Development and validation of a home-based, mirrored, gynecologic laparoscopy trainer.
OBJECTIVE
To develop and evaluate the usefulness of a home-based laparoscopy practice tool in terms of skills acquisition and practice pattern.


METHODS
Six mirrored laparoscopy trainers were designed and built. Participants were enrolled in a prospective randomized controlled trial and performed a series of skills with a video-endoscopic training tower and laparoscopic training box in timed pre- and post-tests over 5 weeks. Control and experimental cohorts practiced skills tests in different settings with different equipment. Data analysis used the t test and Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Analysis of variance/analysis of covariance models were used for independent variables. (Canadian Task Force classification I.)


METHODS
Midwestern tertiary care teaching hospital.


METHODS
Third-year medical students rotating through their obstetrics and gynecology clerkship.


METHODS
Control cohort participants (n = 13) practiced the skills in the video-endoscopic laboratory while the experimental cohort (n = 13) received mirrored training boxes and practiced at home.


RESULTS
Both groups demonstrated significant improvement, with a trend favoring the control group (p = .08). Randomization group and number of practice sessions were significant variables favoring the control group and experimental group, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
Home-based practice on a mirrored laparoscopy trainer improves hand-eye coordination in inexperienced surgeons and results in more frequent practice.
Robinson
James K
JK
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Madison, Wisconsin, USA. jkrobinson@partners.org
Kushner
David M
DM
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate; D004867:Equipment Design; D004869:Equipment Safety; D005260:Female; D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D020706:Laparoscopes; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D017145:Models, Educational; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D013337:Students, Medical