Validity assessment for veterinary use of human laparoscopic cholecystectomy training models

To assess validity evidence of 2 commercially available human gallbladder models for canine laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LapChole) training. We hypothesized that both models would display construct validity and would render high face values. The physical model was hypothesized to have higher face validity and the virtual reality (VR) model higher construct validity.

Experimental study. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy-experienced American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) diplomates and novice surgeons were enrolled. Surgical performance was assessed using a physical model in a box trainer and a VR model at a surgical conference in October 2022 and in a skills laboratory from September 2023 through March 2024. Performances were assessed via predetermined benchmarks and video-recorded for structured assessments by a blinded clinical LapChole-experienced surgeon and a nonblinded novice surgeon. Questionnaires for face value determination were completed by ACVS diplomates after each performance.

8 ACVS diplomates and 8 novice surgeons participated. The VR model showed strong correlation between clinical LapChole experience and model metrics, including time (Spearman rho = -0.85), visual analogue scores (rho = 0.79), and operative component rating scales scores (rho = 0.75). The physical model lacked correlation between experience and all model metrics (rho range, -0.02 to 0.21), which precluded construct validity comparisons between models. The VR model had higher face validity than the physical model.

Overall, the VR model demonstrated construct validity and superior face value compared to the physical model.

The VR cholecystectomy model could be considered for veterinary laparoscopic training.