Development and Preliminary Validation of a Rabbit Model of Duodenal Atresia for Training in Pediatric Surgical Skills

Duodenal atresia is a congenital defect that requires advanced surgical skills. The objective of this study is to present an anatomical defect of duodenal atresia using a rabbit model and evaluate the preliminary experience for the training of surgical skills with pediatric surgeons. Adult white New Zealand male rabbits weighing 3.0 to 4.5 kg were used to create the defect. To simulate the bottom of the dilated blind pouch, the gastric antrum of the rabbit was obliterated using a 2-0 Prolene suture, and the cecal appendix was dissected to simulate the continuation of the duodenum. Participants performed laparoscopic duodenal atresia repair in this animal model using the iPhone trainer. Thirteen pediatric surgeons with experience in laparoscopic duodenal atresia repair assessed this model with a questionnaire on 5-point Likert-type scale. Overall, the simulated model of duodenal atresia obtained a general average score of 4.39. The highest observed average was for its physical realism, whereas the lowest score was in surgical experience. The global opinion of the model obtained a score of 4.40. In addition, all surgeons answered that this rabbit model showed the same complexity as newborns and young children in the repair of this type of defect. The inclusion of new models through rabbits in pediatric surgery programs will allow the development of advanced skills of pediatric residents and surgeons.