title: Impact of laparoscopy simulator training on the technical skills of future surgeons in the operating room: a prospective study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The efficacy of laparoscopy simulators remains controversial.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a comparative prospective study that evaluated the impact of simulator training on technical competence during a real surgical procedure. Residents were divided into 3 groups: the Mcgill Inanimate System for Training and Evaluation of Laparoscopic Skills (MISTELS) group, training on a simple simulator; LAP Mentor group, training on a virtual simulator; and control group. An initial evaluation was made by a validated score during a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Each resident was then trained for 1 month. A second evaluation was then performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Before/after scores were significantly improved in the MISTELS (P = .042) and LAP Mentor (P = .026) groups. It was not the case in the control group. There was a better progression in the MISTELS (P = .026) and LAP Mentor (P = .007) groups than in the control group. There was no significant difference between the MISTELS and LAP Mentor groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Simulator training provides a more rapid acquisition of competence in surgical technique.
authors.affiliation: CERC (Centre d'Enseignement et de Recherche Chirurgicale) Faculté de Médecine de Marseille Secteur Nord, Université de la Méditerranée, Boulevard Pierre Dramard, 13916 Marseille, France. laura.beyer@ap-hm.fr
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Beyer
authors.forename: Jérémie De
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Troyer
authors.forename: Julien
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Mancini
authors.forename: Franck
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bladou
authors.forename: Stéphane V
authors.initials: SV
authors.lastname: Berdah
authors.forename: Gilles
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Karsenty
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003198:Computer Simulation; D005260:Female; D005602:France; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000193:education*; D008297:Male; D009873:Operating Rooms; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D014177:Translations