Development of a laparoscopic training model using a smartphone

Abstract

Objective: to develop a model of training in video-surgery, of low cost and that uses a smartphone as an image-generating source. Methods: We developed a 38cm high, 40cm wide, 40cm long hexagonal-shaped training box, with a front opening of 12x8 cm for coupling the smartphone. The internal illumination is made with LED lamps and for the support of the smartphone, we used a selfie stick, fixed in the upper part of the box, that allows control of height, distance, angulation, and the coupling of devices with different formats. We selected 20 undergraduate students without previous training in video-surgery, who performed four exercises in the box, with assessment of the time and amount of errors in the execution of the tasks. Each student completed the training for three consecutive weeks. We collected the data in spreadsheets for later analysis. Results: Nineteen students completed the training program, with significant improvement in the times and in the number of errors. Conclusion: the developed model was feasible and promoted the acquisition of skills in this group of students. In addition, it presents low cost, is portable and uses common equipment, such as smartphones.

A review of smartphone point‐of‐care adapter design

“…These types of applications require either a video, an image, or an audio signal necessary for surgical diagnoses such as dermatoscopy, microscopy, endoscopy, laparoscopy, laryngoscopy, and otoscopy . The smartphone is employed to support the diagnosis function; an opto (acousto) mechanical adapter is attached to the smartphone camera, and thus, access to critical patient information is obtained with minimal cost, surgical procedure time, skills, and maximal adaptability.…”

“…These types of applications require either a video, an image, or an audio signal necessary for surgical diagnoses such as dermatoscopy, microscopy, endoscopy, laparoscopy, laryngoscopy, and otoscopy. [93][94][95][96][97][98] The smartphone is employed to support the diagnosis function; an opto (acousto) mechanical adapter is attached to the smartphone camera, and thus, access to critical patient information is obtained with minimal cost, surgical procedure time, skills, and maximal adaptability. The features of the smartphone, including the camera, audio input/output, memory, information processing, and applications, make the diagnosis an easy-to-carry-out process, targeting tests for both severe and mild patient cases.…”

Home Program for Acquisition and Maintenance of Microsurgical Skills During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Outbreak

“…35,36 Because two-dimensional visualization of a smartphone resembles the view obtained during laparoscopic procedures, several investigators have encouraged its use as an image source for training in laparoscopic skills. 37,38 There are previous reports of using smartphones as magnification devices for microsurgical training. 29,30 Based on these reports, we developed a training program using materials easily found at home, with the aim of maintaining progress of training residents.…”

Development and Validation of a Homemade, Low-Cost Laparoscopic Simulator for Resident Surgeons (LABOT)

“…Aslam et al assessed their simulator with 34 surgical trainers, giving instructions to build the box, and finally analyzing the cost, time of construction, and realization of simple exercises [14]. Data were extracted via analysis of the following references [9,[11][12][13]24,25].…”

“…Li et al [11] conducted a review of the literature to analyze the differences between commercial and non-commercial laparoscopic simulators and found that although the models of the self-assembly simulators described were simple and affordable options, the main criticisms underscored by the authors were the usual omission of the simulator cost and that a significant part of them had not been routinely subjected to any standardized validation. Since 2014, other studies on laparoscopic boxes have been published, but the critical issues identified by Li et al have not been satisfactorily resolved [2,[12][13][14][15][16][17]. Moreover, to the best of our knowledge, no studies in the literature include clear instructions on how to make a homemade laparoscopic box.…”