Anatomically relevant pelvic phantom for surgical simulation

Information technology tools are gaining increasing importance in surgical skill training and assessment, due to the need of objective and repeatable measurement of performance. This is especially true for Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS), where complex tool manipulation should be mastered employing artificial phantoms and simulators — either in the case of manual or robotic laparoscopy. In this paper, a laparoscopic box trainer is introduced with an advanced phantom for prostatectomy surgical simulation, which contributes to medical staff training and skill assessment. In order to increase the gradient of the relevant learning curve, high fidelity tissue models were implemented, following a new design. Qualitative and quantitative experimental analysis were performed involving 14 subjects that showed good acceptance of the proposed training device. Besides the usabil­ity aspects, the phantom has several advantageous properties through its affordable, repeatable manufacturing technique of the moulded silicone organs. This study reports an interim phase of our research that is aimed at the development of an instrumented, highly realistic surgical training and skill assessment framework for evaluating and improving manual and robotic MIS surgery.