The role of live animal models for teaching endoscopy

摘要

New endoscopic equipment and devices are constantly being developed and improved. New advanced endoscopic procedures are technically demanding, time consuming, and potentially associated with higher complication rates. There is a growing need for safe methods to perform endoscopic research and training, and their successful performance requires a specific teaching method under standardized learning programs. The live animal models, in addition to other types of endoscopic simulators, such as mechanical devices, computer-generated simulators, and ex vivo tissue animal models, can play a role in teaching and practicing the new advanced endoscopic techniques, similar to their role in laparoscopic surgery and minimally invasive surgery. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the live animal models and review the published literature about this topic. Live animal simulators may have a role in feasibility tests of new endoscopic devices, improving skills of experienced endoscopists in more complex techniques. The use of live animal models for endoscopic training should be limited to advanced endoscopy programs, in which participating trainees have enough experience to benefit maximally from the opportunity. There is no consensus regarding the number of cases needed to be performed in animals before application in humans. Not all risks and scenarios can be simulated in animal models and we should be prepared to find unexpected situations when the technique is performed in clinical practice.