Discover our state-of-the-art facility, where innovative, research-driven methodologies seamlessly bridge the gap between theory and practice in surgical skills training
The Surgical Skills Lab is a highly adaptable facility designed to support both hands-on dry lab courses and presentation-style lectures. Equipped with scrub sinks, an extensive range of laparoscopic training tools, and individual workstations featuring high-definition screens, the lab offers a comprehensive learning environment. A multimedia podium and high-definition camera enable live procedure demonstrations via the room’s projector, enhancing interactive learning. As a dry skills facility, we collaborate closely with the 3D Imaging, Printing, and Digital Hub to create life-like models of organs and pathologies commonly treated with laparoscopic procedures.
Additionally, two state-of-the-art ultrasound trainers and a bronchoscopy simulator are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. Recognizing the value of progressive skills development, we are coordinating the relocation of our insufflators and diathermy equipment to the Department of Anatomy’s wet lab. This integration allows students—particularly obstetrics and gynaecology, as well as orthopaedic registrars—to first master laparoscopic techniques in the dry lab before advancing to more complex procedures in the wet lab
In 2024, we successfully hosted numerous workshops in collaboration with various disciplines, including neurosurgery, paediatric surgery, general surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology, reproductive health, and even the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences. Our undergraduate student society, the Tuks Student Surgical Society, frequently utilizes our facility, offering students hands-on exposure to fundamental surgical skills in partnership with consultants and staff from Steve Biko Academic Hospital.
We actively welcome collaboration with departments and industry leaders, regularly delivering unique workshops featuring life-like moulded and 3D-printed pathologies tailored to meet the specific learning outcomes of our participants.
Our Surgical Skills Lab is open to all undergraduate students in the Faculty, provided they are supervised by a lecturer and follow a structured program with clear learning outcomes relevant to their field of study. Postgraduate students can schedule hands-on training sessions in the Surgical Skills Lab through their respective Heads of Department. To enhance the learning experience, we recommend that students attend in pairs, allowing one partner to operate the camera equipment during laparoscopic skills training
Faculty: Faculty/permanent members of staff at the University of Pretoria can use the facility for both teaching-learning, and research activities related to the discipline of surgery.
Workshops and visiting faculty: The Surgical Skills Lab is available for workshops and seminars in collaboration with industry partners and visiting faculty. This is a paid service, and we typically arrange a meeting to discuss expectations and the associated cost structure. We take great pride in our successful partnerships with leading companies such as Karl Storz, B. Braun, and Medhold. Notably, we have developed bespoke life-like pathology models, including duodenal atresia repair task trainers, in collaboration with the Department of Paediatric Surgery. We have also partnered with professional societies such as the South African Society for Obstetricians and Gynaecologists to deliver impactful training experiences.
If you are interested in using a dry lab at the University of Pretoria, you will need to contact the appropriate department or faculty. They will be able to provide you with more information about the lab’s facilities and policies.
The Surgical Skills Lab is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and staffed by expert lecturers from the Centre for Health Sciences Simulation and Innovation.
These lecturers are highly skilled in the pedagogy of clinical skills training and simulation, offering hands-on support to surgical faculty in preparing and delivering classes or facilitating workshops
It is important to follow safety protocols when using a wet lab. These protocols are in place to protect the health and safety of users and to prevent damage to equipment. Some of the most important safety protocols include:
