V07-11: Resident Training for Robotic Renal Surgery with a Porcine Model

Video

INTRODUCTION

Robotic surgery is critical for modern urologists. Despite the reduced difficulty of robotic surgery compared to traditional laparoscopy, a learning curve still exists. Due to increased demands on surgeon productivity and outcomes, residency robotics training is increasingly relying on simulations. We present a cost-effective model for realistic training for robotic partial nephrectomy.

METHODS

Using our surgical education center with a training Da Vinci Si robot, we set up a training platform with a porcine kidney obtained from a local butcher shop. Expired and unsterile instruments and equipment were used to reduce cost. A quarter-size circular area of the kidney is marked as the area of the “tumor”, and robotic partial nephrectomy is performed by the trainee in a standardized stepwise manner. Video recordings are obtained and uploaded for review by the trainees to provide constructive feedback to each other. These workshops are repeated several times through the academic year for the residents to practice and improve performance in the operating room.

RESULTS

Two residents participate in each training session. Average time for completion of each training session is less than 90 minutes. Average cost per session is under $20. Sliding-clip renorrhaphy was achieved without difficulty with tissue integrity. No significant difference in realism was noted between frozen and fresh specimen.

CONCLUSION

Porcine kidney for robotic partial nephrectomy is an inexpensive, realistic, and easily adoptable tool for resident training. Similar porcine models can be used for training for other surgical procedures.

Funding: Midwest Stone Institute