Page 109 - World Journal of Laparoscopic Surgeons

WJOLS

Patrick O Igwe 10.5005/jp-journals-10007-1335
InnOvatIOn ReSeaRch

Laparoscopy in Developing Countries: A Resident-friendly

Endo-Lap New Training Device

Patrick O Igwe

ABSTRACT constructed using items readily available to the average
Introduction: Surgery via minimal access is the beauty of a surgi- surgical trainee at minimal cost is proposed.
cal procedure. With minimal access, besides less pain and early
return to activity for the patient, the surgeon also feels fulfilled. MATERIALS AND METHODS
Minimal access surgery is currently gaining ground in developing
countries. Training devices to achieve this especially for residents A normal television monitor, camera, cables and bucket
are not only scarce but expensive also in developing economies. with cover, ordinary electrical bulb, foot pedal pump
Aim: The aim of this study is to present a new resident-friendly for insufflation are used to design an Endo-Lap trainer.
training device for laparoscopy with the hope of improving Sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy conduits are also incor-
residents’ training in developing countries. porated in this device using plumbing conduit.
Materials and methods: A normal television monitor, camera, Step 1: Make multiple openings on bucket cover (Figs 1
and bucket with cover is used to design an Endo-Lap trainer. and 2). Cut a hole for the camera holder and cable to pass
Sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy conduits are also incorpo- from inside out of the bucket.
rated in this device.
Step 2: Construct a cover to snug fit a camera (Sony was
Conclusion: Surgery using minimal access technique can used in this design), connect the cable with AV output
be aided with a training device made locally to achieve cost- of monitor to Sony camera (Figs 3 to 8).
effective and wider training benefits.
Step 3: Construct a light source with bulb (in this case
Keywords: Developing country, Endoscopy, Laparoscopy, energy bulb was used).
Training device.
How to cite this article: Igwe PO. Laparoscopy in Developing
Countries: A Resident-friendly Endo-Lap New Training Device.
World J Lap Surg 2018;11(1):54-57.
Source of support: Nil
Conflict of interest: None

INTRODUCTION
Laparoscopic training is becoming part of surgical train-
ing in developing economies. It provides a safe means
of acquiring fundamental skills. Laparoscopic trainers
are useful aids in developing skills, such as hand–eye
coordination, triangulation, depth–eye perception, and
good ergonomics. Commercial laparoscopic trainers are
expensive. Most trainees may not be able to afford them. Fig. 1: Bucket with holes superior surface
Easy-made laparoscopic trainers have previously been
1-3
described, but these require the purchase of a webcam
and the use of cables, and some iPhones are expensive.
Hence, a very distinctive, laparoscopic trainer that can be

Senior Registrar
Department of Surgery, University of Port Harcourt Teaching
Hospital, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
Corresponding Author: Patrick O Igwe, Senior Registrar
Department of Surgery University of Port Harcourt Teaching
Hospital, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, Phone:
+2348035510045, e-mail: igwe_patrick@yahoo.com
Fig. 2: Bucket side view
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