Development, manufacture and initial assessment of validity of a 3-dimensional-printed bowel anastomosis simulation training model.

Background: It is critical that junior residents be given opportunities to practise bowel anastomosis before performing the procedure in patients. Three-dimensional (3D) printing is an affordable way to provide realistic, reusable intestinal simulators. The aim of this study was to test the face and content validity of a 3D-printed simulator for bowel anastomosis.

Methods: The bowel anastomosis simulator was designed and assembled with the use of desktop 3D printers and silicone solutions. The production cost ranges from $2.67 to $131, depending on which aspects of the model one prefers to include. We incorporated input from a general surgeon regarding design modifications to improve the realism of the model. Nine experts in general surgery (6 staff surgeons and 3 senior residents) were asked to perform an anastomosis with the model and then complete 2 surveys regarding face and content validity. Items were rated on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1 ("strongly disagree") to 5 ("strongly agree").

Results: The overall average score for product quality was 3.58, indicating good face validity. The average score for realism (e.g., flexibility and texture of the model) was 3.77. The simulator was rated as being useful for training, with an overall average score of 3.98. In general, the participants agreed that the simulator would be a valuable addition to current simulation-based medical education (average score 4.11). They commented that the model would be improved by adding extra layers to simulate mucosa.

Conclusion: Experts found the 3D-printed bowel anastomosis simulator to be an appropriate tool for the education of surgical residents, based on the model's texture, appearance and ability to undergo an anastomosis. This model provides an affordable way for surgical residents to learn bowel anastomosis. Future research will focus on proving educational efficacy, effectiveness and transfer that can be adapted for laparoscopic anastomosis training, hand-sewing and stapling procedures.