An early introduction to surgical skills: Validating a low-cost laparoscopic skill training program purpose built for undergraduate medical education.

Background: Medical student exposure to laparoscopy is limited to observation despite the prevalence of minimally invasive techniques in practice. The high cost of laparoscopic simulation equipment, commonly called "box trainers", limits undergraduate exposure to skill training.

Methods: Students at a Midwestern medical school were recruited to participate in an experimental laparoscopic skill training program.

Low-Cost Laparoscopic Skill Training for Medical Students Using Homemade Equipment.

Introduction: Despite the increasing prevalence of minimally invasive surgery (MIS), medical students receive little training in MIS techniques like laparoscopy. Cost is perhaps the biggest obstacle, as expensive laparoscopic skill simulators (box trainers) are needed to mimic the laparoscopic environment. Low-cost, homemade box trainers have been built and described in the literature but are generally relegated to self-directed practice for surgical residents.