Toward construct validity for a novel sensorized instrument-based minimally invasive surgery simulation system

Minimally invasive surgical training is complicated due to the constraints imposed by the surgical environment. Sensorized laparoscopic instruments capable of sensing force in five degrees of freedom and position in six degrees of freedom were evaluated. Novice and expert laparoscopists performed the complex minimally invasive surgical task of suturing using the novel instruments. Their force and position profiles were compared. The novel minimally invasive surgical instrument proved to be construct valid and capable of detecting differences between novices and experts in a laparoscopic suturing task with respect to force and position. Further evaluation is mandated for a better understanding of the ability to predict performance based on force and position as well as the potential for new metrics in minimally invasive surgical education.