Maintenance training for laparoscopic suturing: the quest for the perfect timing and training model: a randomized...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Skills Training
• Laparoscopic Surgery

Background:

• Laparoscopic suturing skills decay without reinforcement.
• Maintenance training is crucial for skill retention.
• Optimal timing, frequency, and model for maintenance training require elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• Determine the ideal timing and frequency for laparoscopic suturing maintenance training.
• Identify the most effective training model for skill retention.

Main Methods:

• 39 medical students participated in a post-proficiency laparoscopic suturing training study.
• Four groups: control, massed training (1 session), distributed training (5 monthly sessions) on box trainer or LapMentor®.
• Retention tested after 5 months on box trainer and cadaver model; time to regain proficiency measured.

Main Results:

• Monthly unsupervised box trainer practice (Group 3) significantly improved performance compared to control and LapMentor® groups.
• No significant performance differences were observed on the cadaver porcine Nissen model.
• Group 3 regained proficiency faster than other groups.

Conclusions:

• Maintenance training is essential for laparoscopic suturing proficiency.
• Monthly unsupervised sessions on box trainers are ideal for skill retention.
• LapMentor® did not offer additional benefits; training transfer to clinical models is imperfect.