Development and validation of a model of training at home to the laparoscopy.

Introduction and objectives: Practice on a Pelvitrainer training is an essential part of the training of surgeons in laparoscopy. Most university departments are equipped with this type of model, but this equipment is expensive, cumbersome and often poorly accessible. The authors propose a new laparoscopy home training model and compare its performances with those of the reference training model. Material and Method: The laparoscopy home training model is composed of a laptop computer a Web Cam and a translucent plastic box. Ten operators with various levels of training were timed during 4 simple exercises performed on the home training model and were then timed when performing 6 interrupted sutures with this model and with a Pelvitrainer Results: All operators successfully performed the proposed exercises. The mean operating time was correlated with the level of training (35 minutes versus 15 minutes for the 3 most experienced operators). The suture time was comparable with the home trainer (14 minutes) and the Pelvitrainer (13 minutes). The home training model is less expensive (75 euros), more accessible and easier to install (3 minutes) than the Pelvitrainer and can be used outside of medicalized structures. Conclusion: Trainee operators can practice laparoscopy at home. The manufacture of a Home-trainer requires simple material. The training capacities of this model are similar to those of a Pelvitrainer but it is less cumbersome, less expensive and more readily available. This type of'model could be used by each operator at home to improve his/her performances and to accelerate training.