Development and Evaluation of Low-Cost Non-Animal Biological Simulation Models for Undergraduate Surgical Training in Trauma Tissue Reconstruction

This study evaluated two low-cost, non-animal biological simulation models for teaching basic surgical skills to undergraduate medical students. Banana peel was used as a model for practicing interrupted skin suturing, and rose stem was used as a model for practicing Modified Kessler tendon repair. Each plant-based model was compared with a commercially available simulation model. The study was designed to determine whether these low-cost biological models could be used for surgical skills training and to assess technical performance, learner experience, and material costs associated with the different simulation models. Participants were randomly assigned to practice using either the plant-based model or the corresponding commercial simulator. The study hypothesis was that the non-animal biological models would provide training outcomes and learner satisfaction comparable to commercial simulation models while requiring substantially lower material costs.

Inclusion Criteria: * Eligible participants were first- and second-year MBBS undergraduate students at AIIMS New Delhi who voluntarily consented to participate * were available for the full training and assessment schedule Exclusion Criteria: * prior advanced surgical or simulation training * any current disabling upper limb injury or severe tremor * unwillingness to participate.