Inorganic model of laparoscopic gastrostomy simulation with 3D printing, to acquire skills in intracorporal suture. Quasy experimental study

Abstract

Intracorporeal laparoscopic suturing and knotting are the most difficult skills to learn, and they are essential for performing advanced laparoscopic procedures. Laparoscopic training models facilitate the learning curve in a safe environment without risk for the patient. 3D printing has revolutionized many industrial fields, the present study seeks to link 3D printing technology with the creation of an anatomical model of an inorganic stomach, to simulate a laparoscopic gastrostomy for educational purposes for general surgery residents and surgeons in training. Objetive: develop an inorganic simulation model of laparoscopic gastrostomy using 3D printing, as a tool for the acquisition of skills and abilities in suturing and intracorporeal knotting. Methods: A prospective, experimental and longitudinal study was carried out. The author of this work performed 16 black box practices with the laparoscopic training model created and they were evaluated using the GOALS scale and measurement of execution time. Results: The score obtained on the GOALS scale was 19 points in the first practice and increased to 23 points in the last practices (Kendall’s Tau-C = 0.89), being statistically significant (p <0.00001). The time decreased from the first practice from 18:30 to 6:56 minutes in the last one (Kendall’s Tau-C = -0.49) being statistically significant (p = 0.01). Conclusion: The training model created with 3D printing allows to recreate the steps to perform a laparoscopic gastrostomy, and proved to be an effective tool in the acquisition of skills in suturing and intracorporeal knotting.