Role of Virtual Training Lab in Enhancing Laparoscopic Skills of Residents Versus Consultants

Objective: To compare the role of virtual training lab in enhancing laparoscopic skills at training stage and at the level of qualified surgeons. Materials and Methods: In this comparative study, we included 70 participants of national and resident MIS workshops were included, 35 consultants and 35 residents were included. Participants were analyzed in the basic laparoscopic skills of instrument navigation on Lapsim. Data were collected on first day and on last day of workshop. Parameters included were left instrument time, right instrument time, tissue damage and maximum damage. Result: In 35 residents the left instrument time was improved mean of 27.99(Range 39.52-13.43) to 21.53 (Range 42.37-12.38) and right instrument time improved mean of 31.73(Range 52-48.19) to 23.365 (Range 48.19-11.46). The tissue damage decreased from mean of 3.2 to mean of 1.46. The maximum damage decreased from mean of 8.82 to mean of 3.408. Data of consultants showed that the left instrument time improved mean of 35.71 (Range 140.22-13.09) to 24.39 (Range 111.82-9.71) and right instrument time improved mean of 45.76 (Range 141.45-15.89) to 27.82 (Range 49.2-8.6). The tissue damage decreases from mean of 5.171 to mean of 2.228. The maximum damage decrease from mean of 13.67 to mean of 5.136. All the values at consultant level were greater than resident level. Conclusion: This study further confirmed that virtual lab has very important role in improving laparoscopic skills and in addition this study prove that enhancing of the laparoscopic skill at resident level is much better than the acquisition of laparoscopic skill at consultant level. Keywords: Virtual Training Lab, Laparoscopy, Simulation.

Artificial Versus Video-Based Immersive Virtual Surroundings: Analysis of Performance and User’s Preference

Introduction. Immersive virtual reality (VR) laparoscopy simulation connects VR simulation with head-mounted displays to increase presence during VR training. The goal of the present study was the comparison of 2 different surroundings according to performance and users’ preference. Methods. With a custom immersive virtual reality laparoscopy simulator, an artificially created VR operating room (AVR) and a highly immersive VR operating room (IVR) were compared. Participants (n = 30) performed 3 tasks (peg transfer, fine dissection, and cholecystectomy) in AVR and IVR in a crossover study design. Results. No overall difference in virtual laparoscopic performance was obtained when comparing results from AVR with IVR. Most participants preferred the IVR surrounding (n = 24). Experienced participants (n = 10) performed significantly better than novices (n = 10) in all tasks regardless of the surrounding ( P < .05). Participants with limited experience (n = 10) showed differing results. Presence, immersion, and exhilaration were significantly higher in IVR. Two thirds assumed that IVR would have a positive influence on their laparoscopic simulator use. Conclusion. This first study comparing AVR and IVR did not reveal differences in virtual laparoscopic performance. IVR is considered the more realistic surrounding and is therefore preferred by the participants.

The Use of Laparoscopy Simulation to Explore Gender Differences in Resident Surgical Confidence

Background.The objective of this study was to determine whether female surgical residents underestimate their surgical abilities relative to males on a standardized test of laparoscopic skill.Methods.Twenty-six male and female general surgery residents and 25 female obstetrics and gynecology residents at two academic centers were asked to predict their score prior to undergoing the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery standardized skills exam. Actual and predicted score as well as delta values (predicted score minus actual score) were compared between residents. Multivariate linear regression was used to determine variables associated with predicted score, actual score, and delta scores.Results.There was no difference in actual score based on residency or gender. Predicted scores, however, were significantly lower in female versus male general surgery residents (25.8 ± 13.3 versus 56.0 ± 16.0;p<0.01) and in female obstetrics and gynecology residents versus male general surgery residents (mean difference 20.9, 95% CI 11.6–34.8;p<0.01). Male residents more accurately predicted their scores while female residents significantly underestimated their scores.Conclusion.Gender differences in estimating surgical ability exist that do not reflect actual differences in performance. This finding needs to be considered when structuring mentorship in surgical training programs.