title: A computerized analysis of robotic versus laparoscopic task performance.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Robotic technology has been postulated to improve performance in advanced surgical skills. We utilized a novel computerized assessment system to objectively describe the technical enhancement in task performance comparing robotic and laparoscopic instrumentation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Advanced laparoscopic surgeons (2-10 yrs experience) performed three unique task modules using laparoscopic and Telerobotic surgical instrumentation (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA). Performance was evaluated using a computerized assessment system (ProMIS, Dublin, Ireland) and results were recorded as time (s), path (mm) and precision. Each surgeon had an initial training session followed by two testing sessions for each module. A paired Student's t-test was used to analyze the data.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Ten surgeons completed the study. 8/10 surgeons had significant technical enhancement utilizing robotic technology.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The ProMIS computerized assessment system can be modified to objectively obtain task performance data with robotic instrumentation. All the tasks were performed faster and with more precision using the robotic technology than standard laparoscopy.
authors.affiliation: Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA. vknarula1@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Vimal K
authors.initials: VK
authors.lastname: Narula
authors.forename: William C
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Watson
authors.forename: S Scott
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Davis
authors.forename: Kristen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hinshaw
authors.forename: Bradley J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Needleman
authors.forename: Dean J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Mikami
authors.forename: Jeffrey W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Hazey
authors.forename: John H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Winston
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Muscarella
authors.forename: Mike
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rubin
authors.forename: Vipul
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Patel
authors.forename: W Scott
authors.initials: WS
authors.lastname: Melvin
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence; D001330:Electronic Data Processing; D006801:Humans; D020706:Laparoscopes; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000592:standards*; D012371:Robotics / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000592:standards*; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis