Instruments and Equipments

Use your phone to build a simple laparoscopic trainer van Duren BH, van Boxel GI1 Foundation Doctor, Oxford University Hospitals Trust, Oxford, 1Core surgical trainee, Wycombe General Hospital, High Wycombe, United Kingdom Address for Correspondence: Dr. BH van Duren, Oxford Orthopaedic Engineering Centre (OOEC), Botnar Research Centre, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Windmill Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LD, UK. E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract Simulation is becoming increasingly integral to surgical training with progressive restrictions on working hours. This paper describes a unique, cable free, laparoscopic trainer that can be constructed using items readily available to the average surgical trainee. The trainer described is not a substitute for surgical practice but, nonetheless, a useful tool in developing skills such as hand-eye co-ordination, triangulation and depth queuing.

iPad mini, a Petzl headlamp and a cardboard box. Step 1: Modify the box to create a bevelled surface to hold the smart phone [Figure 1]. Cut a hole for the smart phone camera. Place the torch inside the box. Step 2: Download/install an application to the phone and tablet allowing the phone camera to act as a remote camera (we used WiFi Camera). Step 3: Obtain laparoscopic tools (out-of-date equipment are often available) and the trainer is ready [Figure 2]. Many

Key words: Cable free, home built, laparoscopic trainer, simple, surgical training

Simulation has become an integral part of surgical training as it provides a safe method of acquiring core, transferable skills at a time where restrictions in working hours may limit exposure. Laparoscopic trainers are an example of a successful adjunct in developing skills such as hand-eye coordination, triangulation and depth queuing. Commercial laparoscopic trainers are expensive, making them unattainable to most trainees. Inexpensive, home-made laparoscopic trainers have previously been described[1,2] but these require the purchase of a webcam and the use of cables. Here, we describe a unique, cable free, laparoscopic trainer that can be constructed using items readily available to the average surgical trainee at no additional cost.

Figure 1: Drawing showing box template, dimensions (in centimetres) and fold lines (a-e) 40 prior to and after assembly

Four items are required: A smart phone, a tablet computer, a torch and a box. We used an iPhone 5, an Access this article online Quick Response Code:

Website: www.journalofmas.com

DOI: 10.4103/0972-9941.141534

Figure 2: Illustration showing the completed box trainer in use (stacking dice) with additional images of the screen from the perspective of the operating surgeon performing a matchstick exercise and a knot tying exercise

Journal of Minimal Access Surgery | October-December 2014 | Volume 10 | Issue 4

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van Duren and van Boxel: Use your phone to build a laparoscopic trainer

variations of the above can be constructed depending on type of smart phone, tablet computer and software available to the surgical trainee. Additionally, a conventional laptop or desktop can be used provided WiFi capability. The trainer described is simple, can be constructed in 15 minutes, with equipment often readily available. This is not a substitute for surgical practice but, nonetheless, a useful tool in developing laparoscopic skills.

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REFERENCES 1. 2.

Raptis DA, Mouzaki K, Gore DM. DIY laparoscopic kit. Ann R Coll Surg Engl 2008;90:167-8. Dennis R. A simple and cheap home built laparoscopic trainer. J Min Access Surg 2008;3:88.

Cite this article as: van Duren BH, van Boxel GI. Use your phone to build a simple laparoscopic trainer. J Min Access Surg 2014;10:219-20. Date of submission: 20/07/2013, Date of acceptance: 29/07/2013 Source of Support: Nil, Conflict of Interest: None declared.

Journal of Minimal Access Surgery | October-December 2014 | Volume 10 | Issue 4

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Use your phone to build a simple laparoscopic trainer.

Simulation is becoming increasingly integral to surgical training with progressive restrictions on working hours. This paper describes a unique, cable...
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