Laparoscopic and open appendicectomy are key index procedure for surgical trainees. Laparoscopic appendicectomy has been featured within the skills programme curriculum for several years for ST3 and ST4 trainees, whilst open appendix will be included for 2025/26 training year.
The existing commercially available models were deemed inappropriate for teaching at this level of training. The Skills Programme collaborated with the team at SiMPEDIA, working alongside a multidisciplinary team of educationalists, consultants, and trainees to recreate a highly realistic laparoscopic appendicectomy model that simulates the anatomical layers and the technical challenges involved in a pelvic and retrocaecal appendicectomy. The prototype has already been used in training, receiving positive feedback and since been transitioned to an open appendicectomy simulator.
Each year, SiMPEDIA manufactures 100 open and laparoscopic appendicectomy simulators, one for each of the ST3 and ST4 General Surgical trainees enrolled on the Skills Programme. For all enquiries related to model development, please contact s.mavroveli@imperial.ac.uk or info@simpediamed.co.uk.