Complete Organ Laparoscopic Training System: A Novel Ex-Vivo Laparoscopic Simulator

Area of Science:

• Surgical Simulation
• Medical Education Technology
• Laparoscopic Surgery Training

Background:

• Existing ex vivo laparoscopic simulators have limitations in replicating thoracic and abdominal environments.
• These simulators often lack integrated teaching components, hindering comprehensive skill development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the Complete Organ Laparoscopic Training System (COLTS), a novel simulation system.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of COLTS in simulating the surgical environment and assess the impact of an integrated teaching module on trainee performance.

Main Methods:

• COLTS comprises living organ clusters, a training platform, circulation solution, and a teaching module.
• Experts assessed COLTS realism; residents were divided into groups with or without the teaching module for performance evaluation.
• Performance metrics included operating time, blood loss, adverse events, and economy of movement.

Main Results:

• Experts validated COLTS's ability to simulate the surgical environment and vessel pulse.
• Trainees with the teaching module showed increased confidence in instrument use and trocar positioning.
• The teaching module group demonstrated significantly improved performance in operation time, blood loss, adverse events, and economy of movement.

Conclusions:

• COLTS provides a realistic simulation of the thoracic and abdominal regions for laparoscopic training.
• The integrated teaching module demonstrably enhances trainee performance and engagement in laparoscopic surgery.