3D Printed Models Decentralise Surgical Skills Training for Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery and Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy in the COVID-19 Era

Abstract

Imparting the required psychomotor skills for trainees to become proficient in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) is tricky for surgical educators due to the challenging nature of the procedures and the lack of realistic simulators. The current COVID-19 pandemic has compounded these issues by reducing learning opportunities for trainees through reduced case numbers and the availability of surgical skills courses. To address these contemporaneous issues, the authors have developed 3D printed inexpensive combined RIRS and PCNL training models for both in-person and video conference skills training.