Can virtual reality simulation be used for advanced bariatric surgical training?

Area of Science:

• Surgical Education
• Medical Simulation
• Bariatric Surgery

Background:

• Laparoscopic bariatric surgery is crucial for morbid obesity but technically demanding.
• Limited training opportunities exist for junior surgeons in these complex procedures.
• Virtual reality (VR) simulation offers a potential solution for enhancing surgical training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness of VR simulation as an adjunct for training and evaluating laparoscopic bariatric technical skills.
• To validate a VR bariatric surgery module for surgical training.

Main Methods:

• Twenty bariatric surgeons (novice, intermediate, experienced) performed a jejuno-jejunostomy on cadaveric tissue and a VR simulator.
• Surgical performance was evaluated using Global Rating Scales (GRS) and Procedure-Specific Video Rating Scales (PSRS).
• Surgeons provided feedback on the VR simulator's appropriateness for training.

Main Results:

• The VR bariatric module showed construct validity, with significant performance differences between novice and experienced surgeons (P=.017 for GRS, P=.003 for PSRS).
• Surgeons found the VR module useful and appropriate for training (mean Likert score 4.45/7).
• High recommendation for VR simulation in bariatric training was reported (mean Likert score 5/7).

Conclusions:

• The VR bariatric module demonstrates construct and content validity, proving effective for training advanced bariatric technical skills.
• VR simulation is a valuable tool for surgeons beginning their bariatric training.
• Technical skill assessment should continue to be performed on cadaveric tissue.