title: Training model for open or laparoscopic pyeloplasty.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To demonstrate the construction of a simple training model from reconfigured chicken skin to simulate open and laparoscopic reconstructive pyeloplasty.
  
  
  METHODS
  Reconfiguring and suturing chicken skin dissected off its muscle creates a model of the ureteropelvic junction. Dismembered pyeloplasty techniques may be practiced with open or laparoscopic equipment. Students with prior training in suturing and knot-tying only used the open pyeloplasty model on three occasions. Urology trainees experienced in surgery but not laparoscopic pyeloplasty used the model laparoscopically.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Students demonstrated a significant improvement (P < 0.05) between their first (17.00 +/- 4.44 minutes; mean +/- 95% CI) and third (11.33 +/- 2.40 minutes) attempts using the open model. Urology trainees improved their mean times from the first (18.0 minutes) to third (11.8 minutes) attempts using the laparoscopic model.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This cheap and readily available model is reproducible and applicable to training in both open and laparoscopic pyeloplasty.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Geelong Hospital, Victoria, Australia., Austin Hospital, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: Jason
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ooi
authors.forename: Nathan
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Lawrentschuk
authors.forename: Donald L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Murphy
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002645:Chickens; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007668:Kidney / Q000601:surgery*; D010535:Laparoscopy; D017145:Models, Educational; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000193:education / Q000379:methods; D013520:Urologic Surgical Procedures / Q000193:education / Q000379:methods