Development and Validity of a Novel Ex Vivo Porcine Organs Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Training Model

Laparoscopic bariatric surgery has become the gold standard for the treatment of morbidly obese patients. This experimental study aimed to develop a new, anatomically relevant, high-fidelity simulator to train advanced laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). An anatomical model similar to human abdominal organs was established using ex vivo porcine organs as materials. A three-dimensional (3D) printer was applied to print the laparoscopic simulation training box, including the placement of the model base, diaphragm fixators, and training box–height adjustment device. A total of six experts simulated LRYGB surgery and evaluated the model’s face, content validity, and realism of surgical technique through a questionnaire. The simulator was highly realistic in appearance, anatomy, touch, instrumentation, and core surgical procedures. All participants recommended the application of this model in bariatric surgery training. Compared with the actual operation, this model has enough fidelity and is easy to reproduce, which provides effective support for future surgical applications.