Sacrospinous Hysteropexy-Video Tutorial of Construction and Application of a Feasible and Inexpensive Teaching Model for Simulation

Int Urogynecol J. 2024 Nov 5. doi: 10.1007/s00192-024-05965-3. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis: Sacrospinous hysteropexy is one of the preeminent uterus-preserving surgical techniques for treating pelvic organ prolapse supported by level one evidence. As training on models greatly improves surgical skills and outcomes, we developed a simple and inexpensive model to simulate sacrospinous hysteropexy.

Methods: A step-by-step instruction for the production of the model is available to be viewed online. To keep production costs low, readily available materials were used, with a total cost per model of about 2 EUR (Austria, August 2023). All important anatomical landmarks (prolapsing uterus, vagina, ischial spine and sacrospinous ligament) were all represented. We present a detailed instructional video on how to construct the model and the practical training, detailing the individual steps of a successful sacrospinous hysteropexy, available online. Thus, trainees are able to practice the individual movements of the entire surgical procedure on this simulator model guided by the tutorial video. In this way, trainees will be able to practice the entire surgical procedure.

Results: An introduction to the model with explanation of all anatomical landmarks and a standardised explanation of the surgery with its individual steps (handout distributed).

Conclusion: The presented video showcases the feasibility of the easy construction and application of a model for the surgical skill training of sacrospinous hysteropexy. Easily accessible, inexpensive material and its simple build make this a reproducible model regardless of geographic or socioeconomic resources.

Keywords: Hystero-preserving operations; Pelvic organ prolapse; Sacrospinous hysteropexy; Surgical teaching model.