Endoscopy 2006; 38(9): 932-934
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-925449
Special article: Training in endoscopy
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Training facilities in gastrointestinal endoscopy: an animal model as an aid to learning endoscopic ultrasound

M.  S.  Bhutani1 , R.  F.  Wong1 , B.  J.  Hoffman2
  • 1University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
  • 2Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
Further Information

Publication History

Submitted 3 February 2006

Accepted after revision 7 April 2006

Publication Date:
18 September 2006 (online)

Apart from dedicated fellowships, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) training comprises ”informal” methods, including EUS courses and the use of animal models. We have tried to determine the usefulness of a ”hands-on” experience with a live animal model as a teaching strategy for EUS training. In 1997 and 2000 the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) sponsored hands-on EUS workshops using a live porcine model and participants in these courses were asked to complete a questionnaire about the course (2 years after the 1997 workshop and immediately after the 2000 workshop). The main outcome measurements were the usefulness and quality of the overall course and of the hands-on component in particular, and the effect on EUS practice patterns. Twenty of 38 attendees (53 %) responded to the survey administered 2 years after the 1997 course: 95 % thought the overall course was useful and 85 % valued the hands-on portion; 60 % of respondents had either started performing EUS or, if already experienced in EUS, had increased the number of EUS examinations and/or the complexity of EUS procedures they performed. Of the 34 participants who were at the 2000 ASGE course, over 90 % thought that the course enhanced their EUS skills and 88 % believed that they would be likely to perform EUS in the future. The study was limited in that it did not account for other methods of EUS training that could affect EUS practice patterns and also by the fact that not all the 1997 course participants responded to the questionnaire. In conclusion, live animal models may be a useful adjuctive method for learning EUS skills for the novice or the less experienced endosonographer.

References

  • 1 Das A, Mourad W, Lightdale C J. et al . An international survey of the clinical practice of EUS.  Gastrointest Endosc. 2004;  60 765-770
  • 2 Savides T J, Fisher A H Jr, Gress F G. et al . 1999 ASGE endoscopic ultrasound survey. ASGE Ad Hoc Endoscopic Ultrasound Committee.  Gastrointest Endosc. 2000;  52 745-750
  • 3 Bhutani M S, Hoffman B J, Hawes R H. A swine model for teaching endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) imaging and intervention under EUS guidance.  Endoscopy. 1998;  30 605-609
  • 4 Bhutani M S, Aveyard M, Stills H F Jr. Improved model for teaching interventional EUS.  Gastrointest Endosc. 2000;  52 400-403
  • 5 Eisen G M, Dominitz J A, Faigel D O. et al . Guidelines for credentialing and granting privileges for endoscopic ultrasound.  Gastrointest Endosc. 2001;  54 811-814
  • 6 Chang K J. EUS-guided FNA: the training is moving.  Gastrointest Endosc. 2004;  59 69-73
  • 7 Aabakken L, Adamsen S, Kruse A. Performance of a colonoscopy simulator: experience from a hands-on endoscopy course.  Endoscopy. 2000;  32 911-913
  • 8 Sedlack R E, Kolars J C. Computer simulator training enhances the competency of gastroenterology fellows at colonoscopy: results of a pilot study.  Am J Gastroenterol. 2004;  99 33-37
  • 9 Sedlack R E, Kolars J C, Alexander J A. Computer simulation training enhances patient comfort during endoscopy.  Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2004;  2 348-352
  • 10 Di Giulio E, Fregonese D, Casetti T. et al . Training with a computer-based simulator achieves basic manual skills required for upper endoscopy: a randomized controlled trial.  Gastrointest Endosc. 2004;  60 196-200
  • 11 Gerson L B, Van Dam J. Technology review: the use of simulators for training in GI endoscopy.  Gastrointest Endosc. 2004;  60 992-1001
  • 12 Pasricha P J, Tietjen T G, Kalloo A N. Biliary manometry in swine: a unique endoscopic model for teaching and research.  Endoscopy. 1995;  27 70-72
  • 13 Noar M D. An established porcine model for animate training in diagnostic and therapeutic ERCP.  Endoscopy. 1995;  27 77-80
  • 14 Sedlack R, Petersen B, Binmoeller K, Kolars J. A direct comparison of ERCP teaching models.  Gastrointest Endosc. 2003;  57 886-890
  • 15 Burmester E, Leineweber T, Hacker S. et al . EUS meets Voxel-Man: three-dimensional anatomic animation of linear-array endoscopic ultrasound images.  Endoscopy. 2004;  36 726-730

M. S. Bhutani, M.D.

Center for Endoscopic Research Training and Innovation (CERTAIN)

University of Texas Medical Branch · Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology · 301 University Boulevard · Galveston · Texas 77555-0764 · USA

Fax: +1-409-772-4789

Email: msbhutan@utmb.edu