title: Multiservice laparoscopic surgical training using the daVinci surgical system.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The daVinci surgical system affords surgeons a magnified three-dimensional videoscopic view of the operative field and precise articulating laparoscopic instruments. The learning curve for this advanced surgical robotics system is poorly characterized.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-three surgeons representing seven surgical subspecialties participated in a surgical robotics training program consisting of standardized daVinci system training (phase 1) followed by self-guided learning in a porcine model (phase 2).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The average number of recorded procedures performed per surgeon during phase 2 was 5.5. The mean daVinci system set-up time was 45 minutes and decreased by an average of 56.1% by the third successive set-up (r = -0.702, P <0.005). Operative times decreased 39.0% by the third successive practice operation (r = -0.860, P <0.0005).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  New use of the daVinci robot is associated with a rapid learning curve and preclinical animal model training is effective in developing surgical robotics skills.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC 20307-5001, USA.
authors.forename: Eric J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Hanly
authors.forename: Michael R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Marohn
authors.forename: Sharon L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Bachman
authors.forename: Mark A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Talamini
authors.forename: Sander O
authors.initials: SO
authors.lastname: Hacker
authors.forename: Robin S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Howard
authors.forename: Noah S
authors.initials: NS
authors.lastname: Schenkman
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing / Q000379:methods*; D004521:Educational Measurement / Q000379:methods; D013502:General Surgery / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D007858:Learning; D023421:Models, Animal; D012371:Robotics / Q000193:education* / Q000379:methods; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000193:education*; D013552:Swine