Development of a laparoscopic sigmoidectomy simulator: Sigmaster

Surg Today. 2024 May 14. doi: 10.1007/s00595-024-02855-5. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

The sigmoid colon simulator was designed to accurately reproduce the anatomical layer structure and the arrangement of characteristic organs in each layer, and to have conductivity so that energy devices can be used. Dry polyester fibers were used to reproduce the layered structures, which included characteristic blood vessels, nerve sheaths, and intestinal tracts. The adhesive strength of the layers was controlled to allow realistic peeling techniques. The features of the Sigmaster are illustrated through a comparison of simulated sigmoidectomy using Sigmaster and actual surgery. We developed a laparoscopic sigmoidectomy simulator called Sigmaster. Sigmaster is a training device that closely reproduces the membrane structures of the human body and allows surgeons to experience the entire laparoscopic sigmoidectomy process.

Keywords: Laparoscopic surgery; Sigmoidectomy; Training simulator.