Computer-based laparoscopic and robotic surgical simulators: performance characteristics and perceptions of new users

Area of Science:

• Surgical Simulation Technology
• Medical Education
• Minimally Invasive Surgery Training

Background:

• Assessing the need and value of novel simulation devices for laparoscopic and robot-assisted surgery.
• Evaluating surgeons' initial experiences with robotic and non-robotic laparoscopic simulators for advanced skill acquisition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define the perceived need and value of new simulation devices for laparoscopic and robot-assisted surgery.
• To evaluate the initial experience of surgeons using both robotic and non-robotic laparoscopic simulators to perform an advanced laparoscopic skill.

Main Methods:

• 63 Society of American Gastroesophageal Surgeons (SAGES) attendees evaluated virtual reality robotic (SEP Robot) and computer-enhanced (ProMIS) or virtual reality (SurgicalSIM) laparoscopic simulators.
• Surgeons performed laparoscopic suturing and knot-tying, with demographic, training, and post-task survey data collected.
• Performance data were compared across user groups, simulation platforms, and survey responses.

Main Results:

• Experts showed significantly higher task completion rates than nonexperts on virtual reality platforms (SurgicalSIM, SEP Robot).
• Prior robot experience predicted success on the SEP Robot; nonexperts performed better on the robotic simulator than SurgicalSIM.
• The ProMIS simulator demonstrated superior realism scores (excluding image quality) compared to virtual reality trainers.

Conclusions:

• Task completion rate effectively discriminated expert performance on virtual reality simulators; simulator metrics were better for videoscopic platforms.
• Robotic simulator's added degrees of freedom facilitated task completion for nonexperts.
• All evaluated simulation platforms were perceived as effective tools for surgical training.