A Training Model for Laparoscopic Urethrovesical Anastomosis

Purpose: To create and evaluate the effectiveness of an in vitro training model for laparoscopic urethrovesical anastomosis. Materials and Methods: Chicken posterior trunks and porcine colons were used to construct the training model, which was later compared with the chicken skin model. The posterior trunk of a chicken was used to simulate a human pelvis, and a 3-mm cloacal stump was used to simulate a human urethral stump. A 15-cm segment of porcine colon with a 1-cm orifice was used to simulate a human bladder or neobladder. An imitation urethrovesical anastomosis was performed with laparoscopic instruments in a laparoscopic training box. The simulated urethral stump and bladder neck were anastomosed with six interrupted stitches. Forty urologic residents were randomized into two groups. The residents in group A (n = 20) practiced using this model for 8 hours, while those in group B (n = 20) practiced using the chicken skin model for 8 hours. The residents' skills were assessed using the porcine model ...