Research in Focus:

Assessment of Technical Skills in Axillary Lymph Node Dissection

Authors: Keerthini Muthuswamy, Rebecca Fisher, Stella Mavroveli, Fotis Petrou, Sabrina Khawar, Ashik Amlani, George B Hanna, Dimitri J Hadjiminas, Paul T R Thiruchelvam, Daniel R Leff

Year: 2022

Journal: Annals of Surgery

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/sla.0000000000003946

This post presents a further study using SiMPEDIA’s high-fidelity breast model ‘Lily’, on which a wide local excision, wire guided excision, mastectomy, axillary clearance and sentinel lymph node biopsy can be performed.

This study explores the face, content and construct validity of ‘Lily’ for axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). Thirty surgeons (9 experts/attendings, 11 senior residents, 10 junior residents) performed a standardised ALND procedure, and their performances were blindly assessed through video review using a procedure-specific rating scale.

Key Takeaways

  • Construct Validity: Significant differences were observed across all operative subphases among the three experience levels, indicating the simulator’s effectiveness in distinguishing skill levels.
  • Procedure Quality: Experts achieved higher scores in overall procedure quality compared to residents.
  • Lymph Node Harvest: Experts retrieved a greater number of lymph nodes, highlighting proficiency differences.
  • Simulator Fidelity: Participants rated the simulator highly for anatomical and procedural realism, with median scores exceeding 7 on a 10-point scale.

Relevance to SiMPEDIA

This study provides further evidence, within a top peer-reviewed journal, as to the credibility and educational value of SiMPEDIA’s high fidelity simulators. ‘Lily’ demonstrates validity for assessment of ALND, capable of differentiating between varying levels of experience. Its high realism scores suggest it can be an effective training and assessment instrument in surgical education.

SiMPEDIA’s commitment to an evidence-based approach to training and assessment, places SiMPEDIA as a serious partner in surgical innovation and education.