Porcine urinary tract as a training model for ureteroscopy

Objectives: Endourological procedures as ureteroscopy require an advanced l evel of skills. To facilitate the training of the proper technique, simulat ors are helpful. Nonbiological models, useful to learn the basic steps, do not represent the clinical situation in an ideal way. We therefore looked f or a biological but nevertheless easily available model. Methods: The compl ete urinary tract is dissected off the retroperitoneal organ package of fre shly slaughtered pigs, Results: The porcine urinary tract model allows for training all aspects of diagnostic and therapeutic ureteroscopy including l ithotripsy and stenting in a way which is almost identical to the clinical situation in humans. Conclusions: The porcine urinary tract model is an ide al ex vivo model. Concerning 'tissue feeling' and anatomic relations, it is superior to nonbiological simulators. Nevertheless, it is quite easily ava ilable and inexpensive. In training courses, we have used it with great suc cess. Copyright (C) 2001 Karger AG, Basel.