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Journal of Postgraduate Medicine
Medknow Publications and Staff Society of Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai, India
ISSN: 0022-3859 EISSN: 0972-2823
Vol. 55, Num. 3, 2009, pp. 233-234

Journal of Postgraduate Medicine, Vol. 55, No. 3, July-September, 2009, pp. 233-234

Letter

Blue Peter: On a shoe string budget for laparoscopic training

Singh I, Panesar N¹ , Haq A²

Department of Surgery, SpR General Surgery, University Hospital Lewisham, Lewisham High Street, London, SE13 6LH,
¹ ST2 Anesthetics, ² Consultant Laparoscopic/Colorectal Surgeon, King’s College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 9RS UK

Correspondence Address: Dr. Singh I, Department of Surgery, SpR General Surgery, University Hospital Lewisham, Lewisham High Street, London, SE13 6LH UK
indie@doctors.org.uk

Code Number: jp09074

PMID: 19884759

DOI: 10.4103/0022-3859.57396

Sir,

Laparoscopic surgery requires a unique set of psychomotor skills. Studies have demonstrated that these skills can be practiced and objectively validated using laparoscopic courses. ^[1],[2] It has been seen that virtual reality simulators and the classical box trainer are effective in teaching skills that are transferable to real laparoscopic tasks.^[3] Intense training on bench models has been seen to improve video-eye-hand skills and it translates into an improved operative performance.^[4] We have devised a simple method to help one practice their laparoscopic skills in a less expensive manner, safely, and in the comfort of their own home.

The equipment required includes: Shoe/large cardboard box, laparoscopic grasper, petalen and scissors, handheld digital camera linked to a television or computer screen, and a desk lamp. Entry ports are made for the trocars, digital camera, and the desk lamp on the lid of the shoe box. These are positioned to view the working area. The camera is linked up to the computer/television. While practicing laparoscopic skills, for example, peeling grapes, one can view the computer/television screen as if carrying out a laparoscopic procedure in a theater [Figure - 1].

Studies have shown that the graduated laparoscopic training curriculum enables trainees to train and be assessed on laparoscopic simulators.^[5] This enables trainees to progress along the learning curve before operating on a patient. However, due to lack of funds and resources they are not available to everyone.

We find this method inexpensive and user friendly. We recommend it to anyone wishing to practice their laparoscopic skills in the comfort of their own home.

References

1.	Munz Y, Kumar BD, Moorthy K, Bann S, Darzi A. Laparoscopic virtual reality and box trainers. Is one superior to the other? Surg Endosc 2004;18:485-94. Back to cited text no. 1
2.	Black M, Gould JC. Measuring Laparoscopic operative skill in a video trainer. Surg Endosc 2006;20:1069-71. Back to cited text no. 2 [PUBMED] [FULLTEXT]
3.	Madan AK, Frantzides CT. Prospective randomized controlled trial of laparoscopic trainers for basic laparoscopic skills acquisition. Surg Endosc 2006;21:209-13. Back to cited text no. 3 [PUBMED] [FULLTEXT]
4.	Scott DJ, Bergen PC, Rege RV, Laycock R, Tesfay ST, Valentine RJ, et al. Laparoscopic training on bench models: Better and more cost effective than operating room experience? J Am Coll Surg 2000;191:272-83. Back to cited text no. 4 [PUBMED] [FULLTEXT]
5.	Aggarwal R, Grantcharov T, Moorthy K, Hance J, Darzi A. A competency-based virtual reality training curriculum for the acquisition of laparoscopic psychomotor skill. Am J Surg 2006;191:128-33. Back to cited text no. 5 [PUBMED] [FULLTEXT]

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