Obstet Gynecol. 2021 Jul 1;138(1):95-99. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000004420.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Obliteration of the posterior cul-de-sac is a challenging, often unexpected surgical finding. Developing the dissection skills required to manage this finding during laparoscopy is essential for optimizing treatment of many pain disorders during hysterectomy or ovarian surgery; however, exposure of trainees to cul-de-sac dissection is variable. Currently, there are no widely available simulation models for teaching and practicing this technique.
METHOD: Our aim is to design a low-cost and high-fidelity laparoscopic simulation model that represents key anatomical structures and emphasizes skills for laparoscopic dissection of an obliterated posterior cul-de-sac.
EXPERIENCE: A three-dimensional model was created and is described. Nine experts (gynecologic surgery fellows and attendings) and 17 residents completed a single 30-minute simulation session and completed several assessments to begin establishing the face validity of this model.
CONCLUSION: Experts and residents rated the obliterated cul-de-sac simulation as highly realistic and useful. Residents showed a statistically significant increase in comfort with the dissection, from a median Likert score of 1 out of 5 (interquartile range 1-1) to 3 out of 5 (interquartile range 2-3) (P<.001). Experts scored better than residents on blinded video grading of model performance (P<.001). This low-cost and easily reproducible model fills a critical gap in gynecologic surgery education.
PMID:34259469 | DOI:10.1097/AOG.0000000000004420
