title: The efficacy of robotic driven handheld instruments for the acquisition of basic laparoscopic suturing skills.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the efficacy of robotic-driven handheld laparoscopic instruments for the acquisition and improvement of basic laparoscopic suturing skills.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospective study was carried out on 15 physicians grouped by previous experience. They were evaluated on the completion of basic surgical laparoscopic skills. First, they used traditional non-articulating laparoscopic instruments, and later they used robotic-driven articulating instruments.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Significant time reduction was observed in the group of inexperienced physicians when they used robotic-driven instruments for needle loading and placing stitches. An 8.3% time reduction was observed in the same group when considering total times for the completion of all exercises. No significant differences for the experienced groups were found.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Robotic-driven handheld instruments could help inexperienced physicians acquire basic skills in laparoscopic techniques. No benefit has been observed when previous laparoscopic experience is present.
authors: Gynecologic Oncology Unit, La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain. Electronic address: ignaciozapardiel@hotmail.com.
authors: Ignacio
authors: I
authors: Zapardiel
authors: Gynecologic Oncology Unit, La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain.
authors: Alicia
authors: A
authors: Hernandez
authors: Gynecologic Oncology Unit, La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain.
authors: Javier
authors: J
authors: De Santiago
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence; D018961:Educational Technology / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency / Q000379:methods; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000193:education*; D059032:Learning Curve; D011446:Prospective Studies; D065287:Robotic Surgical Procedures / Q000193:education*; D013525:Surgical Instruments; D013536:Suture Techniques / Q000193:education*; D013996:Time and Motion Studies
keywords: Laparoscopic training; Robotic handheld instruments; Robotic instruments; Suturing skills