Construction of a laparoscopic appendectomy model.

INTRODUCTION: Appendectomy is the standard treatment for appendicitis, with the laparoscopic technique offering benefits like lower infection rates and quicker recovery. However, residents often have their first practical experience with the procedure on real patients, increasing surgical risks. In this context, medical simulation emerges as a crucial methodology, allowing professionals to experience a variety of scenarios while preventing harm to patients. The objective of this study is to describe the production of an "ex-vivo" simulation model for laparoscopic appendectomy. METHODOLOGY: Cold ceramic structures were used to manually shape the anatomical model of the appendix, ensuring its rigidity. On this model, we poured materials to create a flexible mold using acetic silicone. Once the mold was made, we filled it with thermo-moldable styrene polymer rubber, along with dye, and fused it at a specific temperature. RESULTS: This process resulted in the manufacture of a piece that simulates the appendix, being tear-resistant and suturable, faithfully replicating the structure and characteristics of a human organ. The low weight of the materials facilitates transport, allowing them to be reproduced and used in various situations, from training in hospital settings to universities. The model is applicable in didactic simulations with medical students, residents, and surgeons. Its ease of production and low cost contribute to the practices being repeatable, ensuring a better development of surgical skills. CONCLUSION: This work not only contributes to the advancement of medical simulation but also highlights the importance of innovative and collaborative solutions in improving medical education and promoting patient safety.

Construction of a laparoscopic appendectomy model / Construção de modelo de apendicectomia videolaparoscópica

ABSTRACT Introduction: Appendectomy is the standard treatment for appendicitis, with the laparoscopic technique offering benefits like lower infection rates and quicker recovery. However, residents often have their first practical experience with the procedure on real patients, increasing surgical risks. In this context, medical simulation emerges as a crucial methodology, allowing professionals to experience a variety of scenarios while preventing harm to patients. The objective of this study is to describe the production of an "ex-vivo" simulation model for laparoscopic appendectomy. Methodology: Cold ceramic structures were used to manually shape the anatomical model of the appendix, ensuring its rigidity. On this model, we poured materials to create a flexible mold using acetic silicone. Once the mold was made, we filled it with thermo-moldable styrene polymer rubber, along with dye, and fused it at a specific temperature. Results: This process resulted in the manufacture of a piece that simulates the appendix, being tear-resistant and suturable, faithfully replicating the structure and characteristics of a human organ. The low weight of the materials facilitates transport, allowing them to be reproduced and used in various situations, from training in hospital settings to universities. The model is applicable in didactic simulations with medical students, residents, and surgeons. Its ease of production and low cost contribute to the practices being repeatable, ensuring a better development of surgical skills. Conclusion: This work not only contributes to the advancement of medical simulation but also highlights the importance of innovative and collaborative solutions in improving medical education and promoting patient safety.

RESUMO Introdução: A simulação médica emerge como uma metodologia crucial, permitindo que profissionais experimentem uma variedade de cenários, tanto de êxito quanto de falha, identificando fragilidades e condições inseguras, com o intuito de evitar danos aos pacientes. Assim, o objetivo desse estudo é descrever a produção de um modelo de simulação em apendicectomia videolaparoscópica "ex-vivo". Metodologia: Foram utilizadas estruturas de cerâmica fria para moldar manualmente o modelo anatômico do apêndice, garantindo sua rigidez. Neste modelo, utilizou-se materiais para criar um molde flexível usando silicone acético. Feito o molde, o preencheu-se com borracha de polímero de estireno termomoldável, junto com corante, e fundindo em uma temperatura específica. Resultados: Esse processo resultou na confecção de uma peça que simula o apêndice, sendo resistente ao rasgo e suturável, replicando fielmente a estrutura e características de um órgão humano. O baixo peso dos materiais facilita o transporte, permitindo que sejam reproduzidos e utilizados em diversas situações, desde treinamentos em ambientes hospitalares até universidades. O modelo é aplicável em simulações didáticas com estudantes de medicina, residentes e cirurgiões. Sua facilidade de produção e baixo custo contribuem para que as práticas sejam repetíveis, garantindo um melhor desenvolvimento das habilidades cirúrgicas. Conclusão: O trabalho contribui para o avanço da simulação médica e destaca a importância de soluções inovadoras e colaborativas na melhoria da educação médica e na promoção da segurança do paciente.