Post written by Ally Zhao, OSSD, from the Division of Gastroenterology, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

The video article showcases 3 novel endoscopic simulators designed for practicing management of postpolypectomy bleeding, conventional EMR, and underwater EMR. Common and inexpensive household materials can be used to assemble these simulators, as demonstrated in a stepwise manner in the video.

In addition, the video presents trainees using the simulated polyps to perform the techniques in a commercially available colonic phantom (Koken Colonoscopy Simulator II; Koken Co, Ltd, Tokyo, Japan).

Simulation-based training is an important component of many endoscopic residency programs, as it promotes the acquisition of endoscopic skills in a low-risk environment. Endoscopic simulators are often expensive and may allow for practicing only certain endoscopic techniques.

To address this gap, our video article shares a guide for assembling 3 low-cost simulators and displays their use for practicing advanced endoscopic procedures. The video also demonstrates the customizability of the polyps’ morphologies. Trainees can practice managing polyps that they may have yet to encounter in live clinical settings. The polyps may be used to progress trainees to complex skills and polyps that are more difficult.

In addition to allowing deliberate practice, simulation can be performed with different phantoms and in any setting in which a phantom can be placed. This includes in situ simulation, which enables practice in an actual working environment such as the endoscopy suite.

Training programs should consider the incorporation of gel-based mechanical simulation of polypectomy and EMR such as what is shown in the video article.

Cost and instructions for manufacturing the base mixture used in all 3 simulators. Prices were derived in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, in 2022 and converted to U.S. dollars. Some materials could be accessed for free from the home institution.

Read the full article online.

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