Validity assessment for veterinary use of human laparoscopic cholecystectomy training models.

The VR laparoscopic cholecystectomy model demonstrates construct and face validity for veterinary surgical training.

This experimental study evaluated the validity of two commercially available human gallbladder models—a physical box trainer model and a virtual reality (VR) model—for use in canine laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LapChole) training. Eight ACVS diplomates with clinical LapChole experience and eight novice surgeons participated, performing procedures on both models at a surgical conference and skills laboratory between October 2022 and March 2024. Surgical performance was assessed using predetermined benchmarks, blinded video review by an experienced surgeon, and structured rating scales including visual analogue scores and operative component rating scales. Face validity questionnaires were completed by ACVS diplomates following each session. The VR model demonstrated strong construct validity, with significant correlations between clinical experience and key metrics including procedure time (Spearman rho = -0.85), visual analogue scores (rho = 0.79), and operative component rating scales (rho = 0.75). In contrast, the physical model showed negligible correlation between experience level and all assessed metrics (rho range: -0.02 to 0.21), failing to demonstrate construct validity. Contrary to the initial hypothesis, the VR model also achieved higher face validity scores than the physical model. These findings suggest that the VR cholecystectomy simulator is a more effective and valid training tool for veterinary laparoscopic skill development. The VR model's ability to discriminate between experience levels and its high face validity among board-certified surgeons supports its potential integration into veterinary surgical training curricula for laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

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