Chicken gizzard: a new training model for laparoscopic urethrovesical anastomosis.
OBJECTIVE
To create a simple, inexpensive, and reproducible animal model to provide a new training option for performing urethrovesical anastomosis during laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.


METHODS
Development and testing were carried out in 2008. The materials used included a laparoscopic training box, video camera, monitor, needle holder, sutures, and non-eviscerated chickens weighing more than 2 kilograms. The model was prepared with a new perception of a structure similar to the human pelvis. To create the anastomosis, we used the gizzard (bladder neck) and the rectum (urethra). Once the model was placed in the box, the anastomosis was performed under very similar anatomical conditions to real procedures. Anastomosis quality was assessed by means of a permeability test and transanal endoscopy.


RESULTS
The operating field is very similar to the human pelvis. The tissues have a quality, texture, and diameter resembling those of the urethra (rectum) and the bladder neck (gizzard), and offer the opportunity to practise anastomosis and anterior racket.


CONCLUSIONS
The model for urethrovesical anastomosis using the chicken gizzard and rectum is simple, easily available, inexpensive and reproducible. The anatomy of the chicken and the characteristics of its tissues allow for training under conditions very similar to those present in human cases.
Sotelo
Rene J
RJ
Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery Centre, La Floresta Medical Centre, Caracas, Venezuela. renesotelo@cantv.net
Astigueta
Juan C
JC
Carmona
Oswaldo J
OJ
De Andrade
Robert J
RJ
Moreira
Otto E
OE
D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000193:education; D000818:Animals; D002645:Chickens; D005895:Gizzard, Avian; D010535:Laparoscopy; D023421:Models, Animal; D011468:Prostatectomy / Q000193:education*; D014521:Urethra / Q000601:surgery*; D001743:Urinary Bladder / Q000601:surgery*