A simple novel training model for teaching suprapubic catheter (SPC) exchange.

Area of Science:

• Medical Simulation
• Urology Training
• Surgical Education

Background:

• Current suprapubic catheter (SPC) training lacks realistic models for catheter exchange, especially with an existing tract.
• This necessitates the development of advanced simulation tools for effective surgical skill acquisition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a novel, anatomically realistic animal simulator for suprapubic catheter (SPC) exchange training.
• To address the need for a training model that replicates the presence of an established catheter tract.

Main Methods:

• A porcine abdominal wall was used to create a scale reproduction of the abdominal wall.
• A segment of small bowel was fashioned into a tract around a Foley catheter and connected to a porcine bladder, mimicking an SPC tract.
• The simulator was evaluated for content validity by 10 expert urologists using a 5-point rating scale.

Main Results:

• The simulator achieved an average global rating of 4.2/5 from expert urologists.
• The average usefulness for training score was high, rated at 4.6/5.
• Informal feedback from trainees and experts was overwhelmingly positive regarding satisfaction.

Conclusions:

• The developed animal simulator is a valuable and realistic tool for suprapubic catheter (SPC) exchange training.
• Expert urologists reported high satisfaction, indicating the model's potential to enhance surgical education in urology.
• This novel simulator effectively addresses the limitations of existing training methods for SPC procedures.