions:

• A cost-effective simulator can accurately measure open surgical skills like vessel ligation.
• This tool can identify skill deficits in junior trainees in a preclinical setting.
• The simulator aids in improving operative skills before clinical practice.