Introduction: Virtual reality simulator and ex vivo animal models are used for training of both basic and advanced endoscopic techniques. The aim of this study was to assess whether hands-on training on ex vivo animal model improves endoscopic skills. Four different endoscopic techniques were practiced: endoscopic resection, endoscopic stenting, application of the over-the-scope (OVESCO) clip, and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD).
Methods: Except for 2 participants, all trainees participated in a 1-day course. Two remaining participants took part in 7 ESD courses. All training courses consisted of theoretical introduction and a 6-hour training on Erlangen Active Training Simulator. The endoscopic skills were assessed before and after the training session by 2 independent assessors. Each assessor evaluated the skills by using a score on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 stands for excellent and 5 for insufficient. Each assessor also assessed whether the procedure was successfully completed. The main outcome measurement was the percentage of participants who successfully completed the procedure during the test.
Results: For endoscopic resection, endoscopists (n = 15) improved their skills (median [10th and 90th percentiles] score before training, 3.5 [2.7-4.2]; after training 1.5 [1-2.3], P < 0.001). Seven procedures were assessed as successful before the course (47%); after the training, 13 procedures were assessed as successful (87%) (P = 0.02). For stenting, participants (n = 15) significantly improved their abilities to place both self-expandible metallic and plastic stents. For OVESCO clip (n = 10), participants (n = 10) improved their skills to prepare and apply the clip (given the score of 4.5 [3.9-5] before and 2.0 [1.2-2.8] after, P < 0.01). Before the training, only 1 clip application had been successful (10%), whereas the number rose to 9 after the course (90%). For endoscopic submucosal dissection (n = 10), eight participants of the 1-day course did not improve their competences (with scores of 4.2 [3.8-5] before and 4.0 [3.1-4.8] after, nonsignificant). Two participants who had undertaken 7 ESD courses improved their skills (with scores of 4 before and 1.6 after); given the small number of participants, this finding is statistically insignificant.
Limitation: The effect of training on clinical outcome was not investigated. There was a lack of pretraining versus posttraining tests blinding.
Conclusions: A 1-day training course on ex vivo animal model improves general endoscopic competence on simulator in endoscopic resection, insertion of stents, and application of OVESCO clips. In contrast, 1-day course does not improve skills for ESD that requires a higher number of training courses.