title: Enhancing laparoscopic performance with the LTS3E: a computerized hybrid physical reality simulator.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the value of this simulator in acquiring basic laparoscopic skills and to evaluate the correlation between the frequency of trials and performance.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-five in-training gynecological endoscopists and 15 medical students.
  
  
  METHODS
  A demonstration of 10 laparoscopic skill tasks was shown to participants before administration of a pretest. Voluntary rounds of further trials were encouraged thereafter. The post-tests were administered 5 days later. Assessments were conducted by the same independent supervisor.
  
  
  METHODS
  Improvements in overall scores and relative performance mean scores were compared using the independent t test. The comparison of various trial groups' mean was evaluated by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were significantly better post-test scores in all tasks for both groups compared to the pretest scores. There was no statistical difference between the overall relative training outcomes of both groups. There was a significant difference in group mean scores between the group of trainees who performed five or more rounds of trials and those who performed two to three trials.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The LTS3e simulator contributes to the acquisition of laparoscopic skills in less experienced surgeons. Performance improves progressively with practice.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Osun State, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Ayodapo S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Soyinka
authors.forename: Thoralf
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Schollmeyer
authors.forename: Ivo
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Meinhold-Heerlein
authors.forename: Dattatraya V
authors.initials: DV
authors.lastname: Gopalghare
authors.forename: Harrith
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Hasson
authors.forename: Liselotte
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Mettler
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate; D005260:Female; D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D009048:Motor Skills; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D014584:User-Computer Interface; D055815:Young Adult