NEPHRECTOMY – RENAL SURGERY MODULE
The Transperitoneal Laparoscopic Radical Left Nephrectomy simulation module allows surgeons to practice the necessary skills and required components of the nephrectomy procedure.
It has been estimated to take surgeons approximately 15 laparoscopic nephrectomy cases to become proficient with this procedure. The nephrectomy complete procedure module is intended to provide an alternative platform for gaining the learning curve experience, in a risk-free environment before proceeding to the clinical setting.
Procedural Steps
The following steps for successful and effective performance of the procedure may be practiced:
- Colon mobilization
- Exposure and dissection of the renal hilum
- Mobilization of the upper pole
Errors & Complications
Potential errors and complications, and the methods by which to avoid or manage these complications are simulated. For example: injuries to the renal vessels and their tributaries may occur during unsafe electro-surgical dissection by applying clips/stapler not fully encompassing the artery or vein, or by stapler application on clips.
Decision Making
The following decisions and many more aspects of the procedure are encountered and may be discussed with the trainee:
- Extent of mobilization of the colon and spleen
- Extent of exposure before securing the renal vessels
- Avoiding dissection of the postero-lateral attachments of the kidney
Complete Educational Solution
On-demand videos of a real procedure may be displayed next to the procedural screen. Performance metrics are collected during the session to assess training success, and various feedback reports are available for evaluation after the procedure completion.
Learning Objectives
- To perform adequate mobilization of the colon from the iliac vessels to the splenic flexure
- To mobilize the spleen
- To dissect the gonadal vein and follow it to the renal hilum
- To follow correct tissue planes during dissection
- To demonstrate appropriate exposure and dissection of the renal artery
- To demonstrate appropriate exposure and dissection of the renal vein
- To demonstrate control of the renal artery with ideally positioned clips or stapler
- To demonstrate control of the renal vein using an ideally positioned stapler or ligation clips
- To safely and efficiently complete the nephrectomy procedure