title: A novel low-cost simulator for laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair.
abstract: Despite the advantages of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair over the open approach in selected situations, laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (LIHR) remains a challenge to teach and learn. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a low-cost adaptable simulator for evaluation and training of LIHR. McGill Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Simulator (MLIHS) is a physical simulator that accurately represents inguinal anatomy. MLIHS permits to perform both transabdominal pre-peritoneal (TAPP) and totally extraperitoneal (TEP) repairs. Six experienced surgeons performed TAPP repairs using MLIHS. They were surveyed to establish face validity, and were scored using a previously validated global rating scale (maximum score = 25). Experienced surgeons considered MLIHS a useful tool for evaluating and training of LIHR. The mean (SD) global rating scores were 24.0 (± 0.6). The experienced surgeons considered MLIHS very useful for training and assessment. MLIHS is a valuable and affordable tool for training and evaluation of LIHR.
authors.affiliation: McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. yo.kurashima@gmail.com
authors.forename: Yo
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Kurashima
authors.forename: Liane
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Feldman
authors.forename: Salman
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Al-Sabah
authors.forename: Pepa
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kaneva
authors.forename: Gerald
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Fried
authors.forename: Melina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Vassiliou
mesh_terms: D003198:Computer Simulation / Q000191:economics*; D017046:Cost Savings; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D013502:General Surgery / Q000193:education*; D006552:Hernia, Inguinal / Q000191:economics / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000191:economics / Q000193:education*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015203:Reproducibility of Results