TissueDB/Simulators/Laparoscopic Ectopic Pregnancy Simulator
The Laparoscopic Ectopic Pregnancy Simulator is a low-cost pelvic model, built from locally available materials, for practising laparoscopic salpingostomy and intracorporeal knot tying in the management of ectopic pregnancy. A stuffed cotton sock forms the uterus, and a Penrose-drain segment forms the fallopian tube, which holds a playdough ectopic mass marked as a suturing target. A plastic-wrap mesosalpinx wraps the assembly, which sits on a paper-plate platform and is used inside a laparoscopic box trainer. It is the box-trainer build from the ALL-SAFE Ectopic Pregnancy module.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Features and Basic Operation | Practise laparoscopic salpingostomy and intracorporeal knot tying: the playdough ectopic mass carries a single circular mark as an intracorporal suturing target, and the friable mass can be evacuated to rehearse salpingostomy. Built and used inside a laparoscopic box trainer, so a smartphone camera can be mounted for practice and video-based feedback. |
| Current Development Status | Pilot-tested (ALL-SAFE published ease-of-build/usability and Verification-of-Proficiency validity evidence for this module; transfer to clinical practice not yet demonstrated). |
| Estimated Build Time and Cost | US$2 (estimated) |
| Specialized Tools and Equipment | Marker or pen; Toomey syringe; stapler or fabric glue (assembly). Used inside a laparoscopic box trainer with learner-provided laparoscopic instruments; a smartphone camera can be mounted on the box trainer for video review. |
| Version | 1.0 |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uterus | 1 | Large cotton sock | Household, ~$0.20 | Stuff the toe to form the fundus; fold and secure the foot to form the body. Palpable uterine tone distinguishes it from the friable ectopic mass. |
| Fallopian tube | 1 | Penrose drain (or a small plastic glove if unavailable, per source) | Surgical supply, ~$0.10 | Forms the tube body; the ends are slit to make fimbriae and the body holds the ectopic mass. |
| Ectopic mass | 1 | Playdough (or home-made: flour, salt, Nescafe or food colouring, water) | Home-made, ~$0.05 | Packed into the tube as the ectopic implantation; friable, replaced each session; bright colour improves visibility under the camera. |
| Mesosalpinx / peritoneum | 1 | Plastic wrap | Kitchen supply, ~$0.05 | Two sheets pressed over the uterus, tubes and ovaries, then trimmed; forms the peritoneal investment without restricting access. |
| Ovaries | 2 | Cotton fabric (folded into balls) | Fabric scraps, ~$0.10 | Positioned at the tube origin for anatomical orientation. |
Structural Parts
| Part Name | Qty | Material | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uterine stuffing | 1 | Matched sock, fabric, or lap pad | Household, ~$0.20 | Fills the sock to give the uterus a firm, palpable body; material chosen by availability. |
| Tubal ligature | 2 | Suture tie | ~$0.05 | One tie placed about a third along the tube, a second to keep the dough in place; the marked mass is the intracorporal suturing target. |
| Securing tape | 1 roll | Tape | ~$0.20 | Tapes the assembly to the paper plate and the plate to the table for stability. |
| Assembly platform | 1 | Paper plate | ~$0.05 | Holds the assembly during construction and use. |
Build Instructions
Step 1. Stuff the toe of one large cotton sock with cotton material — a matched sock, fabric, or lap pad, based on availability — to form the "fundus" of the uterus.
Step 2. Narrow the foot of the sock by folding the ends over and securing them with glue or staples to form the body of the uterus; trim any excess material.
Step 3. Fold small (approximately 5×5 cm) squares of cotton fabric into round balls for the ovaries and secure the ends with staples or glue.
Step 4. Prepare the ectopic contents: use playdough if available (bright colours are more visible), or make home-made dough by mixing ½ cup flour, ⅛ cup salt and ⅛ cup Nescafe, then adding ¼ cup water and mixing to a soft ball (add flour or water if too soft or hard).
Step 5. Take the Penrose drain (or, if one is unavailable, a small plastic glove per the source) and secure a suture tie approximately one third of the way along one end.
Step 6. Fill a Toomey syringe with dough and inject approximately 5–10 cc into the drain until the "ectopic pregnancy" is an appropriate size, then tie a second tie to keep the dough in place.
Step 7. Using a marker or pen, place a single circular mark at the superior side of the ectopic pregnancy — this mark is the target used later when practising intracorporal suturing and knot-tying skills.
Step 8. Cut 3–4 approximately 1 cm slits in the ends of the drain to form the fimbriae.
Step 9. Using a stapler or fabric glue, secure the centre of the Penrose drain to the fundus of the uterus so that each half is clearly visible to either side.
Step 10. Place the uterus, tubes and ovaries onto a sheet of plastic wrap in appropriate anatomic positioning, press a second sheet of plastic wrap on top to form the mesosalpinx, and trim to size.
Step 11. Tape the ectopic simulation to a paper plate, then tape the paper plate to the table for stability.
| 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 July 14, 2026. |