Login to Access Video or Poster Abstract: MP51-02
Sources of Funding: NONE

Introduction

PCNL has a significant learning curve. Ultrasound guided puncture has its definite indications and ultrasound guided PERC simulators are still not available. We describe and validated our own, portable, active mannequin type of ultrasound guided perc simulator

Methods

A short anatomical study of the coronal sections traversing through the kidney and literature of anatomy was conducted. _x000D_ The ultrasound guided perc simulator was then designed, patented and constructed using a designed mix of ultrasound compatible medium, aluminium components, ultrasound compatible organ dummies and a mannequin. The simulator allowed ultrasound guided puncture, saline aspiration for confirmation and wire parking into the kidney/ureter. Evaluation using a 3 step test, GRS score and trainee feedback was analysed using Spearman rank order correlations and paired t test_x000D_

Results

A total of 16 urology trainees and 2 experts participated in this single center study. Face and content validity as evaluated by the experts demonstrated a satisfactory replication of the retroperitoneal anatomy. The simulator could differenciate novices from the experts. All the subjects demonstrated statistically significant betterment (Spearman rank order correlations) in their GRS scores (p 0.001), total time (p 0.001), fluoroscopic time (p 0.001) and attempted needle punctures (p 0.001). Measured parameters of most trainees showed a shift, towards the control though they were significantly slower than the controls. This indirectly demonstrated the training capabilities of the simulator. Subjective simulator assessment of the trainees indicated a high degree of satisfaction on effectiveness of the simulator

Conclusions

Our portable ultrasound guided PCNL simulator is the first of its kind. It is portable, uses the usual initial puncture needle, any access technique. The end of task confirmatory saline aspiration and inspectory confirmation of the puncture facilitates faster learning. It allows evaluation and supervised, repetitive tailored learning in a controlled, low stress environment. It has low initial and maintenance cost with recyclable inserts. Further studies would be aimed at further assessment of training and proficiency abilities. The concept may open up newer avenues in PCNL simulation

Funding

NONE