Validation of a Novel, Tissue-Based Simulator for Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy

Abstract Purpose: To create a tissue-based simulator that allows practice of key steps of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) in a sequential fashion. Materials and Methods: A model was created from female porcine genitourinary tract tissue to represent the male pelvic genitourinary anatomy. The following steps of RARP were simulated: dorsal venous complex ligation, division of bladder neck, seminal vesicle dissection, prostatic pedicle ligation with nerve sparing, urethral division, bladder neck reconstruction, and vesicourethral anastomosis. Ten novices and 10 experts performed RARP on the model. Face validity was calculated by ratings of realism. Content validity was calculated by experts' rating of usefulness of the model as a training tool. Construct validity was calculated by comparison of time to complete the simulator and rating of performance on the objective structured assessment of technical skill (OSATS) questionnaire, between novices and experts. Results: The model was determined to h...