Current impact of simulation-based surgical training in urology: a review from the European School of Urology and the European Association of Urology Endourology Section

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Simulation-based surgical training (SST) has become an increasingly important part of contemporary urological education because of growing procedural complexity, patient-safety expectations, limited operative exposure, and the shift toward competency-based training. This review examines the current impact of SST in urology from the perspective of the European School of Urology (ESU) and the European Association of Urology (EAU) Endourology Section. RECENT FINDINGS: Available simulation modalities in urology include bench-top trainers, tissue-based and cadaveric models, virtual reality systems, and newer hybrid or 3D-printed platforms. Across major procedural domains, including basic endoscopic skills, transurethral surgery, laser enucleation, stone treatment, laparoscopy, and robotic surgery, simulation supports early familiarization, repeated practice, and more structured technical skills acquisition. However, the literature remains heterogeneous, and many studies still focus on simulator validation rather than higher level educational or clinical outcomes. SUMMARY: From the ESU and EAU perspective, the value of SST lies not in isolated model use, but in its integration into structured curricula supported by cognitive task analysis, expert consensus, validation, benchmarking, and staged assessment. SST should therefore be viewed as an important adjunct within progressive surgical training pathways.