Porcine Urinary Tract as a Training Model for Ureteroscopy

OBJECTIVES: Endourological procedures as ureteroscopy require an advanced level of skills. To facilitate the training of the proper technique, simulators are helpful. Nonbiological models, useful to learn the basic steps, do not represent the clinical situation in an ideal way. We therefore looked for a biological but nevertheless easily available model. METHODS: The complete urinary tract is dissected off the retroperitoneal organ package of freshly slaughtered pigs. RESULTS: The porcine urinary tract model allows for training all aspects of diagnostic and therapeutic ureteroscopy including lithotripsy and stenting in a way which is almost identical to the clinical situation in humans. CONCLUSIONS: The porcine urinary tract model is an ideal ex vivo model. Concerning 'tissue feeling' and anatomic relations, it is superior to nonbiological simulators. Nevertheless, it is quite easily available and inexpensive. In training courses, we have used it with great success.