Initial validation of a simple, nonbiological, mechanical ERCP training model for cannulation and stent placement

Few models are available for hands-on training in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Moreover, the key aspect of learning ERCP properly is the acquisition of manual and visual skills [1] [2]. Although performing ERCP procedures in human beings eventually leads to expertise, both experts and endoscopy societies strongly encourage that some of the key skills be acquired with the use of training models [3]. Herein, we show a simple ERCP model for training endoscopists in scope insertion, wheel handling, cannulation, and stent insertion.

The model consists of a metal cage, which serves to hold synthetic elements that comprise a model of the upper gastrointestinal and pancreaticobiliary tracts ([Fig. 1], [Video 1]). The esophagus, stomach, and duodenal sweep are constructed from a plastic tube ([Fig. 2 a]). The papillae are made of latex, and the bile ducts are made of plastic. The pancreaticobiliary tree can be attached to the cage at various levels of difficulty ([Fig. 2 b]).

Fig. 1 The endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) trainer consists of a metal cage, which serves to hold synthetic elements that comprise a model of the upper gastrointestinal and pancreaticobiliary tracts.

A simple, mechanical endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) training model.

Fig. 2 Synthetic pancreaticobiliary tree. a The esophagus, stomach, and duodenal sweep are constructed from a plastic tube. b The pancreaticobiliary tree can be attached to the cage at various levels of difficulty.

The model was placed on a table, and ERCP was then performed by five trainees and by five endoscopists with and without ERCP experience ([Video 1]). An Olympus duodenoscope (TJF-Q180V; Olympus America, Center Valley, Pennsylvania, USA) was used. The endoscopists were filmed, observed, and guided by two ERCP experts ([Fig. 3], [Video 1]). The endoscopists also filled out questionnaires on various aspects of the model, including endoscope handling, visual realism, usefulness, and performance. The model was useful for performing and training in the following steps: (i) introducing and positioning the scope, (ii) handling the wheels and elevator, (iii) positioning and targeting the papilla, (iv) cannulating the bile ducts, and (v) inserting plastic and metal stents ([Fig. 4], [Video 1]).

Fig. 3 a, b The endoscopists are filmed, observed, and guided by two experts in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.

Fig. 4 Deployed metal stent. An advantage of this model is that it is possible to remove the stent and reuse the papilla several times to practice stent placement and other therapeutic interventions.

In summary, this model appears novel and useful for various reasons. First, it can be used in any endoscopy unit. Second, there is no need to buy or use special endoscopes because the model is nonbiological and does not contain any tissue. Thus, the endoscope may be cleansed during standard reprocessing. In contrast, biological live and nonlive teaching models can be used only in designated training rooms, and most of the endoscopic equipment must be purchased separately. Third, this model can potentially be distributed or brought to any unit, so that endoscopists in any part of the world have a chance to learn basic and advanced ERCP skills. Fourth, the papilla has a natural appearance with a strong resemblance to a “real-life” clinical scenario, allowing the endoscopist to acquire a feel for the various types of instruments used in ERCP. Fifth, we believe that for ethical reasons, it is important for endoscopists performing ERCP procedures to obtain their initial experience with training models, not in humans [4].

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the feasibility of this model, which provides step-by-step explanations with video documentation, including instructions for inserting a self-expanding metal stent.

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• References

• 1 Boix J, Lorenzo-Zúñiga V, Moreno de Vega V et al. Identification of significant difficulty of selective deep cannulation by a simple predictive model: an endoscopic scale for teaching ERCP. Surg Endosc 2008; 22: 1678-1685
• 2 Williams EJ, Taylor S, Fairclough P et al. BSG Audit of ERCP. Are we meeting the standards set for endoscopy? Results of a large-scale prospective survey of endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatograph practice. Gut 2007; 56: 821-829
• 3 Adler DG, Lieb 2nd JG, Cohen J et al. Quality indicators for ERCP. Gastrointest Endosc 2015; 81: 54-66
• 4 Kachaamy TA, Faigel DO. Improving ERCP quality and decreasing risk to patients and providers. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2013; 7: 531-540