Novel laparoscopic training system with continuously perfused ex-vivo porcine liver for hepatobiliary surgery

Objective: To introduce a novel laparoscopic training system with a continuously perfused ex-vivo porcine liver for hepatobiliary surgery.

Background: Existing models for laparoscopic training, such as box trainers and virtual reality simulators, often fail to provide holistic training and real haptic feedback. We have formulated a new training system that addresses these problems.

Methods: Real-Liver Laptrainer consists of a porcine liver, customized mannequin, ex-vivo machine perfusion system, and monitoring software. We made a detailed comparison of Real-Liver Laptrainer with the LapSim virtual reality simulator and the FLS Trainer Box systems. Five laparoscopic surgeons assessed the new system on multiple features. We assessed the performances of 43 trainees who used the new system to perform laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) three times.

Results: Real-Liver Laptrainer offered more functions and better tactile feedback than the FLS or LapSim system. All five surgeons graded the quality of the new system as realistic. The utility of the system for training was scored as 3.6 ± 1.1 on a scale of 1-5. Between the first and third attempts, the number of successfully performed LCs increased (9 vs 14 vs 23; P = .011), while the numbers of liver damage incidents (25 vs. 21 vs. 18, P = .303) and gallbladder perforations decreased (17 vs. 12 vs. 9, P = .163). The mean LC operation time significantly decreased (63 vs. 50 vs. 44, P < .0001).

Conclusion: Real-Liver Laptrainer is a feasible, stable, and practical training model that has potential for improving the laparoscopic skills of surgeons.