FP5.5 - Simulated Abdominal Wall <i>- a valuable educational tool for Abdominal Wall Reconstruction and Small Bite closure techniques.</i>

Abstract Background Incisional hernia is a common complication following laparotomy (31.8% at 2 years, HART collaborative, 2022) and this may require complicated reconstructive techniques. Studies suggest that poor closure technique contributes to incisional hernia formation. Junior trainees are often left to close the abdominal wall. European and American guidelines have suggested closing the abdomen with the "small bites technique". Simulated training has gained traction. Reduction in theatre training hours necessitates simulated training. This study aims to:generate a synthetic model that anatomically represents the layers of the abdominal wall.use this model as a simulated training tool for general surgical and plastic surgical trainees who are often left to close the abdominal wall in laparotomy cases / abdominal wall reconstruction.use this model to teach reconstructive abdominal wall repair techniques. Methods 2021: literature search and research. Theatre observation of complex abdominal wall procedures and techniques. Cadaveric lab attendance at Leeds University. 2022: prototype - first model produced from medial grade silicone. 2022: amendments - alterations to the prototype. 2023: accreditation and delivery - Small Bites Course delivered and accredited by RCS Edinburgh. Results 86% of course attendees found the abdominal wall models "as realistic as possible". Attendees felt more confident to perform small bites closure and simple abdominal wall reconstruction. Total cost saving per model compared with competitors = £1109.50. Conclusions Our simulated abdominal wall model has proved to be realistic and cost effective. It is an ethical and improved way to train junior surgeons in the small-bites technique and some elements of abdominal wall reconstruction. These models have been implemented on training courses for surgical trainees within the deanery.