The Basic Polypectomy module allows users to identify, capture, transect, and remove simulated polyps. Polypectomy equipment, including snares, mini snares, hot forceps, electrocautery tips, and an electrosurgical unit are simulated. Complications include uncontrolled bleeding when the polyp head is guillotined, electrocautery-induced perforation, and vasovagal reactions.

Six progressively difficult surgical cases include pedunculated and diminutive polyps. Multimedia didactic content supports cognitive learning and includes videos that demonstrate fundamentals and proper technique, a comprehensive pathology atlas that depicts actual polyps and carcinomas that may be encountered, and illustrated information on
appropriate preparation and use of polypectomy equipment, including snares, mini snares, hot forceps, electrocautery tips, and an electrosurgical unit.

A thorough evaluation report is automatically generated every time a user proceeds through a case. All reports are stored in a password-protected database to provide user-specific documentation of training and competency. Items recorded include summary parameters such as total procedural time, maximum depth of scope insertion, whether
retroflexion was performed, if the colon was perforated, percent of colonic mucosa visualized, degree of pain experienced by the patient, and whether excessive sedation was used. Metrics specific to basic polypectomy include: type of pathology identified, the location of
the pathology, whether the polyp head was transected, whether uncontrolled bleeding occurred, if the polyp was retrieved, and electrocautery metrics.

Training Objectives

Upon completion of this module, users will be able to:

Use basic techniques to capture, transect, and retrieve simulated polyps
Recognize the utility of certain tools and understand why they are better suited for certain types of polyps
Recognize the benefits of electrocautery and the damage it can do in the simulated colon if performed improperly
Appreciate some of the complications inherent to polypectomy
Discuss tips and techniques for overcoming common problems specific to polypectomy

Realistic Educational Aids

The Endoscopy AccuTouch® System is a revolutionary medical simulation platform that delivers realistic, procedure-based content for cognitive and motor skills training. The system consists of a PC, an interface device with interchangeable anatomy, proxy endoscopes, and software modules for a wide range of training scenarios. The Colonoscopy: Basic Polypectomy module provides several teaching tools for learning polypectomy:

Polyps react and deform as the snare and forceps interact with the tissue, leaving appropriate visual clues, such as bleeding and burn marks.
Examples of resistance the user will feel include: using the forceps to grasp tissue, tugging on the snare encircling a polyp, and pulling a retrieved polyp head through the working channel.
Patient verbal feedback indicates the level of patient discomfort during the procedure.
Complications such as uncontrolled bleeding when the polyp head is guillotined, electrocautery-induced perforation, and vasovagal reactions help prepare the endoscopist for an actual procedure.
Sedative and counter sedative selections affect patients' vital signs and pain threshold.
A Virtual Attending feature provides information on pathology type and procedural technique.
External view and Find Scope Tip features aid in recognizing scope location.
Animations illustrate concepts, complications, and situations difficult to teach, including submucosal tenting, submucosal burn, contralateral burn, and transection considerations.
Videos demonstrate the usefulness of air insufflation and suction to distinguish hyperplastic polyps from other small polyps.