title: Simulation of RIRS in soft cadavers: a novel training model by the Cadaveric Research On Endourology Training (CRET) Study Group.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the current study was to evaluate the use of fresh-frozen concurrently with embalmed cadavers as initial training models for flexible ureteroscopy (fURS) in a group of urologists who were inexperienced in retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS).
  
  
  METHODS
  Twelve urologists involved in a cadaveric fURS training course were enrolled into this prospective study. All the participants were inexperienced in fURS. Theoretical lectures and step-by-step tips and tricks video presentations on fURS were used to incorporate the technical background of the procedure to the hands-on-training course and to standardize the operating steps of the procedure. An 8-item survey was administered to the participants upon initiation and at the end of the course.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Pre- and post-training scores were similar for each question. All the participants successfully completed the hands-on-training tasks. Mean pre-training duration [3.56 ± 2.0 min (range 1.21-7.46)] was significantly higher than mean post-training duration [1.76 ± 1.54 min (range 1.00-6.34)] (p = 0.008). At the end of the day, the trainers checked the integrity of the collecting system both by endoscopy and by fluoroscopy and could not detect any injury of the upper ureteral wall or pelvicalyceal structures. The functionality of the scopes was also checked, and no scope injury (including a reduction in the deflection capacity) was noted.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The fURS simulation training model using soft human cadavers has the unique advantage of perfectly mimicking the living human tissues. This similarity makes this model one of the best if not the perfect simulator for an effective endourologic training.
authors: Faculty of Medicine, Urology Department, Hacettepe University, Sıhhiye-Ankara, Turkey. emrehuri@gmail.com.
authors: Emre
authors: E
authors: Huri
authors: Urology Department, Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece.
authors: Andreas
authors: A
authors: Skolarikos
authors: Anatomy Department, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.
authors: İlkan
authors: İ
authors: Tatar
authors: Department of Urology, Haseki Teaching and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.
authors: Murat
authors: M
authors: Binbay
authors: Urology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Acıbadem University, Istanbul, Turkey.
authors: Mustafa
authors: M
authors: Sofikerim
authors: Department of Urology, Bağcılar Teaching and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.
authors: Emrah
authors: E
authors: Yuruk
authors: Department of Urology, Ankara Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
authors: Tolga
authors: T
authors: Karakan
authors: Anatomy Department, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.
authors: Mustafa
authors: M
authors: Sargon
authors: Anatomy Department, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.
authors: Deniz
authors: D
authors: Demiryurek
authors: Urology Department, Roma Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy.
authors: Roberto
authors: R
authors: Miano
authors: Urology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Kars Kafkas University, Kars, Turkey.
authors: Murat
authors: M
authors: Bagcioglu
authors: Faculty of Medicine, Urology Department, Hacettepe University, Sıhhiye-Ankara, Turkey.
authors: Mehmet
authors: M
authors: Ezer
authors: Urology Department, Cottolengo Hospital, Turin, Italy.
authors: Cecilia Maria
authors: CM
authors: Cracco
authors: Urology Department, Cottolengo Hospital, Turin, Italy.
authors: Cesare Marco
authors: CM
authors: Scoffone
mesh_terms: D002102:Cadaver; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000601:surgery*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D000066908:Simulation Training / Q000379:methods*; D018666:Ureteroscopy / Q000193:education*; D014572:Urology / Q000193:education*
keywords: RIRS simulation; Retrograde intrarenal surgery soft cadaver; Urology training