Abstract
We propose a surgical dissection training device that allows residents to repeatedly practice through self-trainings surgical skills needed for exposures and dissections in laparoscopic surgery. The device (100^*100^*8[mm]) is composed of three elements: 1) a pair of silicone membranes to sandwich other elements at the top and bottom which imitate peritoneums; 2) nonwoven membrane(s) placed between the silicone membranes, imitating adipose tissues which can decrease visibility; 3) silicone tube(s) covered with cotton fabrics having a loose weave, to imitate vessel(s) surrounded over with adipose tissues. The mechanical properties are decided to become in accordance with those of actual porcine intestines measured through tensile and peel tests in terms of toughness, elasticity and peeling strength. In addition, a surgical dissection training system was developed, with which residents practice surgical maneuvers, viewing operation fields on a computer monitor connected with a CCD camera. In vitro experiments indicating novices could perform a dissection task after a short training faster than when without any training confirm usefulness of the proposed dissection training system.
