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Learning curve on the TrEndo laparoscopic simulator compared to an expert level
Pieter J van Empel1, Joris P Commandeur, Lennart B van Rijssen
1Department of Surgery, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. p.vanempel@vumc.nl
Surgical Endoscopy
|February 26, 2013
Summary
Trainee laparoscopic skill significantly improved during a training course, approaching expert levels as measured by the TrEndo laparoscopic simulator. The simulator demonstrated construct validity in assessing surgical skill development.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Education
- Medical Simulation
- Laparoscopic Surgery
Background:
- Assessing trainee laparoscopic skill is crucial for surgical education.
- The TrEndo laparoscopic simulator offers motion analysis parameters (MAPs) for skill evaluation.
- Expert performance serves as a benchmark for skill acquisition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the growth of laparoscopic skill in trainees during a training course.
- To compare trainee skill progression against an established expert level.
- To establish the construct validity of the TrEndo laparoscopic simulator.
Main Methods:
- A prospective observational cohort study was conducted.
- Trainees performed a laparoscopic suturing task at three assessment points.
- The TrEndo recorded time and eight MAPs; experts were assessed once.
Main Results:
- Seventy-two residents and 56 experts participated.
- Trainee task efficiency and seven of eight MAPs significantly improved during the course.
- Significant improvements were observed after the first training day and retention period.
Conclusions:
- Trainee laparoscopic skills, measured by the TrEndo simulator, improve towards expert levels during training.
- The TrEndo simulator is a valid tool for assessing laparoscopic skill development in a diverse trainee population.
