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Evaluation of single incision laparoscopic surgery "low-fidelity" simulation training
M Frigenza1, A Tran2, J Breaud3
1Service de gynécologie-obstétrique-reproduction et de médecine fœtale du CHU de Nice, centre hospitalo-universitaire de l'Archet 2, université de Nice-Sophia-Antipolis, 151, route Saint-Antoine-de-Ginestière, 06200 Nice, France.
Novice medical students show a rapid learning curve on a Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) simulator for Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS) training. Six simulator sessions are recommended before operating room practice to minimize errors.
Area of Science:
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Surgical Education
- Medical Simulation
Background:
- Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS) requires specific technical skills.
- Assessing the learning curve for novice surgeons in SILS is crucial for safe implementation.
- Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) certification program offers standardized training modules.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the learning curve of novice medical students using SILS on an FLS simulator.
- To compare the performance of novice students with experienced senior surgeons.
- To determine the effectiveness of simulator training for SILS proficiency.
Main Methods:
- A monocentric prospective study involving four groups: novice medical students and senior surgeons.
- Two FLS(®) tests (peg transfer and precision cutting) were used for performance evaluation.
- Novice groups differed in initial training approach (direct start vs. video presentation).
Main Results:
- Novice medical students demonstrated significant improvement in test completion times between the first and sixth sessions.
- Student performance on the peg transfer task became comparable to non-experienced seniors after four sessions and improved further after six.
- For the precision cutting task, novice students outperformed non-experienced seniors from the third session onwards.
Conclusions:
- FLS simulator training effectively enhances the skills of novice medical students for SILS.
- A minimum of six simulator training sessions is recommended for novice medical students before undertaking SILS in the operating room.
- Simulator-based training can help minimize technical errors during the initial learning phase of SILS.
