Three-dimensionally printed non-biological simulator for percutaneous nephrolithotomy training

Abstract

Objective: We sought to improve the educational and pre-operative training on various stages of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) under fluoroscopic and ultrasound guidance. We developed a three-dimensional (3D) printed simulator (3D-printed PCNL model) for urological trainees.

Methods: 40 s year urology residents were randomly assigned into two groups, completing PCNL surgical steps on a URO Mentor™ surgical simulator (Group A) or on our new 3D-printed PCNL model (Group B). Following the training, both groups completed a standardized questionnaire (Likert scale from 0 to 10) which we used to asses the learning curve associated with PCNL training.

Results: The mean score of Group A was 65.2/80 while Group B was 76.1/80. Mann-Whitney U-test showed no significant difference between the groups (U = 16, p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The 3D-printed PCNL model developed is a novel and highly effective tool that can facilitate enhanced endourological education and personalized pre-operative planning for urolithiasis cases. According to the criteria tested, residents who used our 3D-printed PCNL models performed better under all metrics.

Keywords:

• PCNL
• mini-PCNL
• stone management
• PCNL-training
• x-ray guided puncture
• US guided puncture
• all steps training
• 3D-modeling
• 3D-printing
• thulium fiber laser
• lithotripsy

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).