Technology and medicine: the evolution of virtual reality simulation in laparoscopic training.
BACKGROUND
Virtual reality (VR) simulation for laparoscopic surgical training is now a reality. There is increasing evidence that the use of VR simulation is a powerful adjunct to traditional surgical apprenticeship in the current climate of reduced time spent in training.


OBJECTIVE
This article reviews the early evidence supporting the case for VR simulation training in laparoscopic surgery.


METHODS
A standard literature search was conducted using the following phrases--'virtual reality in surgical training', 'surgical training', 'laparoscopic training' and 'simulation in surgical training'.


CONCLUSIONS
This article outlines the early evidence which supports the use of VR simulation in laparoscopic training and the need for further research into this new training technique.
Bashir
Gareth
G
Queen's Hospital, Essex, UK. gareth.bashir@bhrhospitals.nhs.uk
D020811:Biomedical Technology / Q000639:trends; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D004501:Education, Medical / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*