Validation of a simple camera navigation trainer.
BACKGROUND
One laparoscopic skill that is rarely addressed is proper use of the 30-degree laparoscope. Lack of knowledge and training with an angled laparoscope can result in less than optimal visualization. The purpose of this study is to validate a simple and efficient camera navigation trainer.


METHODS
Thirty-four medical students from Baylor College of Medicine participated. Their use of a 30-degree laparoscope was assessed. In task A, subjects were asked to demonstrate a series of views corresponding to the position of the light cord. In task B, subjects had to correctly demonstrate views of a three-dimensional model of a liver, intestines, and abdominal wall. Subjects then underwent a brief training session, followed by a self-directed, 10-minute practice session. Last, they were retested in tasks A and B.


RESULTS
Sixteen students (47.1%) had prior experience using a laparoscope. At baseline testing, 0 of 34 novices were able to demonstrate the intended views in task A, but at posttraining the mean success rate was 99.5% (p < 0.0001). There was also significant improvement in performance of task B, where pretest success was 5.9% and posttest success was 98.5% (p < 0.0001).


CONCLUSIONS
After a simple and brief training session, novices were able to effectively use the 30-degree laparoscope using the established verbal cues. The simplicity of this training module provides an efficient method of training novice camera operators both within and outside the operating room.
Yee
Kimberly A
KA
Michael E DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Karmali
Shahzeer
S
Sherman
Vadim
V
D002983:Clinical Competence; D003162:Competency-Based Education; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate; D004521:Educational Measurement; D006801:Humans; D020706:Laparoscopes; D010535:Laparoscopy; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D013238:Stereotaxic Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013337:Students, Medical