Background Acquisition of Basic Surgical Skills (BSS) are essential for medical students. The objective was to determine it’s fidelity impact. Methods Using four suturing models (SM) (pigskin, sponge, commercial pad, and orange), SM-quality and student-SM interaction were evaluated. After a 1-h class, participants were divided into groups and randomly assigned exercises in SM in 15-min intervals. The experiment included completing three individual simple stitches and a 3-stitch continuous suture in each SM. Results Eighty-two medical students participated. Suturing quality was better in pigskin and sponge, which were also the preferred models (p < 0.001). Significant differences in quality between the insertion and exit point, and firmness of knots (p < 0.05) in both simple and continuous sutures, as well as between length and distance in continuous ones (p < 0.001) were identified. Conclusions Acquisition and quality of BSS are influenced by the intrinsic characteristics of SM. An adequate degree of resistance, consistency, and elasticity are necessary.

laboratory. Participants completed confidence and knowledge assessments before and after the course. The program was granted educational exemption by the IRB. RESULTS:Participants demonstrated improvement on the knowledge assessment that did not meet statistical significance, with a precourse mean score of 70% AE 0.07% and a post-course mean score of 77% AE 10% (p ¼ 0.08). There were statistically significant improvements in confidence in selection of appropriate anastomotic configuration (p ¼ 0.05), identification of when to use anastomotic adjuncts (p ¼ 0.02), management of anastomotic bleeding (p ¼ 0.03), and anastomotic stricture (p ¼ 0.01), and performance of stapled side to side (p ¼ 0.05), stapled end to end (p ¼ 0.01), single-layered hand-sewn (p < 0.01), and double-layered handsewn anastomoses (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION:We created an intestinal anastomosis simulation curriculum for general surgery trainees. The course demonstrated efficacy in improving confidence for perioperative management and procedural confidence for the included anastomotic techniques.