Validity of the Laparoscopic Simulator for Veterinarians

Minimally invasive surgery, including laparoscopy has become a reference option in many procedures. This is due to its proven benefits for the patient. However, to perform these techniques it is required to go through a learning period in which simulators play an important role in the acquisition of new surgical skills. The objectives of this work are to describe the development of a Canine Laparoscopic Simulator (CLS) for veterinarians, to validate the training program and determine its usefulness in the acquisition of new surgical skills and to assess ergonomic problems while performing laparoscopic training tasks using the CLS. The CLS is a good tool for the veterinarians' training in laparoscopic surgery, although it has some limitations inherent to all simulators. The CLS has proven its content and constructive validity in its program of laparoscopic training for veterinarians. Laparoscopic ergonomics in veterinary is affected by the type of task, as well as by the instrument used during training in the CLS.