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Low-cost simulation model for the treatment of inguinal hernia in pediatric patients
R Ramírez Díaz1, A Sáenz Dorado1, C Martínez Paz1
1Pediatric Surgery Department. Hospital Materno Infantil de Badajoz. Badajoz (Spain).
Insights
This study introduces a low-cost, easy-to-build simulation model for pediatric open inguinal herniorrhaphy training. The model effectively aids residents in understanding inguinal canal anatomy and surgical techniques.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Surgical Simulation
- Anatomical Education
Background:
- Open inguinal herniorrhaphy is the standard pediatric surgical repair for inguinal hernias.
- Thorough understanding of inguinal canal anatomy is critical for successful herniorrhaphy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a low-cost, reproducible simulation model for pediatric open inguinal herniorrhaphy.
- To enhance resident training in pediatric inguinal hernia repair and inguinal canal anatomy.
Main Methods:
- A simulation model was constructed using inexpensive materials (balloons, dressings, simulated muscle/cord elements).
- Ten pediatric surgery residents practiced open inguinal herniorrhaphy using the model.
- The model's utility was assessed by pediatric surgeons and residents via Likert scale surveys.
Main Results:
- Residents successfully completed the surgical technique simulation.
- The model received high satisfaction scores: 4.5/5 for general aspects, 4/5 for texture, 4.7/5 for usefulness, and 4.6/5 for recommendation.
Conclusions:
- The developed low-cost model is a valuable tool for pediatric surgical training.
- This simulation effectively aids residents in learning inguinal canal anatomy and surgical procedures.
Introduction:
Open inguinal herniorrhaphy is the most widely used inguinal hernia repair treatment in pediatric surgery. Understanding the anatomy of the inguinal canal is essential to conduct this procedure.
Material And Methods:
A low-cost, easily reproducible model aimed at training residents was designed to simulate open inguinal herniorrhaphy in children. It simulated the presence of inguinal hernia using low-cost materials such as balloons, transparent dressings, materials simulating the cremaster muscle, and cord elements. The model was validated by 4 pediatric surgeons and built by residents, who completed a post-simulation survey using the Likert scale. The survey assessed general aspects such as usefulness, texture, or grade of recommendation for regular training.
Results:
The surgical technique was completed step-by-step in the simulation model by a total of 10 pediatric surgery residents from various Spanish hospitals. Scores of 4.5/5 in general aspects, 4/5 in texture, 4.7/5 in usefulness, and 4.6/5 in grade of recommendation were achieved.
Conclusions:
We believe this low-cost, easy-to-build model stands as a useful tool both for surgical training and for understanding the anatomy of the inguinal canal in training residents.
