Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 14, 2025
Development of a Uterosacral Ligament Suspension Rat Model
Published on: August 17, 2022
Use of pelvic model-based simulation for sacrospinous ligament fixation education in novice learners: a
Yoko Takashima1, Stephanie J Handler2, Aldene Zeno3
1Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, 1000 W. Carson Street, Torrance, CA, 90509, USA. ytakashima@dhs.lacounty.gov.
Introduction And Hypothesis:
We hypothesize that there will be improvement in a novice learners' confidence and skill level with sacrospinous ligament fixation (SSLF) following a pelvic model-based simulation.
Methods:
We performed a single-blinded randomized controlled trial with obstetrics and gynecology residents who were novices at SSLF. The residents were randomly assigned to two groups. The control group received a lecture on the SSLF procedure and anatomy, whereas the intervention group received the same lecture in addition to a pelvic model-based simulation session taught by urogynecologists. The residents' knowledge of SSLF anatomy and confidence level with the procedure were measured via assessments administered before and after the educational interventions. Their technical skills were objectively assessed by one of two fellowship-trained urogynecologists who were blinded to their group allocation.
Results:
A total of 28 residents were recruited with 14 residents in each group and equal distribution of junior and senior trainees. None of the residents had previously performed the SSLF procedure. There was no difference in anatomical knowledge between the two groups. The intervention group showed a greater increase in their average confidence score compared with the control group: 4.0 ± 1.4 (95% CI 3.1-4.8) versus 2.6 ± 1.6 (95% CI 1.7-3.4) respectively, with p = 0.02. The intervention group also showed better objective scores in specific technical skills, such as instrument handling (p < 0.001), instrument movement/motion (p < 0.001), and speed (p = 0.01).
Conclusion:
Our results demonstrate that inclusion of a pelvic model simulation significantly improves confidence and certain technical skills of novice trainees in performing SSLF.
