A computerized analysis of robotic versus laparoscopic task performance.
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.
Narula
Vimal K
VK
Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA. vknarula1@yahoo.com
Watson
William C
WC
Davis
S Scott
SS
Hinshaw
Kristen
K
Needleman
Bradley J
BJ
Mikami
Dean J
DJ
Hazey
Jeffrey W
JW
Winston
John H
JH
Muscarella
P
P
Rubin
Mike
M
Patel
Vipul
V
Melvin
W Scott
WS
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