ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To create and assess the validity of a high-fidelity, three dimensional (3D) printed, flexible ureteroscopy simulator resulting from a real case. METHODS: A patient's CT scan was segmented to obtain a 3D model in .stl format, including the urinary bladder, ureter and renal cavities. The file was printed and a kidney stone was introduced into the cavities. The simulated surgery consisted of monobloc stone extraction. Nineteen participants split into 3 groups according to their level (6 medical students, 7 residents and 6 urology fellows) performed the procedure twice at a 1-month interval. They were rated according to a global score and a task-specific score, based on an anonymized, timed video recording. RESULTS: Participants demonstrated a significant improvement between the 2 assessments, both on the global score (29.4 vs 21.9 points out of 35; P < .001) and the task-specific score (17.7 vs 14.7 points out of 20; P < .001) as well as procedure time (498.5 vs 700 seconds; P = .001). Medical students showed the greatest progress for the global score (+15.5 points (mean), P = .001) and the task-specific score (+6.5 points (mean), P < .001). 69.2% of participants considered the model as visually quite realistic or highly realistic and all of them judged it quite or extremely interesting for intern training purposes. CONCLUSION: Our 3D printed ureteroscopy simulator was able to enhance the progress of medical students who are new to endoscopy, whilst being valid and reasonably priced. It could become part of a training program in urology, in line with the latest recommendations for surgical education.
