Surgeon training for robotic hysterectomy currently includes the use of a porcine lab to gain experience using the daVinci® Surgical System. Ob/Gyn Residents were taught using a dry lab simulation which mimics the tasks specific to a robotic hysterectomy. This technique may ultimately aid in the credentialing of gynecologic surgeons, obviating the need for the porcine lab.

A lab simulating the anatomy of key tasks in the hysterectomy with salpingo-oophorectomy was developed using readily available materials. Residents performed simulated tasks under direct supervision. Time to complete, a subjective grading score and any errors made were recorded and compared amongst the participants.

From April 2007 through April 2008, 16 residents participated in the lab. Mean times (range, sd) to perform simulated procedures were: 177.3 s (100-270, 48.2) dexterity training, 71.9 s (32-171, 34.6) identification of the ureter and sealing/dividing the infundibulopelvic ligament, 157.8 s (60-300, 76.8) dissecting the bladder flap, 77 s (25-148, 34.8) skeletonizing the uterine arteries, and 516 s (270-946, 237.8) suturing the vaginal cuff. After completion of the lab, five residents have now completed a total of 16 robotic hysterectomies on live patients, with no training related patient complications.

This lab closely mimics those segments of a hysterectomy on humans. We have described a technique to train residents for robotic hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy without the use of a porcine lab.