Cadaveric Laboratory Simulation Training of Male Stress Urinary Incontinence Treatment Improves Trainee Knowledge and Confidence

Abstract

Objective: To assess whether a focused, simulation training course can improve trainee surgical knowledge and confidence in the treatment of male stress urinary incontinence.

Materials and methods: Urology residents participated in a prosthetic education course as part of the 2018 SUPS and SMSNA annual meeting. The course included didactic lectures and a hands-on cadaveric laboratory. Participants completed questionnaires before and after the lab (2 weeks and 6 months) to assess procedural knowledge and confidence. Analysis of lab responses was performed using the Wilcoxon signed rank test for matched pairs.

Results: Thirty-two residents (median age 29, range 27-34) participated in the course. The majority were postgraduate year 4 (63%) or postgraduate year 5 (20%). Most participants reported minimal AUS or sling experience with 50% and 94% reporting less than 5 cases, respectively. Overall score from the knowledge assessment improved significantly between the pre-lab versus 2-week post-lab (P = .02) and pre-lab versus 6-month post-lab (P = .01). Similarly, procedural confidence improved between pre-lab vs 2-week post-lab (P < .001) and pre-lab versus 6-month post-lab (P < .001). Knowledge and confidence assessments were not different between year of residency training or pre-lab experience.

Conclusions: Simulation training improves knowledge and confidence in prosthetic surgery for male stress incontinence. In the current climate of reduced exposure and limited availability of prosthetic educators, simulation courses can provide much needed educational value.