An inexpensive and practical surgical training system to train practitioners in the use of surgical stapling and energy-based ligation instruments and procedures is provided. The system comprises a modified or simulated surgical instrument such as linear surgical stapling device having a fixed anvil and an opposed, movable jaw sized and configured to be closed upon a simulated tissue structure. A marking or inking element is associated with the jaw and anvil of the stapling device and configured to impose a visible pattern on the surfaces of simulated tissue placed between the anvil and jaw. A pressure sensitive adhesive or other adhesive is associated with the inner surfaces of the simulated tissue that is activated upon compression between the anvil and jaw to simulate surgical occlusion.