Porcine Aorto-Renal Artery (PARA) model for laparoscopic transcystic common bile duct exploration: the evolution of a training model to meet new clinical needs.

Background: The transcystic approach to laparoscopic common bile duct exploration has gained popularity for the single-stage management of choledocholithiasis with concomitant gallstones. Our team previously described the use of a porcine aorta segment to simulate the common bile duct during laparoscopic skill training.

Methods: With the advent of the transcystic approach as a contender for the first-line technique of accessing the common bile duct, we present an evolution of the laparoscopic training model using a Porcine Aorta-Renal Artery (PARA) specimen to simulate the structural integrity, dimensions and spatial distribution of both the human cystic and common bile ducts.

The feasibility and acceptability of integrating regular centralised laboratory-based skills training into a surgical training programme.

Background: Traditional laboratory-based skills training provides mass training that does not match clinical experience and is not tailored to individual needs. This compromises the transfer and retention of skills into clinical practice.

Aim: To demonstrate the feasibility of integrating a centralised programme of laboratory-based surgical skills training into a higher surgical training programme and to evaluate its effectiveness and acceptability to trainees.