title: A simple, low-cost platform for basic laparoscopic skills training.
abstract: Laparoscopic basic skills' training relies mainly on costly video trainers. The aim of this study was to evaluate a simple, low-cost devise for laparoscopic training. In all, 32 participants with varying levels of skill were recruited. A Simulab LapTrainer (Simulab, Seattle, Washington), using a simple plastic box, a webcam, and a Universal Serial Bus 2 card, was used together with standard operating tools. Participants performed 3 tasks (rope passing, peg transfer, and intracorporeal knot tying), which were video recorded and blindly assessed by 2 experts using error scores, checklists, and time. Statistical analysis included nonparametric tests and Cronbach alpha for inter-rater reliability. A P <.05 was deemed significant. Highly significant differences were noted between groups in all tasks and for all parameters (P = .001). Inter-rater reliability was 0.88. Simulator ratings were good: 63%, excellent: 28%, and only 9% rated it as average. The Simulab LapTrainer provides a valid alternative for skills training. Its simplicity, portability, and relatively low cost make it an attractive surgical training tool.
authors.affiliation: Department of General Surgery and Transplantation Sheba Medical Centre, Tel Hashomer, Israel.
authors.forename: Avner B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Dayan
authors.forename: Amitai
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ziv
authors.forename: Haim
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Berkenstadt
authors.forename: Yaron
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Munz
mesh_terms: D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002983:Clinical Competence; D013502:General Surgery / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000592:standards*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D014741:Video Recording