Background
Recent studies comparing inexpensive low-fidelity box trainers to expensive computer-based
virtual reality systems demonstrate similar acquisition of surgical skills and transferability
to the clinical setting. With new mandates emerging that all surgical residency programs
have access to a surgical skills laboratory, we describe our cost-effective approach
to teaching basic and advanced open and laparoscopic skills utilizing inexpensive
bench models, box trainers, and animate models.
Methods
Open models (basic skills, bowel anastomosis, vascular anastomosis, trauma skills)
and laparoscopic models (basic skills, cholecystectomy, Nissen fundoplication, suturing
and knot tying, advanced in vivo skills) are constructed using a combination of materials
found in our surgical research laboratories, retail stores, or donated by industry.
Expired surgical materials are obtained from our hospital operating room and animal
organs from food-processing plants. In vivo models are performed in an approved research
facility. Operation, maintenance, and administration of the surgical skills laboratory
are coordinated by a salaried manager, and instruction is the responsibility of all
surgical faculty from our institution.
Results
Overall, the cost analyses of our initial startup costs and operational expenditures
over a 3-year period revealed a progressive decrease in yearly cost per resident (2002-2003,
$1,151; 2003-2004, $1,049; and 2004-2005, $982).
Conclusions
Our approach to surgical skills education can serve as a template for any surgery
program with limited financial resources.
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
May 17,
2007
Footnotes
Industry product donations accepted from Ethicon, United States Surgical, Karl Storz, and Stryker.
Identification
Copyright
© 2007 Mosby, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
