Synthetic simulator could sharpen Surgeons' skills for rare newborn surgery

This trial evaluates a totally synthetic, high-fidelity simulator designed to train surgeons in laparoscopic repair of duodenal atresia, a birth defect where the small intestine is blocked. Surgeons with varying experience—from senior residents to attending pediatric surgeons—will practice on the simulator and be scored on their performance, speed, and the quality of the repair they create. The goal is to see if the simulator can reliably tell apart novice, intermediate, and expert surgeons, and to gather feedback on its realism and teaching value. If successful, it could provide a safe, reusable training tool for a rare but delicate procedure.