Impact of the practice in a laparoscopic common bile duct exploration training model in the acquisition of surgical skills

Abstract

Objective: To determine the impact of the practice in a laparoscopic common bile duct exploration training model in the acquisition of surgical skills. Method: A prospective, comparative, controlled study with two groups, each constituted by four individuals with similar training
and experience in advanced laparoscopic surgery. The study group (A) had 10 training sessions with the model in a two week period. Both groups (A and B) were evaluated prior and after the practice, with the use of the training model in four tasks: insertion of a cholangiography catheter, management of a helicoidal basket, insertion of “t” tube and use of a choledochoscope. Results: The initial evaluation of both groups did not show any significant differences. After the training sessions, the study group (A) showed a significant improvement in all the tasks when compared with the initial evaluation and the control group (B). This demonstrates the positive impact of the practice on the
acquisition of skills. Conclusion: Practice of the basic steps of laparoscopic exploration of the common bile duct in the inanimate model designed by the authors results in a significant improvement in the skills of the surgical team and might eventually result in a better performance in the operating room.