Validation of a cost-effective appendicectomy model for surgical training

Area of Science:

• Surgical Simulation
• Medical Education Technology

Background:

• Appendicitis is a common condition requiring appendicectomy, the standard treatment.
• Existing laparoscopic appendicectomy training models are often prohibitively expensive.
• A novel, cost-effective simulation model is introduced.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish the construct validity of a new, cost-effective laparoscopic appendicectomy simulation model.
• To assess the model's ability to differentiate surgical skills based on experience.

Main Methods:

• Three groups of surgeons (novice, intermediate, expert) performed a simulated laparoscopic appendicectomy.
• Performance was evaluated using the validated Global Operative Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills (GOALS) scoring system.
• Statistical analysis (ANOVA, post-hoc tests) compared performance between groups.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in simulated appendicectomy performance were observed between all surgeon groups (p < 0.0001).
• All Global Operative Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills (GOALS) categories and total scores showed significant differentiation.
• Surgeon experience level had a moderate to significant impact on simulated procedure performance.

Conclusions:

• The developed simulation model is a valid and cost-effective tool for appendicectomy.
• The model adequately simulates the appendicectomy procedure.
• The study recommends integrating this model into postgraduate surgical training programs.