Construction and validation of a low-cost surgical trainer based on iPhone technology for training laparoscopic skills.
In this article, we describe the construction and validation of a laparoscopic trainer using an iPhone 5 and a plastic document holder case. The abdominal cavity was simulated with a clear plastic document holder case. On 1 side of the case, 2 holes for entry of laparoscopic instruments were drilled. We added a window to place the camera of the iPhone, which works as our camera of the trainer. Twenty residents carried out 4 tasks using the iPhone Trainer and a physical laparoscopic trainer. The time of all tasks were analyzed with a simple paired t test. The construction of the trainer took 1 hour, with a cost of <US$90. Results showed no significant differences in time for the 4 tasks performed in both the trainers. iPhone Trainer is a reusable and fully functional device that allows surgeons to practice their skills anywhere and at their own pace.
*Bioelectronics Section, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute of Mexico †Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hospital Infantil de Mexico Federico Gomez, Mexico City, Mexico.
Fernando
F
Pérez Escamirosa
Ricardo
R
Ordorica Flores
Arturo
A
Minor Martínez
D002983:Clinical Competence; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing / Q000191:economics* / Q000379:methods*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005762:Gastroenterology / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000193:education*; D000068997:Smartphone