title: Laparoscopic virtual reality simulator and box trainer in gynecology.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate whether a virtual reality simulator (LapSim) and traditional box trainer are effective tools for the acquisition of basic laparoscopic skills, and whether the LapSim is superior to the box trainer in surgical education.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a study at Ege University School of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey, between September 2008 and March 2013, 40 first- and second-year residents were randomized to train via the LapSim or box trainer for 4 weeks, and 20 senior residents were allocated to a control group. All 3 groups performed laparoscopic bilateral tubal ligation. Video records of each operation were assessed via the general rating scale of the Objective Structured Assessment of Laparoscopic Salpingectomy and by operation time in seconds.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Compared with the control group, the LapSim and box trainer groups performed significantly better in total score (P<0.01 and P<0.01, respectively) and time (P=0.03 and P=0.01, respectively). There were no differences between the LapSim and box trainer groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Novice residents who trained on a LapSim or box trainer performed better live laparoscopies than residents who trained via standard clinical surgical education. Training with a virtual reality simulator or box trainer should be considered before actual laparoscopic procedures are carried out.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ege University School of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey. Electronic address: md.aliakdemir@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Ali
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Akdemir
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ege University School of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey.
authors.forename: Fatih
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Sendağ
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ege University School of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey.
authors.forename: Mehmet K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Oztekin
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000193:education*; D008297:Male; D061646:Operative Time; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D013246:Sterilization, Tubal / Q000193:education*; D014584:User-Computer Interface
keywords: Box trainer; Education; LapSim; Laparoscopy; Surgical training; Virtual reality