The effect of cadaveric hands-on training model on surgical skills and confidence for transobturator tape surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the role of cadaveric hands-on training model on surgical skills and confidence level of surgeons during transobturator tape (TOT) surgery.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A pre-test and post-test evaluation to measure the skills during the practice of the steps of TOT operation was performed to a total of 15 postgraduate urologists and gynecologists during the urogynecologic cadaveric dissection course. The course was shaped with regard to theoretical lessons, full pelvic cadaveric dissection and TOT surgery on cadavers.

RESULTS: Good handling of TOT needle, identifying the right place for groin incision, adequate size of groin incision, identifying the right place for incision at the anterior vagina, dissection of bladder pillars from the vagina, identifying the right place at the vaginal foramina for TOT needle insertion and good placement of mesh were reviewed. The post-test scores were statistically significant for all parameters and also for self confidence level (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION: Cadaveric workshops are important landmarks of surgical education to improve surgical skills, gain experience and confidence.