Laparoscopic virtual reality and box trainers: is one superior to the other?
BACKGROUND
Virtual reality (VR) simulators now have the potential to replace traditional methods of laparoscopic training. The aim of this study was to compare the VR simulator with the classical box trainer and determine whether one has advantages over the other.


METHODS
Twenty four novices were tested to determine their baseline laparoscopic skills and then randomized into the following three group: LapSim, box trainer, and no training (control). After 3 weekly training sessions lasting 30-min each, all subjects were reassessed. Assessment included motion analysis and error scores. Nonparametric tests were applied, and p < 0.05 was deemed significant.


RESULTS
Both trained groups made significant improvements in all parameters measured ( p < 0.05). Compared to the controls, the box trainer group performed significantly better on most of the parameters, whereas the LapSim group performed significantly better on some parameters. There were no significant differences between the LapSim and box trainer groups.


CONCLUSIONS
LapSim is effective in teaching skills that are transferable to a real laparoscopic task. However, there appear to be no substantial advantages of one system over the other.
Munz
Y
Y
Department of Surgical Oncology and Technology, Imperial College of Science, Technology, and Medicine, St. Mary's Hospital, QEQM Wing, London W2 1NY, England, United Kingdom. yaron.munz@ic.ac.uk
Kumar
B D
BD
Moorthy
K
K
Bann
S
S
Darzi
A
A
D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D002102:Cadaver; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003198:Computer Simulation / Q000191:economics; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003867:Depth Perception; D004501:Education, Medical / Q000379:methods; D004521:Educational Measurement; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000191:economics; D008297:Male; D008328:Man-Machine Systems; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000191:economics / Q000193:education*; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D023421:Models, Animal; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D013037:Spatial Behavior; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000523:psychology; D014584:User-Computer Interface