Ureteroscopy and cystoscopy training: comparison between transparent and non-transparent simulators.

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Medical Education
• Surgical Simulation

Background:

• Simulator training is crucial for urological operational skills.
• Investigating methods to enhance simulator training effectiveness is essential.
• This study compares novel transparent simulators, opaque models, and no simulator training for urology proficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a novel transparent anatomic simulator.
• To compare training outcomes using transparent vs. opaque simulators.
• To assess post-training ureteroscopy and cystoscopy proficiency.

Main Methods:

• Fabricated anatomically correct transparent and non-transparent endourological simulators.
• 36 first-year medical students received theoretical training and were randomized into three groups: transparent simulator, non-transparent simulator, or verbal instruction only.
• Skills in ureteral stent insertion and removal were evaluated using the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) scale 12 days post-training.

Main Results:

• Simulators were rated as anatomically accurate and easy to use by experienced urologists.
• Theoretical knowledge scores were comparable across all groups.
• Mean OSATS scores were significantly higher for the transparent simulator group (21.83) compared to the non-transparent simulator group (18.50) and the control group (15.58) (p=0.001).

Conclusions:

• Simulator training significantly improves ureteroscopic and cystoscopic proficiency in urology trainees.
• Transparent anatomic simulators are more effective training tools than opaque simulators.
• Enhanced simulator design can optimize surgical skills acquisition in medical education.