Enhancing Surgical Skill Acquisition: Assessment of a Novel 3D Printed Laparoscopic Trainer (Non-Inferiority Trial)

As laparoscopic operations yield reliable outcomes across specialties, the need for specialized skills underscores the importance of effective, accessible, and affordable training devices. The acquisition of these techniques is typically tied to hands-on instruction in the operating theater or simulation labs that house costly training equipment. Outside of these opportunities, student exposure is limited to observation. Current literature describes "do-it-yourself" trainers that attempt to mitigate costs; however, material pricing, ease of use, and simulation realism can still be improved. This study aims to validate a novel 3D (three dimensional)-printed laparoscopic trainer designed to provide training outcomes comparable to those of commercial simulators at a fraction of the cost. In this IRB-approved study, we designed a 3D-printed laparoscopic trainer prioritizing affordability, portability, and accessibility. Our device was modeled using Autodesk Fusion 360 software and printed with PLA (polylactic acid) material. To test its functionality, twenty medical students (M1-M4) with no prior laparoscopic training were randomized into two groups to train on either a commercial simulator (SIMULAB LapTrainer) or the 3D-printed trainer. Participants were taught a threading technique and timed on task completion before and after a one-hour training session. A paired one-sided t-test revealed no significant differences in task completion times between the two devices for both pre-training (p > 0.05) and post-training (p > 0.05) trials, indicating comparable effectiveness. Additionally, all participants demonstrated improved task completion times in their post-training trials. These findings validate the potential of 3D-printed trainers as cost-effective alternatives for basic aparoscopic skills training. Future iterations will focus on improving ergonomics and realism to better replicate surgical environments, promote wider accessibility, and advance medical education in resourcelimited areas.