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Abstract: SA-PO012

A Program of Renal Biopsy Training Using Low-Cost Realistic Models

Session Information

  • Educational Research
    November 09, 2019 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Walter E. Washington Convention Center
    Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Category: Educational Research

  • 800 Educational Research

Authors

  • Santa Catharina, Guilherme P., Univ of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
  • Smolentzov, Igor, Univ of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
  • Zatz, Roberto, Univ of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
  • Jorge, Lectícia, Univ of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
Background

Renal biopsy is a necessary procedure in Nephrology practice, but adequate training is necessary to minimize its inherent risks.

Methods

We developed a method for the training of residents and professional nephrologists in percutaneous renal biopsy, utilizing homemade simulators that imitate a lumbar torso and contain a dummy kidney made of colored forensic gelatin. The “kidneys” exhibit realistic physical appearance, consistency and ultrasound properties, yielding equally real looking fragments when “biopsied”. The models were manufactured locally with a cost of less than 20 USD.

Results

Two workshops were carried out involving 61 nephrologists and Nephrology residents. The procedure consisted of the presentation of archived glomerulopathy cases, followed by an explanation of the biopsy procedure, after which hands-on ultrasound guided obtainment of “kidney” fragments (Figure), available to all participants, was performed. Afterwards, the possible complications, and the measures to avoid or limit them, were discussed. As a final step, the “results” were presented and discussed in the form of digitized renal slides corresponding to each case studied, along with the response to treatment and outcomes.
When invited to evaluate the course, 98% of the respondents declared that they would recommend the course to others, whereas 100% considered the workshop “excellent” or “very good”, and 92% assigned these same attributes to the hands-on training procedure.
This method is currently being applied in the training of Nephrology Residents in our Division.

Conclusion

The use of these inexpensive dummies is a useful and well-received tool that can improve the efficiency of training in renal biopsy and increase the safety of the procedure.

Funding

  • Government Support - Non-U.S.