The pelvitrainer for training in laparoscopic surgery – A prospective, multicenter, interdisciplinary study: Experimental research. (May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ackermann, Johannes; Pahls, Julia; Baumann, Jorun; Spüntrup, Carolin; Holthaus, Bernd; Noé, Günter; Anapolski, Michael; Meinhold-Heerlein, Ivo; Laganà, Antonio Simone; Peters, Göntje; Pape, Julian; Willer, Damaris; Westermann, Anna Maria; Günther, Veronika; Maass, Nicolai; Mettler, Liselotte; Alkatout, Ibrahim
• Is Part Of: International journal of surgery. Volume 101(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-05
• Subjects: Pelvitrainer -- Laparoscopic surgery -- Laparoscopic training -- Surgical education -- Learning curve; Surgery -- Periodicals; Surgical Procedures, Operative -- Periodicals; 617.005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2022.106604
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1743-9191

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Minimally invasive surgical procedures have a flat learning curve, especially in the initial period of a surgeon's training. Pelvitrainers enable the prospective surgeon to drill the surgical technique, including camera navigation, instrument manipulation, and the individual steps of the operation, on a model rather than a patient. Integrating the pelvitrainer into standardized surgical training programs is challenging, but would be essential to achieve optimum effects of long duration in surgical education. Material and methods: The pelvitrainer Realsimulator 2.0 (Endodevelop) was evaluated in 16 standardized training courses (at three training centers) of the German Working Group for Gynecological Endoscopy (AGE e.V.) from 2017 to 2020, The training concept was implemented and evaluated in a prospective, multicenter, interdisciplinary, multinational setting. Results: One hundred and eighty of 206 physicians (response rate 87.4%) completed the multi-stage training concept successfully. A significant (p < 0.001) objective improvement (positive learning curve) was observed for all exercises on the pelvitrainer. The trainer's subjective evaluation revealed positive ratings for design (median 82%, IQR 71–91%), camera navigation (87%, IQR 76–95%), and instrument manipulation (median 87%, IQR 77–94%). A follow-up survey performed six months after the course confirmed its sustainable and high benefits in clinical routine (median 82%, IQR 70–97%). Conclusion: The present investigation proved the high educational value of pelvitrainers, which can be enhanced by using a structured training concept. The benefit of training courses for health care justifies their incorporation into a standardized training curriculum. The completion of such training courses should be regarded as a prerequisite for a doctor to qualify as an independent surgeon. Highlights: The pelvitrainer is a particularly effective tool in laparoscopic training. The effect of the pelvitrainer is independent of the surgeon's level of experience. Training on the pelvitrainer has a proven positive effect on patient care. Mandatory implementation in surgical training like a driver's license should be debated.