Validation of A 3D-printed simulator for training in endoscopic injection of bulking agent for vesicoureteral reflux: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Simulation-based training plays a significant role in surgical education, especially in minimally invasive pediatric surgery and urology. This study aimed to evaluate a novel 3D-printed model as training tool for endoscopic injection of bulking agent. METHODS: Forty-three attendees and ten teaching faculty members were invited to complete a post hoc questionnaire after completing training sessions using the Fish Tank Simulation Model (FTSM). The survey consisted of a 7-question 5-point Likert scale to assess the model's realism (face validity) and its effectiveness as training tool (content validity). RESULTS: Regarding the training status, 20/53 (37.7%) participants were fellow and/or specialist in pediatric surgery and 33/53 (62.3%) were surgeons in training. Their level of confidence in endoscopic injection procedure was defined as novice (< 10 procedures per year) in 33/53 (62.3%), intermediate (10-20 procedures per year) in 10/53 (18.9%), and expert (> 20 procedures per year) in 10/53 (18.9%). Regarding both face validity and content validity assessments, no statistically significant differences were found between scores given by novice vs intermediate/expert groups. Similarly, no statistically significant differences emerged between scores given by participant vs faculty groups assessing the content validity of the FTSM. The FTSM was considered a good teaching tool for beginners by 44/53 (83%) and for pediatric surgeons/urologists by 38/53 (71.7%). CONCLUSIONS: The 3D-printed Fish Tank Simulation Model proved to be a valuable, high-fidelity, easily accessible, cost-effective, hygienic, and domestic-use training tool for pediatric surgeons/urologists conducting the procedure. The model's user-friendly design and realistic environment enhanced learning opportunities for trainees, regardless of their experience level or training status. Nevertheless, further development is necessary, particularly in enhancing the realism of the ureteral hiatus and reproducing more complex anatomy, to make it beneficial for the training of advanced surgeons.

Endoscopic injection of bulking agents in pediatric vesicoureteral reflux: a narrative review of the literature.

In the last 20 years, endoscopic injection (EI) has affirmed as a valid alternative to open surgery for management of pediatric vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). This study aimed to investigate and discuss some debated aspects such as indications, bulking agents and comparison, techniques of injection and comparison, predictive factors of success, use in specific situations. EI is minimally invasive, well accepted by patients and families, with short learning curve and low-morbidity profile. It provides reflux resolution rates approaching those of open reimplantation, ranging from 69 to 100%. Obviously, the success rate may be influenced by several factors. Recently, it is adopted as first-line therapy also in high grade reflux or complex anatomy such as duplex, bladder diverticula, ectopic ureters. The two most used materials for injection are Deflux and Vantris. The first is absorbable, easier to inject, has lower risk of obstruction, but can lose efficacy over time. The second is non-absorbable, more difficult to inject, has higher risk of obstruction, but it is potentially more durable. The two main techniques are STING and HIT. To date, the ideal material and technique of injection has not yet clearly established, but the choice remains dependent on surgeon's preference and experience.

The Role of Postoperative Dressing in Hypospadias Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of the Pediatric Literature.

This study aimed to describe the available dressings and their management in patients undergoing hypospadias repair and compare postoperative outcomes with and without dressing and between the different dressing types. A comprehensive electronic literature search of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library was conducted to obtain studies, published in the period 1990 to 2021, reporting on the dressing used following hypospadias surgery. All information regarding the dressing was considered as primary endpoints, whereas surgical outcomes were assessed as secondary outcomes. Thirty-one studies containing 1,790 subjects undergoing hypospadias repair were included. Dressings were divided into three categories: nonadherent to the wound, adherent to the wound, and glue-based dressings. Most authors preferred to remove/change the dressing in the ward and the median time of removal/change was 6.56 postoperative days. The dressing removal appeared as the most frequent factor generating parental anxiety. The median rate of wound-related complications was 8.18%, of urethroplasty complications 9.08% and of reoperations 8.18%. Meta-analysis of outcomes showed higher risk of reoperations using conventional dressing, with no differences in urethroplasty and wound-related complications rates between conventional and glue-based dressings. Furthermore, the use of dressing reported increased risk of wound-related complications compared with no dressing, without significant differences regarding occurrence of urethroplasty complications and reoperations. The current evidence confirmed that there is no difference in outcomes of hypospadias repair depending on a certain dressing type. To date, surgeon's preference remains the main factor determining the choice for a specific dressing or for no dressing at all.