BACKGROUND: Maneuvers involving two-handed techniques such as intracorporeal suturing and knot-tying during laparoscopy are intrinsically more difficult than ones performed during open surgery. METHODS: The use of simulators to practice and teach specialized techniques is established. However, simulators vary greatly, and few, as yet, represent the abdominal wall well. RESULTS: This study has shown that the working angle between instruments during laparoscopic cholecystectomy is 78 degrees, and this can be increased to 117 degrees by moving the instruments laterally. In contrast, the working angle in four trainers assessed was never greater than 77 degrees. CONCLUSIONS: This suggests that some maneuvers may be more difficult in trainers than at surgery. This has implications for training and the further development of more realistic simulators.
BACKGROUND: Maneuvers involving two-handed techniques such as intracorporeal suturing and knot-tying during laparoscopy are intrinsically more difficult than ones performed during open surgery. METHODS: The use of simulators to practice and teach specialized techniques is established. However, simulators vary greatly, and few, as yet, represent the abdominal wall well. RESULTS: This study has shown that the working angle between instruments during laparoscopic cholecystectomy is 78 degrees, and this can be increased to 117 degrees by moving the instruments laterally. In contrast, the working angle in four trainers assessed was never greater than 77 degrees. CONCLUSIONS: This suggests that some maneuvers may be more difficult in trainers than at surgery. This has implications for training and the further development of more realistic simulators.