A Model and a Program for Training Laparoscopic Urethrovesical Anastomosis

Abstract

Purpose: A model and a program was developed for training surgeons in laparoscopic urethrovesical anastomosis in order to improve the laparoscopic suture technique for urologists with no previous experience. Materials and Methods:The procedures were performed on a pelvic trainer using a videolaparoscopic unit. The program consisted of a simple suture, urethrovesical anastomosis with interrupted sutures, and urethrovesical anastomosis with continuous sutures. The trainees enrolled in this study were 5 residents from the urologic department who had little experiences in laparoscopic suturing. The trainees performed each procedure 10 times and the elapsed time was recorded. Univariate analysis of the general linear model was used to assess the significance of progression. Results: In the first lesson of the simple suture, the mean elapsed time was 5.45±3.00 minutes (range 2.78-9.83minutes) and each trainee demonstrated a difference in the elapsed time for suturing. After the tenth lesson was complete, the mean elapsed time was 1.48±0.17 minutes (range 1.35-1.70 minutes) and the time differences between each trainee decreased.