2008-07-01
Transfer validity of laparoscopic knot-tying training on a VR simulator to a realistic environment: A randomized controlled trial
Publication
Publication
Surgical Endoscopy: surgical and interventional techniques , Volume 22 - Issue 7 p. 1636- 1642
Background: Laparoscopic suturing is one of the most difficult tasks in endoscopic surgery, requiring extensive training. The aim of this study was to determine the transfer validity of knot-tying training on a virtual-reality (VR) simulator to a realistic laparoscopic environment. Methods: Twenty surgical trainees underwent basic eye-hand coordination training on a VR simulator (SIMENDO, DelltaTech, Delft, the Netherlands) until predefined performance criteria were met. Then, they were randomized into two groups. Group A (the experimental group) received additional training with the knot-tying module on the simulator, during which they had to tie a double laparoscopic knot ten times. Group B (controls) did not receive additional manual training. Within a week the participants tied a double knot in the abdominal cavity of an anaesthetized porcine model. Their performance was captured on digital video and coded. Objective analysis parameters were: time taken to tie the knot and number of predefined errors made. Subjective assessments were also made by two laparoscopic surgeons using a global rating list with a five-point Likert scale. Results: Trainees in group A (n = 9) were significantly faster than the controls (n = 10), with a median of 262 versus 374 seconds (p = 0.034). Group A made a significantly lower number of errors than the controls (median of 24 versus 36 errors, p = 0.030). Subjective assessments by the laparoscopic experts did not show any significant differences in economy of movement and erroneous behavior between the two groups. Conclusion: Surgical trainees who received knot-tying training on the VR simulator were faster and made fewer errors than the controls. The VR module is a useful tool to train laparoscopic knot-tying. Opportunities arose to improve simulator-based instruction that might enhance future training.
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| doi.org/10.1007/s00464-007-9672-3, hdl.handle.net/1765/29890 | |
| Surgical Endoscopy: surgical and interventional techniques | |
| Organisation | Erasmus MC: University Medical Center Rotterdam |
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Verdaasdonk, E., Dankelman, J., Lange, J., & Stassen, L. (2008). Transfer validity of laparoscopic knot-tying training on a VR simulator to a realistic environment: A randomized controlled trial. Surgical Endoscopy: surgical and interventional techniques, 22(7), 1636–1642. doi:10.1007/s00464-007-9672-3 |
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