Effectiveness of a newly-developed training module using 3D printing for the navigation during retrograde intrarenal surgery

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of the newly-developed three-dimensional (3D) printed training module for navigation during retrograde intrarenal surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two specialists provided orientation to all trainees. The 3D printing model consisted of eight calyces in each kidney. One navigation time started from the moment when the endoscope entered the ureter. After navigation was completed, the navigation time was recorded. The goal was to perform ten navigation times for each side, starting from the right or the left side at random. After the experiment, all trainees were asked to fill out a questionnaire. RESULTS: The average training period of all 17 trainees was 3.05±1.80 years. Eleven trainees (64.7%) had the experience of assisting surgery for <100 cases, and six trainees (35.3%) had the experience of assisting surgery for 100 to 500 cases. Nine trainees (52.9%) began training from the right, and eight trainees (47.1%) started from the left. The average navigation time of 308 trials was 153.4±92.6 seconds. The maximum and minimum navigation times were 354.3±177.2 seconds and 80.1±25.6 seconds. The mean navigation time of the first and the last trials of all trainees significantly decreased from 251.4±108.0 seconds to 93.9±33.2 seconds. The average reduction in navigation time was 201.3±133.3 seconds. Almost all trainees were satisfied with the training. CONCLUSIONS: The newly-developed 3D printing navigation training module seems to be adequate to improve surgical skills of flexible ureteroscopy.