Training Significantly Improves Fetoscopy Performance: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

Area of Science:

• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Surgical Education

Background:

• Complex fetoscopic procedures, including intracorporeal suturing, face limitations due to technical challenges.
• Adequate surgical training may overcome these technical difficulties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of laparoscopic versus fetoscopic training on fetoscopic performance.
• To assess the effectiveness of hands-on training for novice surgeons in fetoscopic interventions.

Main Methods:

• 46 novice medical students performed four surgeon's square knots fetoscopically before and after 2 hours of hands-on training.
• Subjects were randomized into fetoscopic (n=24) or laparoscopic (n=22) training groups.
• Performance was assessed by total time, knot stability, suture accuracy, and knot quality.

Main Results:

• Both training groups showed significant improvement in all assessed aspects post-training.
• Fetoscopic training resulted in superior suturing and knot-tying performance compared to laparoscopic training.
• No significant baseline differences were observed between the groups.

Conclusions:

• Surgical training significantly enhances fetoscopic performance, crucial for future complex interventions.
• Fetoscopic training is advisable over laparoscopic training for improved suture and knot-tying quality.
• Hands-on training is key to advancing fetoscopic surgical capabilities.