The laparoscopic-ring simulation trainer.
Regardless of the level of experience, surgeons need convenient times and locations to practice laparoscopic skills. Although attendance at formal courses is essential for continuing surgical education, reinforcement is still needed by other means to allow surgeons to learn new operations as they advance. A method is presented here that allows surgeons to practice laparoscopic skills while following their own time schedules. Novice surgeons can also benefit from this method by practicing basic laparoscopic skills in a cost-effective simulated operative environment. The Borinquen Ring pelvic trainer was originally described in 1993. It is now reintroduced along with an additional device called a Tissue Suspender to create a new laparoscopic simulation training system. Instruction is provided for the use of these 2 devices in practicing basic surgical skills. Different simulation models are used to substitute for human organs and vessels. These consist of both artificial and animal tissue specimens.