A modified multi-angle suture training module for laparoscopic training curriculum on emergency intestinal surgery.

backgroundIntestinal perforation and intestinal obstruction are common emergency surgeries in clinics which often require intestinal resection and anastomosis. Most intestinal anastomosis can be completed by laparoscopy. The wound closure module In the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) program is traditionally used for laparoscopic suture and knotting training. However, many young surgeons tend to focus on practicing suture techniques from certain or a limited range of angles. This narrow approach increases the difficulty of complex suturing and knotting in clinical scenarios such as laparoscopic intestinal anastomosis.

methodsTo address this issue, we designed a multi-angle suture module specifically for suture and knotting training. Thirty-six second-year surgical residents were recruited for the study. Twelve residents were randomly divided at a 1:1 ratio into the traditional suture group and the multi-angle suture group according to their basic laparoscopic surgical ability. After training, they were required to perform laparoscopic end-to-end anastomosis surgery on isolated swine intestines.

resultsThe operation times, goal scores and surgical performance scores of the surgeries were collected and compared. Trainees who used the multi-angle suture training module shortened the operation time (3375.7 ± 1000 s vs. 4678.2 ± 684.7, p = 0.008) and achieved better surgical effects (operation performance score: 8.2 ± 1.5 vs. 6.83 ± 1.3, p = 0.041) in end‒end intestine anastomosis surgery than did those who used the traditional suture training module.

conclusionsThe multi-angle suture training module effectively improved the laparoscopic suture skills of trainees and is therefore a better choice for laparoscopic suture and knotting training before doing laparoscopic intestinal anastomosis.