Pilot Evaluation of a Novel, Low-Cost, Simulation Model for Training and Assessment of Laparoscopic Intracorporeal Continuous Suturing. (October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hossain, Farisa; Alnumay, Abdulaziz; Alkhamesi, Nawar A.; Elnahas, Ahmad; Hawel, Jeffrey; Alsowaina, Khalid; Liu, Rachel Q.; Schlachta, Christopher M.
• Is Part Of: Surgical innovation. Volume 29:Number 5(2022)
• Page Start: 625
• Page End: 631
• Publication Date: 2022-10
• Subjects: surgical education -- simulation -- general surgery; Surgery, Operative -- Periodicals; Endoscopic surgery -- Periodicals; Laparoscopic surgery -- Periodicals; Surgical Procedures, Operative -- Periodicals; Surgical Procedures, Minimally Invasive -- Periodicals; Diffusion of Innovation -- Periodicals; Chirurgie opératoire -- Périodiques; Chirurgie endoscopique -- Périodiques; Chirurgie laparoscopique -- Périodiques; 617.91
• DOI: 10.1177/15533506221081107
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1553-3506

Abstract

Background: Laparoscopic intracorporeal continuous suturing is being employed in a growing number of minimally invasive procedures. However, there is a lack of adequate bench models for gaining proficiency in this complex task. The purpose of this study was to assess a novel simulation model for running suture.Methods: Participants were grouped as novice (LSN) or expert (LSE) at laparoscopic suturing based on prior experience and training level. A novel low-cost bench model was developed to simulate laparoscopic intracorporeal continuous closure of a defect. The primary outcome measured was time taken to complete the task. Videos were scored by independent raters for Global Operative Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills (GOALS).Results: Sixteen subjects (7 LSE and 9 LSN) participated in this study. LSE completed the task significantly faster than LSN (430 ± 107 vs 637 ± 164 seconds, P ≤ .05). LSN scored higher on accuracy penalties than LSE (Median 30 vs 0, P ≤ .05). Mean GOALS score was significantly different between the 2 groups (LSE 20.64 ± 2.64 vs LSN 14.28 ± 1.94, P < .001) with good inter-rater reliability (ICC ≥ .823). An aggregate score using the formula: Performance Score = 1200-time(sec)-(accuracy penalties x 10) was significantly different between groups with a mean score of 741 ± 141 for LSE vs 285 ± 167 for LSN ( P < .001).Conclusion A novel bench model for laparoscopic continuous suturing was able to significantly discriminate between laparoscopic experts and novices. This low-cost model may be useful for both training and assessment of laparoscopic continuous suturing proficiency.