Simulation and Ex Vivo Training of Surgeons for Thoracoscopic Repair of Esophageal Atresia

Training pediatric surgeons for complex minimal-access procedures is difficult and requires sophisticated and expensive resources. Traditional apprenticeship model is the age-old methodology accepted by surgeons and is considered as the best form of training. However, there are limited opportunities for mentor-based training. Simulation training is the answer to these training problems, especially with neonatal surgery. Simulation training is a proven method of skill acquisition and can help the trainee to understand the anatomy, working space, and the procedure itself. More importantly simulation allows you to commit mistakes and learn from it. Learning on a live patient can raise ethical issues due to higher rate of complications. The best part of simulation is the elimination of patient complications and related ethical issues. This chapter presents a detailed account on the forms of simulation options. It will also enumerate various training models available and their effectiveness.