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Novices outperform experienced laparoscopists on virtual reality laparoscopy simulator
Andrew K Moore1, Daniel R Grow, Ronald W Bush
1Department of OB/GYN, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, Massachusetts, USA. andrew.mooore@nhs.org
JSLS : Journal of the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons
|March 12, 2009
Summary
Virtual reality simulators may not accurately reflect surgical skill in gynecologic surgery. Increased experience correlated with worse performance on the Minimally Invasive Surgery Trainer-Virtual Reality (MIST-VR) system.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Education
- Medical Simulation
- Gynecologic Surgery
Background:
- Virtual reality (VR) simulation is understudied in gynecologic surgery.
- The MIST-VR laparoscopic trainer's utility for assessing gynecologic surgeons is unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if MIST-VR performance reflects laparoscopic experience in gynecologic surgeons and trainees.
- To evaluate the correlation between simulator performance and real-world surgical experience.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-six participants (medical students, residents, attending surgeons) underwent MIST-VR training.
- Participants completed a simulated task repeatedly until proficiency was achieved.
Main Results:
- Attending surgeons required more than double the attempts to reach proficiency compared to medical students (P<0.01).
- Greater years of live laparoscopy experience correlated with poorer simulator performance in students and residents (P=0.01).
Conclusions:
- Advanced operating room experience and age were linked to decreased performance on the VR simulator.
- Current VR technology may not be a reliable measure of skill or experience for gynecologic surgeons due to limitations like lack of tactile feedback.
