Abstract
Beginning with the graduating class of 2018, the American Board of Surgery (ABS) will require that residents complete the ABS Flexible Endoscopy Curriculum, Fundamentals in Endoscopic Surgery (FES). This curriculum includes both didactic and simulator training. Ideally, residents would become proficient in simulated endoscopy prior to performing endoscopic procedures in a clinical setting. This new requirement creates a need for endoscopic simulators in all American General Surgery residency programs. Virtual reality simulators can be cost-prohibitive, ranging in cost from $50,000 - $100,000+ USD. An economic alternative is needed for surgical residencies.
A mechanical simulator was created from inexpensive items easily acquired at hardware stores and from hospital stores. The total cost of the simulator was approximately $120 USD. Validation of the simulator was accomplished by having experienced endoscopists complete a training session with the device. These endoscopists then completed a six-question Likert scale survey (1 - strongly disagree to 5 - strongly agree) that evaluated the simulated experience versus live upper endoscopies and the device’s ability to meet the goals of the FES curriculum.
8 proficient endoscopists completed the training session and survey. All agreed that the device closely replicated live colonoscopies and would meet all training requirements in the FES curriculum. Mean responses to all six survey questions ranged from 3.7-4.3.
A locally-sourced and constructed device may be a cost-effective method for simulating live upper endoscopies and is appropriate for use in FES training.
