Restructured animal tissue model for training in laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery

SummaryA model reproducing all the essential features of the human left subdiaphragmatic anatomy has been developed for training in laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery. The anatomy of the porcine tissue obtained from the abattoir is restructured to simulate more closely the human situation before the model is mounted on a purpose-designed supporting matrix and then placed inside a standard laparoscopic trainer. The model permits laparoscopic dissection of the hiatus, oesophagus and gastro-oesophageal junction, posterior crural repair, and the fashioning of total or partial fundoplication. To date, the component tissues have been used fresh but they may be freeze-dried for storage when reconstitution by immersion is conducted prior to assembly and use.