Ex vivo models for training in endourology: construction of the model and simulation of training procedures.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Training in endourology by ex vivo models is an effective tool for unskilled urologists to get qualification. Urologists have different kinds of training models at urological conferences, but, in order to get skilled, they need models available at their own department. METHODS: The article describes how to build an ex vivo porcine model to train on the main endourological procedures. RESULTS: Questionnaires filled by the trainers attending the courses at our department, over the last three years, have proved the high degree of satisfaction about this kind of training system. CONCLUSIONS: Validation studies about these models still lack. The growing interest about them requires randomized controlled validation studies in the future, including large numbers of participants.