gms | German Medical Science

Objective and research question: The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and educational value of self-made suture pads as a sustainable alternative to commercial models in surgical training. The study focuses on assessing whether self-manufactured suture pads, produced using 3D-printed molds and silicone casting, can provide comparable realism, usability, and training outcomes to commercial products. Additionally, the study investigates the suitability of these pads for broader wound management training, including incision care and basic wound closure techniques.

Relevance: High-quality surgical and wound management training is essential for medical education, yet the high cost of commercially available suture pads poses a challenge for widespread implementation, particularly in resource-constrained institutions and students with fewer financial resources even in high-income countries. By developing and testing self-made suture pads, this study addresses a critical need for cost-effective yet realistic training tools that can be scaled across educational programs. The findings have the potential to improve accessibility to surgical and wound management training resources, reduce financial barriers, and maintain high standards of practical skill development for medical trainees.

Background: Effective suture training is pivotal in medical education, necessitating cost-effective and realistic models. Commercially available suture pads, while beneficial, often impose financial burdens on educational institutions and students. This study examines the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of self-made suture pads as an alternative training tool.

Methods: This two-center study (Essen and Hamburg) was performed using self-made suture pads. We created a 3D-printed mold based on the suture pad by Antonopoulos et al. (2023) and cast it with room-temperature-curing silicone. 3D-filaments (PLA) were used to print negatives from the desired pad to be casted with silicone afterwards. Cost analysis was performed. Usability and realism were assessed through a survey involving medical trainees using a self-designed questionnaire.

Results: Overall 30 students participated in the suturing training and survey. Previous suturing experience ranged from no (n=6), limited (n=15), moderate (n=6) to extensive previous practical exposition only on skin simulations (n=13) or on skin simulations and real skin (n=11), for example during clinical practice. The production cost of self-made suture pads was lower than commercial offers. 3D printing allows for easy modification of the given lines, reproduction of suture patterns of previous reports and even for personalization. Survey results indicated perceived realism and usability. Trainees using self-made pads reported feasibility for straight and running sutures plus adequate resistance and durability during use. Practicing on the pad gave confidence in one's own ability to perform sutures and has facilitated the learning of basic surgical techniques and the participants would recommend the suture pad.

Conclusions: Self-made suture pads represent a viable, cost-effective alternative to commercial products. Therefore, this study supports the integration of self-manufactured models into surgical training programs to reduce costs and maintain educational standards. Future investigation should focus on comparing training effectiveness and user satisfaction in self-made, commercial and real training environments for suture pads and wound imitations.