Development of a Low-Fidelity Laparoscopic Sacrocolpopexy Simulation Model and Evaluation of Curriculum.

Objectives: Minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy (SCP) is a compelling surgical procedure that requires advanced laparoscopic suturing and dissection skills and knowledge of pelvic retroperitoneal anatomy. The aim of this study was to develop a low-cost laparoscopic SCP model and educational curriculum to improve dissection and suturing skills along with anatomic knowledge to avoid complications.
Methods: The pelvic SCP model was developed with easily available material that was placed on the commercial pelvic bone model to construct a vagina, major vessels, ureter, peritoneum, and areolar tissue. A comprehensive curriculum encompassing didactic and technical skills components on the pelvic model was used to teach laparoscopic SCP. Participants completed precurriculum and postcurriculum multiple-choice questionnaires to evaluate the didactic component. A modified Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) tool was used to measure technical skills before and after technical skills curriculum.
Results: Among the 10 senior residents, 6 (60%) were studying at their fourth postgraduate year, and 3 (30%) were studying at their third postgraduate year. Postcurriculum test scores (14.5 vs 10.6) for assessment of cognitive knowledge were significantly improved (P < 0.001). The median postcurriculum OSATS scores (26.5; range, 18-30) were significantly improved (P = 0.005). Laparoscopic SCP OSATS scores increased from median 21 to median 26.5 after cognitive and technical curriculum, showing a 21.4% improvement. The majority (70%) of residents believed that the SCP model would be useful to enhance skills acquisition before performing the skill in the operating room.
Conclusions: A low-fidelity laparoscopic SCP curriculum showed improvement in cognitive knowledge and technical skills.
Competing Interests: The authors have declared they have no conflicts of interest.
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