title: Introducing the Xitact LS500 laparoscopy simulator: toward a revolution in surgical education.
abstract: Minimal invasive surgery has become the primary technique-of-choice for uncomplicated, symptomatic cholelithiasis. Skills needed for performing laparoscopic cholecystectomy cannot be extrapolated directly from the open surgical technique. An obvious need exists for a valid, objective, and repetitive teaching and training setting for minimally invasive surgery. The surgical skills laboratory may have an important role in acquisition of such skills. New technologies, such as virtual-reality surgical simulation, provide objective, trainee-friendly methods of training. Both surgeons and residents believe it is important to train residents in minimally invasive surgical techniques, using virtual-reality surgical simulation within the context of the surgical skills laboratory. This article highlights the features of one of the most promising technical novelties in the area of surgical virtual- reality simulation, the Xitact LS500 laparoscopy simulator.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Catharina Hospital Eindhoven, Michelangelolaan 2, PO box 1350, 5602 ZA Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Marlies P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Schijven
authors.forename: Jack J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Jakimowicz
mesh_terms: D017081:Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic / Q000193:education*; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate / Q000379:methods; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D020706:Laparoscopes; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000193:education; D016544:Patient Simulation; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013663:Teaching