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. 2017 Jan;31(1):38-48.
doi: 10.1007/s00464-016-4953-3. Epub 2016 May 18.

A systematic review of low-cost laparoscopic simulators

Mimi M Li  1 , Joseph George  2
Affiliations

A systematic review of low-cost laparoscopic simulators

Mimi M Li et al. Surg Endosc. 2017 Jan.

Abstract

Background: Opportunities for surgical skills practice using high-fidelity simulation in the workplace are limited due to cost, time and geographical constraints, and accessibility to junior trainees. An alternative is needed to practise laparoscopic skills at home. Our objective was to undertake a systematic review of low-cost laparoscopic simulators.

Method: A systematic review was undertaken according to PRISMA guidelines. MEDLINE/EMBASE was searched for articles between 1990 and 2014. We included articles describing portable and low-cost laparoscopic simulators that were ready-made or suitable for assembly; articles not in English, with inadequate descriptions of the simulator, and costs >£1500 were excluded. Validation, equipment needed, cost, and ease of assembly were examined.

Results: Seventy-three unique simulators were identified (60 non-commercial, 13 commercial); 55 % (33) of non-commercial trainers were subject to at least one type of validation compared with 92 % (12) of commercial trainers. Commercial simulators had better face validation compared with non-commercial. The cost ranged from £3 to £216 for non-commercial and £60 to £1007 for commercial simulators. Key components of simulator construction were identified as abdominal cavity and wall, port site, light source, visualisation, and camera monitor. Laptop computers were prerequisite where direct vision was not used. Non-commercial models commonly utilised retail off-the-shelf components, which allowed reduction in costs and greater ease of construction.

Conclusion: The models described provide simple and affordable options for self-assembly, although a significant proportion have not been subject to any validation. Portable simulators may be the most equitable solution to allow regular basic skills practice (e.g. suturing, knot-tying) for junior surgical trainees.

Keywords: Laparoscopic; Low-cost; Model; Simulation; Trainee; Trainer.

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Conflict of interest statement

Compliance with ethical standards Disclosures Miss. Mimi M Li and Mr. Joseph George have no conflicts of interest or financial ties to disclose.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
PRISMA flow diagram of study selection for the systematic review
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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