Le Fort Partial Colpocleisis: A Low-Cost Model

Area of Science:

• Surgical Simulation
• Gynecological Surgery Education
• Pelvic Organ Prolapse Management

Background:

• Pelvic organ prolapse affects many women, with a significant portion requiring repeat surgeries.
• Obliterative procedures like Le Fort partial colpocleisis offer high success rates for elderly, non-sexually active women.
• Conceptualizing Le Fort partial colpocleisis can be challenging for surgical trainees.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an accessible simulation model for Le Fort partial colpocleisis.
• To create a cost-effective teaching tool for surgical trainees.

Main Methods:

• A low-cost model was constructed using common craft supplies.
• The model simulates the Le Fort partial colpocleisis with the uterus in situ.
• The creation and application of the model are demonstrated in a video format.

Main Results:

• The simulation model costs under $14 to produce.
• Each model takes approximately one hour to assemble.
• The model effectively represents the surgical steps for procidentia treatment.

Conclusions:

• Le Fort partial colpocleisis is a crucial technique for trainees to master due to aging populations and high prolapse recurrence rates.
• Simulation models are effective educational tools for surgical training.
• This specific model provides a clear, hands-on method for understanding the Le Fort partial colpocleisis procedure.