• Daniel Ricchiuti, Dane Arends Ralat, Michelle Evancho-Chapman, Holly Wyneski, Jeffrey Cerone, and John D Wegryn.
• Department of Urology, Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine, Akron, Ohio 44302, USA.
• J. Endourol. 2005 Oct 1;19(8):1000-2; discussion 1002-5.

Background And PurposeLaparoscopic trainers have been shown to be effective tools for transitioning residents in surgical fields into live laparoscopic techniques. There have been few reports of homemade trainers, but each of these reports provides only scant detail about their construction, making production a novel task to those interested in employing this equipment. Virtual-reality trainers are gaining popularity and are exceptional modalities in the re-creation of laparoscopic surgery. In their present state, however, such trainers are very costly, making them unattainable by most urology residency programs. Numerous commercial non-virtual trainers are also available; however, these trainers are often cost-prohibitive or overly simplistic.Methods And ResultsWe describe a detailed design template for creation of a laparoscopic trainer based on modifications of previous designs. This trainer can be made easily at a cost of approximately US$275.00 and may be used in conjunction with existing laparoscopic equipment. The methods described herein can be followed by any local machinist to create this trainer.ConclusionThe relatively low total cost, ready material availability, and ease of construction make this trainer an appropriate option for the training of residents in laparoscopic procedures.

6 keywords...

hide…