Competency-based education requires educators to use simulation training for the purposes of education and assessment of resident trainees. Research demonstrates that improvement in surgical skills acquired in a simulated environment is transferrable to the operative environment. Laparoscopic retroperitoneal dissection, opening the retroperitoneal space and identifying the ureter, is a fundamental skill for gynecologists. Integrating simulation models into a formal and comprehensive curriculum for teaching ureterolysis could translate to increased surgical competency.

Our goal was to validate a comprehensive curriculum for laparoscopic retroperitoneal dissection for the purpose of identification of the ureter by evaluating intraoperative performance.

A comprehensive curriculum, encompassing didactic and technical skills components and using a previously developed pelvic model, was designed to teach laparoscopic ureterolysis. Novice surgeons (postgraduate years 3–5) were recruited. Participants completed precurriculum and postcurriculum multiple-choice questionnaires to evaluate a didactic component. Preperformance and postperformance on the model was video-recorded. As part of the technical component, participants received constructive feedback from expert surgeons on how to perform laparoscopic retroperitoneal dissection using the simulation model. Participants were then video-recorded performing laparoscopic retroperitoneal dissection in the operating room within 3 months of the curriculum. All videos were blindly assessed by an expert using the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills tool. At the conclusion of the study, participants completed a course evaluation.

Thirty novice gynecologic surgeons were recruited. High baseline knowledge of ureteric anatomy and injury (multiple-choice question score median and interquartile range) still significantly increased from 7 (5–7.25) precurriculum to 8 (7–9) postcurriculum (P < .001). The median (interquartile range) technical Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills score increased significantly from 24.5 (23–28.25) precurriculum to 30 (29.75–32) postcurriculum (P < .001). Video-recordings were completed for 23 participants performing laparoscopic retroperitoneal dissection in the operating room. Intraoperative Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills scores (median of 29 [interquartile range 27–32]) correlated with postcurriculum Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills scores on the model (r = 0.53, P = .01). The ureter was identified intraoperatively by 91% (n = 21/23) of participants. The majority of residents (81%, n = 21/26) were more comfortable completing a supervised retroperitoneal dissection as a result of participating in the curriculum. Residents believed that this model would be useful to enhance skills acquisition prior to performing the skill in the operating room (65%, n = 17/26).

A comprehensive retroperitoneal dissection curriculum showed improvement in cognitive knowledge and technical skills, which also translated to competent performance in the operating room. In addition to the objective measures, residents believed that their skills acquisition was improved following course completion.