Virtual-reality training improves angled telescope skills in novice laparoscopists

Abstract Background Based on prior success of virtual-reality (VR) trainers in imparting surgical skills, a randomized and controlled study was designed to determine whether VR training improves angled-telescope operative performance. Methods Third-year medical students received instruction on the u...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The American journal of surgery 2007-02, Vol.193 (2), p.260-265
Main Authors: Ganai, Sabha, M.D, Donroe, Joseph A., B.S, St. Louis, Myron R., M.D, Lewis, Giavonni M., M.D, Seymour, Neal E., M.D
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Abdomen
Animals
Biological and medical sciences
Cameras
Clinical Competence
Computer Simulation
Computer-Assisted Instruction - methods
Confidence intervals
Digestive system. Abdomen
Education, Medical, Undergraduate
Educational Measurement
Endoscopy
Gallbladder
General aspects
Humans
Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects)
Laboratory animals
Laparoscopy
Medical sciences
Methods
Psychomotor skills
Single-Blind Method
Skills
Students, Medical
Surgery
Surgical education
Surgical Procedures, Operative - education
Swine
Telescopes
User-Computer Interface
Virtual reality
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Summary:Abstract Background Based on prior success of virtual-reality (VR) trainers in imparting surgical skills, a randomized and controlled study was designed to determine whether VR training improves angled-telescope operative performance. Methods Third-year medical students received instruction on the use of an angled laparoscope and subsequently underwent performance assessment of angled telescope navigational tasks in an anesthetized porcine model. Subjects were then randomized to objective-based training with an angled-telescope simulator (EndoTower; Verefi Technologies, Elizabethtown, PA) versus no training, followed by reassessment of performance. Results Initially, there were no significant differences between VR-trained (n = 9) and control (n = 10) groups. After training, object visualization, scope orientation, and horizon error scores were significantly better in VR-trained than control groups; subject-matched improvement in orientation score was 50.9% versus 10.8% ( P < .05). Conclusions VR training in angled laparoscope use improves operative performance of novices. These data support growing evidence that VR training is highly effective in improving surgical skills outside of the clinical setting.
ISSN:0002-9610
1879-1883
DOI:10.1016/j.amjsurg.2005.11.019