A cost-effective approach to establishing a surgical skills laboratory

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Abstract

Background: Recent studies comparing inexpensive low-fidelity box trainers to expensive computer-based virtual reality systems demonstrate similar acquisition of surgical skills and transferability to the clinical setting. With new mandates emerging that all surgical residency programs have access to a surgical skills laboratory, we describe our cost-effective approach to teaching basic and advanced open and laparoscopic skills utilizing inexpensive bench models, box trainers, and animate models. Methods: Open models (basic skills, bowel anastomosis, vascular anastomosis, trauma skills) and laparoscopic models (basic skills, cholecystectomy, Nissen fundoplication, suturing and knot tying, advanced in vivo skills) are constructed using a combination of materials found in our surgical research laboratories, retail stores, or donated by industry. Expired surgical materials are obtained from our hospital operating room and animal organs from food-processing plants. In vivo models are performed in an approved research facility. Operation, maintenance, and administration of the surgical skills laboratory are coordinated by a salaried manager, and instruction is the responsibility of all surgical faculty from our institution. Results: Overall, the cost analyses of our initial startup costs and operational expenditures over a 3-year period revealed a progressive decrease in yearly cost per resident (2002-2003, $1,151; 2003-2004, $1,049; and 2004-2005, $982). Conclusions: Our approach to surgical skills education can serve as a template for any surgery program with limited financial resources. © 2007 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Berg, D. A., Milner, R. E., Fisher, C. A., Goldberg, A. J., Dempsey, D. T., & Grewal, H. (2007). A cost-effective approach to establishing a surgical skills laboratory. Surgery, 142(5), 712–721. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.surg.2007.05.011

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