Low-Cost Laparoscopic Skill Training for Medical Students Using Homemade Equipment

Despite the increasing prevalence of minimally invasive surgery (MIS), medical students receive little training in MIS techniques like laparoscopy. Cost is perhaps the biggest obstacle, as expensive laparoscopic skill simulators (box trainers) are needed to mimic the laparoscopic environment. Low-cost, homemade box trainers have been built and described in the literature but are generally relegated to self-directed practice for surgical residents. These do-it-yourself (DIY) box trainers are uniquely capable of addressing cost as a major barrier to laparoscopic skills training for medical students but have not previously been used specifically for this purpose.

Students from the Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine (n = 17) participated in a laparoscopic skills training course using DIY box trainers. Four basic laparoscopic tasks were taught using live demonstrations followed by directed practice. Learners were instructed to record their first and last attempts in order to enable self-assessment of their progress.

All learners were able to successfully complete each of the four laparoscopic tasks by the end of their respective sessions. Feedback from the learners in the form of a postsession survey indicated that the course provided an enjoyable and high-quality experience.

This resource is effective at providing medical students with a low-cost opportunity to experience laparoscopy and develop basic laparoscopic skills.