To measure the efficacy of 3D pelvic model and cadaveric dissection on the learning objectives of transobturator tape (TOT) surgery.

This surgical education study was performed at the International Continence Society Workshop of 1st Functional Urologic Surgery Course with 3D Printed Models and Fresh Frozen Cadavers which was held in November 2018 at Izmir/Turkey. After practicing with mentors, a total of 15 participants performed the steps of transobturator tape surgery both on the 3D pelvic model (Figure 1) and cadaver. Each participant evaluated learning anatomic landmarks, learning place of vaginal incision, learning place of genitofemoral fold incision, learning TOT needle route on right, learning TOT needle route on left, good posture and equipment handling, learning to avoid excessive trauma, learning to manage probable complications for the effectiveness of 3D pelvic model and cadaver. Participants subjectively graded the level of practice between the 1-5 points.

Cadaveric model showed a statistically significant higher score on the learning of anatomic structures (p=0.017), learning genitofemoral fold incision (p=0.000), learning to avoid excessive trauma (p=0.022) and learning to manage probable complications (p=0.000). However, for practicing the route of TOT needle, the learning gains were similar between the 3D pelvic model and cadaver both on the right and left side (Figure 2).

SPSS version 21 was used for analysis.

During TOT surgery education, cadaveric model mimics real patient conditions on learning the anatomy and probable complications; however, to learn the proper hand movements while inserting the TOT needle a 3D pelvic model will be used in similar efficacy with a cadaveric model.

Selcuk I, Tatar I, Huri E. The effect of cadaveric hands-on training model on surgical skills and confidence for transobturator tape surgery. J Turk Ger Gynecol Assoc. 2018