Abstract

Introduction: Simulation-based training of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has been shown to serve as an important tool in improving safety in surgical care, especially in pediatric surgery. Nevertheless, there are no internationally standardized practical examination programs in pediatric surgery so far. It is also unknown how basic pediatric MIS training impacts on the performance of more advanced courses.

Methods: After establishing a basic 3D-printable pediatric MIS curriculum (SuSiPed1.0), we developed an advanced curriculum (SuSiPed2.0) consisting of six training modules. All participants repeated the curriculum three times and evaluated the curriculum regarding closeness to reality and relevance (Likert Scales 0/worst–6/best). The study population consisted of group ‘S1’, which had already completed the SuSiPed1.0 curriculum, group ‘BC’ (board-certified pediatric surgical experts) and group ‘S0’, which was naive to any previous training. We compared the time needed for completing the single exercises and the whole curriculum at the third appointment. Statistical analysis was conducted with Welch’s t-test.

Results: A total of 77 participants were recruited. Overall, groups S1 (n ¼ 11) and BC (n ¼ 5) completed the tasks faster and with fewer mistakes than group S0 (n ¼ 61). The analysis of the participants’ subjective evaluation showed an overall positive assessment of the curriculum of 5 or above in all categories.

Conclusion: This study shows that prior basic training significantly increases the performance in a more advanced pediatric MIS simulator. We therefore believe that both basic and advanced SuSiPed modules can be combined into a comprehensive pediatric MIS training program. It may also be a means of evaluating trainees at different stages of their training.