Validation of an inanimate simulated model based on flexible ureterorenoscopy 3D printing

Abstract

Aim: To establish the face, content, and construction validity of a flexible ureterorenoscopy simulation program.

Materials and Method: A simulation model for flexible ureterorenoscopy was developed using silicone on which eight colored marks were marked on the calyxes. For validation, expert urologists and residents with varying amounts of experience in this procedure were recruited. They were separated into three groups: 1) G1 for residents without experience in ureteroscopy; 2) G2 for residents with variable experience; and 3) G3 for expert urologists. They were asked to perform a full navigation of the model in a maximum time of 600 sec. At the end, each participant answered a survey regarding the usefulness and realistic nature of the model. In addition, total time, number of marks found, and times of re-entry to the calyxes were measured.

Results: A median of 8.6 points was obtained for the utility of the model and 6.75 points for its realistic nature. The total navigation times were 504, 293, and 133 seconds for G1, G2, and G3, respectively (p = 0.02). Of the eight marks, an average of 5.1, 6.6, and 7.3, (p = 0.18) were found with an average of 9.5, 3.8, and 1.3 exploration reattempts at the chalices in the corresponding groups (p = 0.11).

Conclusions: Face and content validity was established for this simulation model of flexible ureterorenoscopy. This flexible ureterorenoscopy simulation program allowed us to differentiate the level of expertise in terms of reduction in navigation time.