title: Visuospatial ability correlates with performance in simulated gynecological laparoscopy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To analyze the relationship between visuospatial ability and simulated laparoscopy performed by consultants in obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN).
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a prospective cohort study carried out at two community hospitals in Sweden. Thirteen consultants in obstetrics and gynecology were included. They had previously independently performed 10-100 advanced laparoscopies. Participants were tested for visuospatial ability by the Mental Rotations Test version A (MRT-A). After a familiarization session and standardized instruction, all participants subsequently conducted three consecutive virtual tubal occlusions followed by three virtual salpingectomies. Performance in the simulator was measured by Total Time, Score and Ovarian Diathermy Damage. Linear regression was used to analyze the relationship between visuospatial ability and simulated laparoscopic performance. The learning curves in the simulator were assessed in order to interpret the relationship with the visuospatial ability.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Visuospatial ability correlated with Total Time (r=-0.62; p=0.03) and Score (r=0.57; p=0.05) in the medium level of the virtual tubal occlusion. In the technically more advanced virtual salpingectomy the visuospatial ability correlated with Total Time (r=-0.64; p=0.02), Ovarian Diathermy Damage (r=-0.65; p=0.02) and with overall Score (r=0.64; p=0.02).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Visuospatial ability appears to be related to the performance of gynecological laparoscopic procedures in a simulator. Testing visuospatial ability might be helpful when designing individual training programs.
authors: Center for Advanced Medical Simulation, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.liv.ahlborg@ki.se
authors: Liv
authors: L
authors: Ahlborg
authors: Leif
authors: L
authors: Hedman
authors: Daniel
authors: D
authors: Murkes
authors: Bo
authors: B
authors: Westman
authors: Ann
authors: A
authors: Kjellin
authors: Li
authors: L
authors: Felländer-Tsai
authors: Lars
authors: L
authors: Enochsson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001076:Aptitude; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003253:Consultants; D005260:Female; D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000193:education* / Q000379:methods*; D058869:Gynecological Examination / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000193:education*; D059032:Learning Curve; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011361:Professional Competence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D058994:Salpingectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000193:education / Q000379:methods; D013246:Sterilization, Tubal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000193:education / Q000379:methods; D013548:Sweden; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D014584:User-Computer Interface