Techniques: Utility of a 3D printed bladder model for teaching minimally invasive urethrovesical anastomosis

The urethrovesical anastomosis (UVA) is one of the most challenging steps during a minimally invasive radical prostatectomy. Not surprisingly, minimally invasive, in particular laparoscopic, prostatectomy is associated with a steep learning curve.1 With competency-based training on the horizon, as well as the recent reduction in resident work hours, surgical educators have shifted some training outside of the operating room into surgical skills labs. To reduce learning curves and improve resident education at our centre, we use a hands-on 3D printed bladder bench model to emulate the UVA task during a minimally invasive prostatectomy.