Development of exophytic tumor model for laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: technique and initial experience.
OBJECTIVE
To develop and test a porcine model to help teach the techniques needed to perform laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN), which is a technically challenging procedure with necessary reconstructive skills that are difficult to transfer.


METHODS
A tumor model was created by unilateral subcapsular percutaneous injection of liquid plastic (Smooth-Cast 320) in five pig kidneys. Five Washington University urologists performed LPN and assessed the efficacy of the tumor model. Subsequently, the tumor model was evaluated as a tool for teaching LPN during the Washington University Advanced Laparoscopic and Robotic Urologic Oncology Course. Twenty-eight participants performed unilateral porcine LPN with the tumor model. Questionnaires were used to assess the utility of this tumor model.


RESULTS
Unilateral tumors were successfully created in five pigs and remained intact during all LPN procedures. Visually, the tumors appeared as white exophytic masses. Ultrasonography revealed a well-circumscribed, hypoechoic lesion and a mean diameter of 2.02 cm. The mean operative time was 32.4 minutes. In subsequent testing, 24 (86%) of the 28 participants returned the questionnaire, and 96% responded that the tumor model had enhanced their LPN learning experience. Seven course participants (29%) reported problems with hemostasis, ultrasonography, or laparoscopic instrumentation. Two tumor model-related complications occurred. During the initial evaluation, one pig experienced a fatal pulmonary embolism of the plastic. During the course, a second animal experienced extravasation of the solution into the renal collecting system.


CONCLUSIONS
For surgical education purposes, the Smooth-Cast model is an effective surgical tool for LPN. Most of the surgeons in this evaluation believed the model enhanced their learning experience.
Hidalgo
Josephine
J
Division of Urology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
Belani
Jay
J
Maxwell
Keegan
K
Lieber
David
D
Talcott
Michael
M
Baron
Pam
P
Ames
Caroline
C
Venkatesh
Ramakrishna
R
Landman
Jaime
J
D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D010535:Laparoscopy; D009392:Nephrectomy / Q000193:education* / Q000379:methods; D010969:Plastics; D013552:Swine
D010969:Plastics