Abstract

Introduction: Repair of groin and ventral hernias are among the technically difficult endoscopic procedures where the role of laparoscopic surgery is fast emerging. We have designed a laparoscopic simulator trainer box for hernia surgery, which closely mimics the complex endoscopic procedure, and good results can be achieved by training on these trainer boxes.

Materials and Methods: The endotrainer box was self-designed to repair bilateral groin hernia, and an incisional hernia, such that it can be used for multiple repairs. Forty candidates were trained with the trainer box for 2 days over two hernia training programs, and an objective assessment of the result was done by global and task-specific scoring for transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) and intraperitoneal onlay mesh (IPOM) repair of groin and incisional hernia, respectively.

Results: There was a significant improvement in the global (10.15 on day 1 and 12.85 on day 2) and task-specific score for TAPP (3.55 on day 1 and 5.83 on day 2) and IPOM repair (4.4 on day 1 and 6.4 on day 2).

Conclusions: Cheaper endotrainer boxes can be self-designed for complex endoscopic surgeries such as hernia repair. The training with these trainer boxes under the supervision of experienced surgeons shows good results and can be used for surgical residents and practicing surgeons who are exposed to basic laparoscopic skills.