TissueDB/Materials/Condom
Condom is a thin, elastic latex or polyurethane sheath, sold cheaply in pharmacies and general stores worldwide. Its documented use in surgical simulation is as a thin membranous sac — the hernia sac in inguinal hernia repair trainers — where its thinness and elasticity let a trainee dissect, invert, ligate and section a sac. It is not a stand-in for thicker tissues: it tears under needle passage and will not hold a suture. Non-lubricated forms are preferred, and latex-free (polyurethane) forms are used where latex allergy is a concern.
Tissues
| Tissue | Visual | Tactile | Simulator | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hernia Sac (indirect) | Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair Simulator (Hanssen) | Condom glued to the pork chop with silicone glue, its distal portion passed through a 2 cm punched hole representing the enlarged deep inguinal orifice. Allows sac dissection, inversion, intra-corporeal ligation and sectioning.[1] | ||
| Peritoneum (hernia sac) | Pediatric Inguinal Hernia Repair Simulator (Heo) | A non-lubricated condom forms the hernia sac on the replaceable tissue cartridge, chosen for its thin membranous texture and global availability; latex exam-glove fingers, latex finger cots and plastic kitchen wrap were tested and rejected during iteration.[2] |
References
[edit source]- ↑ Hanssen A, Hanssen DA, Hanssen RA, Plotnikov S, Haddad J, Daes JE. Implementation and Validation of a Novel and Inexpensive Training Model for Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair. J Abdom Wall Surg 2022;1:10305. DOI 10.3389/jaws.2022.10305. CC BY 4.0.
- ↑ Heo K, Greaney E, Haehl J, Stunden C, Lindner A, Malik PRA, Rosenbaum DG, Muensterer O, Zakani S, Jacob J, Joharifard S. Iterative Design and Manufacturing of a 3D-Printed Pediatric Open and Laparoscopic Integrated Simulator for Hernia Repair (POLISHeR). Journal of Pediatric Surgery 2025;60:162232. DOI 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2025.162232. PMID 40011165. CC BY-NC 4.0.
Overview
Condoms are sold in pharmacies, clinics and general stores worldwide for a few cents each, in latex and latex-free (polyurethane) forms, lubricated and non-lubricated; non-lubricated is preferred for simulation because lubricant interferes with glue and handling. They keep for years but perish with heat and UV, and petroleum-based lubricants degrade latex. Because a condom is a very thin elastic membrane it stands in for sac-like and membranous structures only — it will not hold a suture and tears on needle passage. Screen participants for latex allergy and use a polyurethane form where needed; single use per session.
Synonyms
Common names: Condom, prophylactic, latex sheath, rubber, protective sheath
Forms: Latex condom, polyurethane condom, non-latex condom, lubricated condom, unlubricated condom
Medical: Barrier device, latex barrier, polyurethane barrier
Also known as: Female condom
Shelf Life & Storage
| Temp Range | Humidity | Surface Reuse | Shelf Life | Spoilage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ambient (15–25 °C) | Dry, cool storage | Single use | Multi-year (check expiry) | Latex degradation if exposed to heat/sunlight |
Safety Considerations
- Latex allergy — Screen participants; use polyurethane alternatives for latex-sensitive individuals.
- Single-use only — Dispose after each training session to prevent cross-contamination.
Related Materials
- Latex — Base material for most condoms
- Balloon — Similar properties, larger sizes available
- Penrose Drain — More durable tubular alternative
| Authors | Arturopelayo |
|---|---|
| License | CC-BY-SA-4.0 |
| Cite as | Arturopelayo (2026). "TissueDB/Materials/Condom". Appropedia. Retrieved August 4, 2026. |