Background : Five years after its 2019 validation, the avian tissue model for neonatal minimal access surgery (MAS) training was reassessed to evaluate its sustained effectiveness and realism. Unlike the original study, this evaluation included participants from pediatric and other surgical specialties.
Aims : The study aimed to reassess the model’s realism and effectiveness for neonatal MAS training and explore its potential for broader applications in surgical training.
Methods : The study occurred during two events: an international MAS Skills Lab in August 2024 and a national MAS Skills Lab in September 2024. Twenty-six participants (16 females, 10 males) took part, including 17 pediatric surgeons and 9 from other specialties. Using 3 mm MAS instruments on fresh chicken cadavers with balloon trocars, participants performed laparoscopic exercises such as adhesiolysis, cholecystectomy, and intestinal anastomosis. Feedback on the model was gathered via a 5-point Likert scale (MiSSES).
Results : Participants had varied experience levels: 23% had performed over 100 MAS cases, 15.4% between 50–100 cases, and 61.5% fewer than 50 cases. The model’s perceived realism averaged 4.05 ± 0.10. Scores for specific features included 3.66 ± 0.09 for the abdominal wall, 3.85 ± 0.10 for the abdominal cavity, and 4.86 ± 0.09 for tissue dissection. Participants rated the model highly for improving laparoscopic knowledge (4.3 ± 0.90) and skills development (4.77 ± 0.07). Satisfaction scores highlighted its effectiveness in addressing challenges like trocar placement (3.64 ± 0.12), pneumoperitoneum (3.5 ± 0.10), and confined-space suturing (4.99 ± 0.08). Overall satisfaction with the model was rated at 4.9 ± 0.09.
Conclusion : The avian tissue model remains an effective and realistic tool for neonatal MAS training, reaffirming the findings of the 2019 study. Positive outcomes across multiple disciplines demonstrate its versatility, highlighting its potential as a valuable training tool extending beyond pediatric surgery to other specialties.
