Virtual-reality training improves angled telescope skills in novice laparoscopists.
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.
Ganai
Sabha
S
Department of Surgery, Baystate Medical Center/Tufts University School of Medicine, 759 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA 01199, USA.
Donroe
Joseph A
JA
St Louis
Myron R
MR
Lewis
Giavonni M
GM
Seymour
Neal E
NE
D000818:Animals; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction / Q000379:methods*; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate; D004521:Educational Measurement; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D013337:Students, Medical; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000193:education*; D013552:Swine; D014584:User-Computer Interface