title: Virtual reality simulators and training in laparoscopic surgery.
abstract: Virtual reality simulators provide basic skills training without supervision in a controlled environment, free of pressure of operating on patients. Skills obtained through virtual reality simulation training can be transferred on the operating room. However, relative evidence is limited with data available only for basic surgical skills and for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. No data exist on the effect of virtual reality simulation on performance on advanced surgical procedures. Evidence suggests that performance on virtual reality simulators reliably distinguishes experienced from novice surgeons Limited available data suggest that independent approach on virtual reality simulation training is not different from proctored approach. The effect of virtual reality simulators training on acquisition of basic surgical skills does not seem to be different from the effect the physical simulators. Limited data exist on the effect of virtual reality simulation training on the acquisition of visual spatial perception and stress coping skills. Undoubtedly, virtual reality simulation training provides an alternative means of improving performance in laparoscopic surgery. However, future research efforts should focus on the effect of virtual reality simulation on performance in the context of advanced surgical procedure, on standardization of training, on the possibility of synergistic effect of virtual reality simulation training combined with mental training, on personalized training.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health and Caring Professions Technological Educational Institute of Athens, Agiou Spyridonos, 12210, Aigaleo Athens, Greece. Electronic address: nyiannak@teiath.gr.
authors.forename: Eugenia
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Yiannakopoulou
authors.affiliation: 2nd Department of Propedeutic Surgery School of Medicine NKUA, Greece.
authors.forename: Nikolaos
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Nikiteas
authors.affiliation: Laboratory for Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research NKUA, Greece.
authors.forename: Despina
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Perrea
authors.affiliation: 1st Department of Surgery School of Medicine NKUA, Greece.
authors.forename: Christos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Tsigris
mesh_terms: D017081:Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic / Q000193:education; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003198:Computer Simulation; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000193:education*
keywords: Laparoscopic surgery; Surgical education; Virtual reality simulators