TissueDB/Simulators/Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Simulator
General Information
The Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Simulator is a low-cost tissue module from the ALL-SAFE Gallbladder Disease curriculum. Learners construct a simulation of acute gallbladder disease from local materials and practise laparoscopic cholecystectomy inside a Laparoscopic Box Simulator enclosure. Build instructions, templates, and an expert paradigm video are available on the ALL-SAFE source page.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| General Information | Low-cost tissue module for practising laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Mounts inside the Laparoscopic Box Simulator enclosure. Source: ALL-SAFE Gallbladder Disease module with shopping list PDF, build templates, and expert paradigm video. |
| Features and Basic Operation | Not stated in source |
| Current Development Status | Pilot-tested |
| Estimated Build Time and Cost | Not stated in source. The ALL-SAFE Gallbladder Disease source page, the shopping list PDF, and the cutting templates do not quantify build time. The expert paradigm video covers the procedure rather than the simulator construction., Consumables and one-time supplies: approximately US$30–70 (varies with local sourcing). Reusable laparoscopic instrument set: approximately US$420–830 (Maryland dissectors US$158–264 for 2; graspers US$100–264 for 2; laparoscopic scissors US$80–100; needle driver US$90–160; suture packet US$11–14). Per-case consumable cost: under US$5 using locally-sourced equivalents (vinyl exam glove, sand, cotton balls, plastic wrap, tape, yarn). Per-row cited retail pricing (May 2026) is itemised in the Structural Parts table. |
| Specialized Tools and Equipment | Not stated in source |
| Version | Not stated in source |
| Development Team Contact Information | ALL-SAFE Consortium: Pan-African Academy of Christian Surgeons, University of Michigan, Southern Illinois University, Soddo Christian Hospital, AIC Kijabe Hospital, Mbingo Baptist Hospital |
Tissues
| Tissue | Qty | Material | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gallbladder | 1 | Balloon (medium-size regular, green) | US$0.10–0.20 | Per ALL-SAFE shopping list. |
Structural Parts
| Part Name | Qty | Material | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sand | As needed | Sand. Alternatives: saw dust, ground coffee. | US$5–7 | Per ALL-SAFE shopping list. |
| Modeling balloons | 3 | Modeling balloons (red, green, blue). Alternative: drinking straw. | US$0.50–1.00 | Per ALL-SAFE shopping list. |
| Cotton balls | As needed | Cotton balls (ideally white). Alternative: cotton rolls. Must be different colour from shoe bag. | US$1–9 | Per ALL-SAFE shopping list. |
| Non-woven shoe bag | 1 | Non-woven shoe bag. Alternative: small pillow case. Pink or red if available. | US$1–3 | Per ALL-SAFE shopping list. Must be different colour from cotton balls. |
| Plastic wrap | As needed | Press'n Seal. Alternative: plastic cling wrap. | US$4–6 | Per ALL-SAFE shopping list. |
| Yarn | As needed | Yarn | US$3–5 | Per ALL-SAFE shopping list. |
| Tape | As needed | Transparent tape | US$4–8 | Per ALL-SAFE shopping list. |
| Fasteners | As needed | Stapler. Alternative: needle and thread. | US$6–14 | Per ALL-SAFE shopping list. |
| Paper | 1 | A4 paper. Alternative: paper plate. | ~US$0.02 | Per ALL-SAFE shopping list. |
| Surgical glove | 1 | Surgical glove or specialty bag | US$0.10–0.25 | Per ALL-SAFE shopping list. |
| Suture tie | 1 | Suture tie | US$10–14 | Per ALL-SAFE shopping list. |
| Scissors | 1 | Scissors | US$3–10 | Per ALL-SAFE shopping list. |
| Maryland dissector | 2 | Laparoscopic Maryland dissector. | US$79–132 | Per ALL-SAFE shopping list (laparoscopic instrument). |
| Grasper | 2 | Laparoscopic grasper. Alternatives: wavy grasper, Hunter. | US$50–132 | Per ALL-SAFE shopping list (laparoscopic instrument). |
| Laparoscopic scissors | 1 | Laparoscopic scissors. | US$80–100 | Per ALL-SAFE shopping list (laparoscopic instrument). |
| Laparoscopic needle driver | 1 | Laparoscopic needle driver. | US$90–160 | Per ALL-SAFE shopping list (laparoscopic instrument). |
| Suture (15 cm) | 1 | Suture cut to 15 cm length. Silk or vicryl recommended; avoid white. | US$11–14 | Per ALL-SAFE shopping list (laparoscopic instrument). |
Build Instructions
Build instructions and an expert paradigm video are available on the ALL-SAFE Gallbladder Disease source page. Cutting templates: US letter and A4.
| Alternative names | Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Trainer |
|---|
| Authors | Arturopelayo |
|---|---|
| License | CC-BY-SA-4.0 |
| Cite as | Arturopelayo (2026). "TissueDB/Simulators/Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Simulator". Appropedia. Retrieved June 4, 2026. |