Development and Validation of a Laparoscopic Sacrocolpopexy Training Model.

Area of Science:

• Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery
• Surgical Simulation and Training

Background:

• Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy demands specialized skills, yet a comprehensive validated training model is lacking.
• Existing training methods do not adequately cover key procedural steps such as presacral dissection and mesh attachment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a procedure-specific hierarchical task analysis for laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy.
• To create and validate a novel pelvic training model for laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy in a simulation environment.

Main Methods:

• An observational simulation study involving 5 phases: task analysis, model construction, participant testing, validity testing, and performance measure creation.
• The study utilized construct, face, and content validity testing with expert and trainee participants.

Main Results:

• The developed training model successfully replicated critical steps including presacral dissection, vaginal and sacral mesh attachment, and peritoneal closure.
• Participants (13 trainees, 5 experts) reported the model was useful for improving suturing and learning the procedure.
• A passing performance measure was established using contrasting groups methodology.

Conclusions:

• A novel, reusable, and validated training model for laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy has been successfully developed.
• This simulation model serves as a valuable resource for acquiring essential skills for safe and efficient surgical performance.