[Measuring residents' and specialists' laparoscopic technique with the MENTOR® training box]

Operating room is not the ideal place to acquire laparoscopic skills since patients can be put at risk and it is also relatively expensive. Using training boxes seems to be a more appropriate way of teaching and learning the technique, but there is little data about measuring the technique of experienced specialists and comparing their results with residents.

At the 1st Department of Surgery, Semmelweis University we tested 30 residents and 25 specialists in general surgery and urology on MENTOR® training box. Before training, all participants completed a questionnaire on professional experience, previous usage of training boxes, virtual simulators, and video games, and whether they played a musical instrument earlier. Subjects were asked to complete in a defined time limit 3 of the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery tasks (which is required for American surgical residents for surgical board examination), and 3 tasks decided by us. Linear regression analysis (ANOVA table) was used to evaluate the data.

16% of the specialists and 6.66% of the residents completed all tasks within time limit. Statistically significant correlation (p < 0.05) was demonstrated between the number of previous laparoscopic surgeries and task completion time, while there were no significant correlations between other factors, which may influence laparoscopic technique and task completion time.

Training boxes are suitable for developing eye-hand coordination and bimanuality, as well as for learning instrument handling. Nonetheless, residents acquire most of their laparoscopic surgical skills on patients in Hungary, yet. For this reason there is a need for organized training opportunities.