Development and Validation of a Vaginal Anterior Repair Simulation Model for Surgical Training.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to design and to validate a surgical simulation model for vaginal anterior colporrhaphy. METHODS: Obstetrics and gynecology residents were divided into two groups: "novice" and "advanced." "Expert" group comprised female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery (FPMRS) fellows and faculty. All subjects were recorded performing anterior colporrhaphy using the simulation model. Deidentified, silent videos of recorded performances were evaluated by a blinded reviewer using the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) and a procedure-specific assessment, based on the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology milestone evaluation. Analysis of variance was used for statistical comparisons. RESULTS: Thirty-seven participants included 13 novices, 18 advanced residents, and six experts. The experts scored significantly higher than both resident groups in each of the domains of the OSATS and the procedure assessment. The mean OSATS score for experts was 32.30 (±6.06) (maximum, 35); novice, 17.15 (±5.84); and advanced, 21.11 (±5.61) (P = 0.001). The experts' scores for the procedure assessment (maximum, 25) was 23.00 (±3.95); novice, 10.62 (±4.70); and advanced, 14.33 (±4.73) (P < 0.001). The two trainee groups did not differ significantly in their overall performance. Most trainees (29 [94%]) evaluated the model as a useful tool in learning this procedure. CONCLUSIONS: This low-fidelity model can be constructed easily using common materials. The model cost is $43.92 with reusable components ($11 per use). Higher scores by experts versus trainees confirm construct validity of this model. It may serve as a valuable simulation tool allowing trainees to improve their surgical technique for anterior colporrhaphy.

Learning Curve Analysis of Transvaginal Natural Orifice Adnexal Surgery.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to evaluate the learning curve of transvaginal natural orifice surgery (NOS) for adnexal tumors based on the type of procedure (adnexectomy or cystectomy). DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary-care university hospital. PATIENTS: One hundred thirty-six women with adnexal tumors. INTERVENTIONS: A series of 136 consecutive transvaginal NOS for adnexal tumor were performed between April 2011 and June 2016. Eighty-five patients (62.5%) had undergone cystectomy, and 51 patients (37.5%) had undergone adnexectomy. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The transvaginal NOS procedures included vaginal, endoscopic, single-port access techniques and were divided into 2 categories: adnexectomy and cystectomy. Operating time was electronically recorded and was defined as the time from the creation of a posterior colpotomy incision until the complete closure of the posterior colpotomy opening. The average operating time for the cystectomy and adnexectomy groups was 42.7 and 37.7 minutes, respectively (p = .015). The learning curve was analyzed using the cumulative summation method and showed that 36 cases were needed to achieve proficiency in transvaginal NOS for ovarian cystectomy. However, there was no significant cut-off point to determine the number of patients who had undergone adnexectomy. CONCLUSION: A well-trained gynecologic endoscopist can achieve surgical proficiency in transvaginal NOS cystectomy after 36 cases. It is suggested that the surgical transvaginal NOS procedure should begin with adnexectomy rather than with cystectomy to avoid initial technical challenges.

A Novel Porcine Stomach Tissue Model for Laparoscopic Colpotomy Simulation.

BACKGROUND: Hysterectomies are the most common benign gynecologic surgical procedures performed in the United States. Currently, there are no tissue models that exist to teach trainees the techniques for colpotomy during laparoscopic hysterectomy. To address this educational gap, we have created a laparoscopic colpotomy model using a porcine stomach attached to a uterine manipulator. METHODS: A segment of a porcine stomach is secured onto a uterine manipulator to simulate the cervicovaginal junction. A uterus model created with craft materials and reused in subsequent sessions is placed above the porcine stomach onto the uterine manipulator tip. Porcine stomach was obtained from a local butcher or meat market costing less than $1.00 per model. The tissue can be refrigerated or frozen for storage, then thawed before each use. This model can be used with any energy device and any laparoscopic platform to teach and perform the colpotomy. Usability survey showed that trainees responded positively to the model and attendings thought it was a useful teaching tool. EXPERIENCE: Trainees and faculty responded favorably to the model and stated that the use of actual tissue enhanced the realism of a colpotomy simulation. CONCLUSION: The porcine stomach laparoscopic colpotomy model is an innovative, low-cost teaching tool to add to a gynecologic surgical education simulation toolkit.

Development and Validation of a Simulation Model for Laparoscopic Colpotomy.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a realistic simulation model for performance of laparoscopic colpotomy and evaluate its construct and face validity. METHODS: A simulation model was developed and constructed using polyvinyl chloride piping, a uterine manipulator, and synthetic vaginal tissue paired with a commercially available laparoscopic trainer. An observational study was conducted to validate the simulation model for use as a teaching tool. Construct validity was measured through performance evaluation of novice and expert surgeons using a standard and modified Global Operative Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills scale with possible score ranges of 5-25 and 5-40, respectively. Expert surgeons included attending surgeons across various gynecologic subspecialties who teach total laparoscopic hysterectomy to trainees and perform more than 50 total laparoscopic hysterectomies annually. Novice surgeons included residents who perform total laparoscopic hysterectomy as part of their training. Standards were set using a modified contrasting groups approach. Interrater reliability was calculated using Kendall's τ correlation coefficient. Participants were surveyed regarding the realism of the model and its utility as a teaching tool to assess face validity. RESULTS: Five expert and 15 novice surgeons volunteered to participate. Expert surgeons scored higher than novice surgeons on the Global Operative Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills scale (22.8±1.52 vs 13.53±2.69, respectively) with a mean difference of 9.27 (95% CI 7.12-11.4, P<.01) and on a modified Global Operative Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills scale (36.9±2.19 vs 22.6±3.95, respectively) with a mean difference of 14.30 (95% CI 11.2-17.4, P<.01). Suggested passing range was set at 30.5-32.5 out of 40 total points. Kendall's τ interrater reliability was 0.86 (95% CI 0.798-0.923) and 0.87 (95% CI 0.818-0.922), respectively. All participants agreed that the training model was useful for teaching and learning laparoscopic colpotomy and for assessing the learner's ability to perform colpotomy before live surgery. CONCLUSION: This validated simulation system offers novice surgeons an opportunity to practice the skill set necessary to perform laparoscopic colpotomy efficiently and may be used as an educational tool.