Preoperative skill evaluation in transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) inguinal hernia repair using a three-dimensional printed TAPP repair simulator

Background Although transabdominal preperitoneal laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (TAPP LIHR) is becoming increasingly more critical in the management of hernias, it has a long learning curve. The learning curve is often measured by a shortened operative time without mention of the quality of the procedure. This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of a three-dimensional printed TAPP LIHR simulator to evaluate the surgeon’s preoperative skill before entering the operative theater.