TissueDB/Simulators/Laparoscopic Ectopic Pregnancy Simulator
General Information
Salpingectomy and salpingostomy are the two surgical techniques for ectopic pregnancy management.[1] This simulator trains both techniques using a low-cost pelvic model. A stuffed cotton sock represents the uterus; a Penrose drain segment forms the fallopian tube with a playdough ectopic mass; the assembly is wrapped in plastic-wrap peritoneum on a paper-plate platform.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| General Information | Low-cost pelvic model for salpingectomy and salpingostomy training. A stuffed cotton sock represents the uterus; a Penrose drain segment forms the fallopian tube; a playdough ectopic mass is positioned within it. Mounts inside the Laparoscopic Box Simulator enclosure per the ALL-SAFE source. Adapted from the ALL-SAFE Ectopic Pregnancy module. |
| Features and Basic Operation | Not stated in source |
| Current Development Status | Pilot-tested |
| Estimated Build Time and Cost | 30–45 minutes, Under $2 USD |
| Specialized Tools and Equipment | Scissors, ruler, marker, Toomey syringe (60 mL). Laparoscopic instruments or mini-laparotomy tray provided by learner (simulator is instrument-agnostic). |
| Version | 1.0 |
| Development Team Contact Information | Adapted from ALL-SAFE Consortium |
Tissues
| Tissue | Qty | Material | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fallopian tube | 1 | Penrose drain segment | Surgical supply, ~$0.10 | Split ends with scissors to create fimbriae; segment serves as tube body |
| Ectopic mass | 1 | Playdough (homemade: ½ cup flour, ⅛ cup salt, ⅛ cup Nescafe/food colouring, ¼ cup water) | Homemade, $0.05 | Position within tube segment as ectopic implantation site; models friable ectopic tissue; replace after each session |
| Peritoneum | 1 | Plastic wrap | Kitchen supply, ~$0.05 | Loosely wrap tube and surrounding mesentery; simulates peritoneal investment without restricting access |
| Ovaries (anatomic reference) | 2 | Cotton fabric (5×5 cm squares, folded into balls) | Fabric scraps, ~$0.10 | Position at tube origin; provides anatomical orientation for laparoscopic approach |
Structural Parts
| Part Name | Qty | Material | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uterus (anatomic anchor) | 1 | Stuffed cotton sock (large, filled with 200–300 mL cotton ball scraps) | Household, ~$0.20 | Pelvic anchor with palpable firm body; tube attaches to fundus end |
| Cotton fabric squares | 4–6 | Scrap fabric (2×2 cm) | $0.10 | Reinforce tubal attachments to uterus; use with fabric glue or stapler every 3–4 sessions |
| Fabric glue or stapler | 1 | Office/craft supply | $0.15 | Affixes fabric anchors and peritoneal wrap; stapler faster but less aesthetic; glue more anatomic |
| Toomey syringe (60 mL) | 1 | Surgical supply reused from other simulators | ~$0.50 (if new; reusable) | Reusable syringe used to pack the ectopic mass into the Penrose drain. |
| Suture tie | 1 | Household cord or suture material | $0.05 | Secure ectopic mass end of tube; learners cut this to practice ligation technique. |
| Marker | 1 | Office supply | $0.10 | Office marker for training-log entry on tray. |
| Tape | 1 roll | Masking or painter's tape | $0.20 | Secure assembly to training box. |
| Paper plate or tray | 1 | Household | $0.05 | Containment platform for the assembly. |
| Training box or pelvic model base | 1 | Cardboard box or 3D-printed frame | $0 (if repurposed box) | Provides stable platform; allows smartphone camera positioning for video feedback; clear sides suggested for visibility. |
Build Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the uterine body by stuffing a large cotton sock firmly with cotton ball scraps until it achieves a firm, palpable texture.
Step 2. Construct the ovaries by folding 5×5 cm cotton-fabric squares into balls.
Step 3. Prepare the fallopian tube by obtaining a Penrose drain segment.
Step 4. Split the proximal end of the Penrose drain with scissors (3–4 approximately 1 cm slits) to create fimbriae.
Step 5. Create the ectopic mass by preparing homemade playdough: mix ½ cup flour, ⅛ cup salt, ⅛ cup Nescafe or food colouring, and ¼ cup water until clay-like consistency.
Step 6. Pack the ectopic mass into the Penrose drain segment using a Toomey syringe with 5–10 cc of playdough until the ectopic pregnancy reaches an appropriate size.
Step 7. Secure the ectopic mass to the tube using a suture tie looped around the tube end; tie loosely so learners can practice ligation by cutting through; because this enables both salpingectomy (tube removal) and salpingostomy (mass evacuation) practice.
Step 8. Attach the fallopian tube to the uterine fundus using fabric glue or staples.
Step 9. Wrap the completed tube and attached mass loosely with plastic wrap to simulate the peritoneal envelope.
Step 10. Position the ovaries (fabric balls) at the tube origin and attach with fabric glue.
Step 11. Mount the completed pelvic model on a paper plate or tray within a training box or pelvic model base.
Step 12. Confirm anatomical accuracy by reviewing the completed model: identify clear tubal landmarks (fimbriae, fundal attachment), anatomically correct ovarian position relative to tube, and palpable uterine tone distinguishable from friable ectopic mass. Document assembly date on the tray using marker for training log reference.
| Alternative names | Ectopic Pregnancy Simulator |
|---|
| Authors | Arturopelayo |
|---|---|
| License | CC-BY-SA-4.0 |
| Cite as | Arturopelayo (2026). "TissueDB/Simulators/Laparoscopic Ectopic Pregnancy Simulator". Appropedia. Retrieved June 4, 2026. |