Determination of Face and Content Validity of Cadaveric Model for Holmium Anatomic Endoscopic Enucleation of the Prostate Training: An ESUT AEEP Group Study

BACKGROUND: Bench and virtual reality nonbiological simulator models for anatomic endoscopic enucleation of the prostate (AEEP) surgery have been reported in the literature. These models are acceptable but have limited practical applications. OBJECTIVE: To validate a fresh-frozen human cadaver model for holmium AEEP training and assess its content validity. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Holmium AEEP operations on fresh-frozen cadavers performed by an experienced surgeon were recorded, and a video, including the main steps of the operation, was produced. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The video and an accompanying questionnaire were subsequently distributed electronically to ESUT AEEP study group experts and associates (N = 32) for assessment of the AEEP training model. A ten-point Likert global rating scale was used to measure the content validity. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: A total of 26 answers were returned (81%). The experts agreed on the model’s suitability for AEEP training (mean Likert score: 8). According to the responses, “identifying anatomic structures and landmarks” was the most valuable aspect of the model in terms of AEEP training (median Likert score: 9). Conversely, the experts found the model’s ability, in terms of demonstrating laser and tissue reactions, to be weak (median Likert score: 6) CONCLUSIONS: Based on the content validity assessment, the fresh-frozen cadaver-training model for laser AEEP seems to be a promising model for demonstrating and learning the correct prostate enucleation technique. PATIENT SUMMARY: An increasing number of researchers have proposed that anatomic endoscopic enucleation of the prostate (AEEP) should replace transurethral resection of the prostate surgery and become the gold standard for treatment of bladder outlet obstruction due to benign prostatic hyperplasia. AEEP requires anatomic familiarity for enucleation, technical knowledge, and a solid training program before starting with the first cases. This is the first cadaver study to assess the content validity of a fresh-frozen human cadaver model for AEEP training.