Simulators in urology resident’s training in retrograde intrarenal surgery

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the impact of simulators on the training of urology residents in retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS). Methods: The study involved training eight urology residents, using two artificial simulators; one developed by the Universidade Estadual do Pará, using three-dimensional printing technology, and the other one patented by the medical equipment manufacturer Boston Scientific The qualification of residents took place through a training course, consisting of an adaptation phase (S0), followed by three training sessions, with weekly breaks between them (S1, S2 and S3). Study members should carry out a RIRS in a standardized way, with step-by-step supervision by the evaluator using a checklist. The participants’ individual performance was verified through a theoretical assessment, before and after training (pre- and post-training), as well as by the score achieved in each session on a scale called global psychomotor skill score. In S3, residents performed an analysis of the performance and quality of the simulation, by completing the scale of student satisfaction and self confidence in learning (SSSCL). Results: At the end of the course, everyone was able to perform the procedure in accordance with the standard. The training provided a learning gain and a considerable improvement in skills and competencies in RIRS, with p < 0.05. SSSCL demonstrated positive feedback, with an overall approval rating of 96%. Conclusions: Artificial simulators proved to be excellent auxiliary tools in the training of urology residents in RIRS.