title: Simulation-based robot-assisted surgical training: a health economic evaluation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the overall cost effectiveness of surgical skills training on Robotic Surgical Simulator (RoSS).
  
  
  METHODS
  This study evaluates the cost analysis of utilizing RoSS for robot-assisted surgical training, at Roswell Park Center for Robotic Surgery. Trainees were queried for time spent on the RoSS console over a period of 1 year, starting from June 2010 to June 2011. Time spent was converted to training time consumed on robotic console, resulting in loss of OR time and revenue. The mechanical durability of the RoSS was also determined.
  
  
  RESULTS
  105 trainees spent 361 h on the RoSS. This duration converted to 73 robot-assisted radical prostatectomy cases, and 72 animal lab sessions. RoSS prevented a potential loss of $600,000, while 72 animal labs would have cost more than $72,000 without including initial robot installation, annual maintenance and personnel expenses. The mechanical durability testing determined breakdown at 180 and 360 h for master control and pinch device, which were repaired under warranty.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  RoSS is a cost effective surgical simulator for implementation of a simulation-based robot-assisted surgical training program.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA.
authors.forename: Shabnam
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rehman
authors.forename: Syed Johar
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Raza
authors.forename: Andrew P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Stegemann
authors.forename: Kevin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Zeeck
authors.forename: Rakeeba
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Din
authors.forename: Amanda
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Llewellyn
authors.forename: Lynn
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Dio
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Trznadel
authors.forename: Yong Won
authors.initials: YW
authors.lastname: Seo
authors.forename: Ashirwad J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Chowriappa
authors.forename: Thenkurussi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kesavadas
authors.forename: Kamran
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ahmed
authors.forename: Khurshid A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Guru
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D004501:Education, Medical / Q000191:economics*; D013502:General Surgery / Q000193:education* / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012371:Robotics / Q000193:education* / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D013552:Swine
keywords: Cost effectiveness; Effectiveness; Robotic surgical simulator; Training program