Development and validation of a simulator for teaching minimally invasive thoracic surgery in Brazil

ABSTRACT Purpose To develop and validate a chest cavity simulator for teaching video-assited thoracic surgery (VATS). Methods The first phase of the study consisted of developing a chest cavity simulator. A quasi-experimental study was performed in the second phase, and 25 surgeons and residents participated in a three-stage pulmonary suture experiment. The videos were recorded and timed. Generalized linear regression models for repeated measures were used to analyze the outcome change over time. Results The chest cavity simulator consists of a console simulating the left hemithorax. Among the participants, 96% rated the design, visual aspect, positioning ergonomics, and triangulation of the portals as very good or excellent (face validity). There was a decrease in suturing time in step 1 from 435.7 ± 105 to 355.6 ± 76.8 seconds compared to step 3 (p = 0.001). The evaluation of the simulation effectiveness and performance (content validity) was rated as very good or excellent by 96% ofparticipants. The most experienced surgeon showed significant reduction in procedure time (p = 0.021) (construct validity). Conclusions The thoracic cavity simulator is realistic, showing content and construct validity, and can be used in VATS training. The simulation model allowed skill gain in the endoscopic suture.

Evaluation tool for a gastroenterostomy simulated training

Purpose:To create a checklist to evaluate the performance and systematize the gastroenterostomy simulated training.Methods:Experimental longitudinal study of a quantitative character. The sample consisted of twelve general surgery residents. The training was divided into 5 sessions and consisted of participation in 20 gastroenterostomys in synthetic organs. The training was accompanied by an experienced surgeon who was responsible for the feedback and the anastomoses evaluation. The anastomoses evaluated were the first, fourth, sixth, eighth and tenth. A 10 item checklist and the time to evaluate performance were used.Results:Residents showed a reduction in operative time and evolution in the surgical technique statistically significant (p<0.01). The correlation index of 0.545 and 0,295 showed a high linear correlation between time variables and Checklist. The average Checklist score went from 6.8 to 9 points.Conclusion:The proposed checklist can be used to evaluate the performance and systematization of a simulated training aimed at configuring a gastroenterostomy.(AU)

Abdominal cavity simulator for skill progression in videolaparoscopic sutures in Brazil

Purpose: To develop and test a model of teaching by means of an abdominal cavity simulator. Methods: This study had two stages: development of a teaching model and an experimental prospective study that aimed to evaluate the residents competence. The participants were divided into 3 groups: first-year resident, second-year resident, and senior surgeon. The two groups of resident physicians received training in the simulator, under instructor supervision for skill acquisition, according to the model proposed in first stage. The surgeons did not receive this intervention. The correlations and associations were verified through simple and multiple linear regressions. The learning curves were analysed using Cox regression models. The impact of the epidemiological characteristics was tested.Results: All residents reached the maximum score at the end of 16 steps and were comparable to the experimental (p<0.001). Conclusion: Residents who underwent training using the methodology of the proposed teaching model, which is based on realistic simulation, acquired proficiency in the accomplishment of endosutures in up to 16 hours of training in the laboratory.(AU)

Hepatic retractor in an ex vivo model

Purpose:To discuss the use of models of hepatic retraction by laparoscopy, to present a new Hepatic Retractor (HR) and to evaluate its practicality, efficacy and safety in Esophageal Hiatus Exposure (EHE).Methods:Experimental cross - sectional study with a quantitative character. It was carried out in the Laboratory of Health Training of Christus University Center. The sample consisted of 12 livers of adult pigs weighing between 30 and 45 kg. A circular-shaped HR, 5 cm diameter and deformable materials was developed with a polypropylene cloth, metallic guide wire, epidural needle plastic guide and nylon string. The practicality of HR management was measured by the time required to use the instrument, efficacy by exposure to the operative field and safety by macroscopic assessment of liver damage.Results:The average time to complete the procedure was 3.24 minutes and reached less than 2 minutes after 12 repetitions. In eight experiments the maximum degree of EHE was obtained. No macroscopic lesions were observed.Conclusion:The use of HR described can broaden the operative field, without causing macroscopic liver lesions and prolonging the surgical time.(AU)

Simulated training of a laparoscopic vesicourethral anastomosis

Purpose: To develop a model and curriculum for simulated training of an effective and well accepted laparoscopic vesicourethral anastomosis (VUA). Methods: Experimental longitudinal study of quantitative character. The sample consisted of 12 general surgery residents and 6 urology residents (R3). The training consisted of making twelve VUAs on synthetic organs. The training was divided into four sessions and accompanied by an instructor who performed positive feedback. The evaluation of the anastomoses considered the time and the analysis of the operative technique through the global evaluation scale Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS). Results: Residents showed a reduction in operative time and evolution in the surgical technique statistically significant (p<0.01). The best-rated items were the facilitator positive feedback and the fact that the training was carried out at the teaching hospital premises. Conclusions: The proposed training model was well accepted and proved to be effective in reducing operative time and improving laparoscopic skills. The training should be fractionated (4 sessions in 3 weeks), repetitive (12 anastomoses) and have positive feedback.(AU)

Model for simulated training of laparoscopic gastroenterostomy

Purpose: To develop a model of gastroenterostomy and to analyze the acquisition of skills after training by simulation. Methods: Experimental longitudinal study and of a quantitative character. The sample consisted of twelve general surgery residents from four hospitals. The training consisted of making ten anastomoses divided equally into five sessions and it took place over a period of six weeks. The evaluation of the anastomoses considered the time and the analysis of the operative technique through the global evaluation scale Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS). Results: Residents showed a reduction in operative time and evolution in the surgical technique statistically significant (p 0.01). The correlation index of 0.545 and 0.497 showed a high linear correlation between time variables and OSATS. Conclusion: The preparation of ten gastroenterostomies is an exercise capable of transferring basic and advanced skills in laparoscopy through a standardized training using synthetic organs and a simulator.(AU)