Development and validation of a composed canine simulator for advanced veterinary laparoscopic training

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Surgery
• Surgical Simulation
• Minimally Invasive Techniques

Background:

• Developing advanced simulation models for veterinary laparoscopic surgery training is crucial.
• There is a need for effective tools to train complex procedures like total laparoscopic gastropexy (TLG).

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe and evaluate a novel didactic simulation tool, the CALMA Veterinary Lap-trainer composite simulator (CLVTS), for training total laparoscopic gastropexy (TLG) with intracorporeal sutures in dogs.
• To assess the realism, usefulness, and educational quality of the CLVTS among veterinarians with varying surgical experience.

Main Methods:

• The CLVTS was developed using plaster casts of canine anatomy to replicate surgical space.
• Sixteen veterinarians (6 experts, 10 intermediates) underwent video instruction and performed sequential simulated TLG procedures on the CLVTS.
• Participants completed an anonymous questionnaire evaluating the simulator's attributes and educational value.

Main Results:

• The CLVTS received high preliminary acceptance scores (4.7/5) for usefulness and exercise adequacy.
• Participants rated the simulator highly for realism, design, and practicality (4.5/5), with no significant differences between experience groups.
• The CLVTS demonstrated face and content validity, indicating its suitability for structured practice without compromising patient safety.

Conclusions:

• The CLVTS is a promising tool for practicing total laparoscopic gastropexy with intracorporeal sutures in a safe, simulated environment.
• The simulator shows high potential for veterinary surgical training in minimally invasive procedures.
• Further research is needed to validate skill assessment and transferability to clinical practice.